Direct Support Professional - DSP NJ

Key/Essential Functions:

• Actively participates in establishment and/or creation of schedules for volunteer opportunities, community and/or therapeutic activities for the program.
• Assists people with making purchases, safeguarding personal allowance funds and any additional funds provided.
• Ensures that medication is administered as prescribed, in accordance with applicable guidelines.
• Assists with medication inventory, including medication cabinet checks and over-the-counter (OTC) inventory, performing within applicable timeframes and reordering medication and/or supplies as needed.
• Assists with scheduling of medical appointments for people supported and ensures that follow-up appointments are scheduled and attended in a timely manner.
• Utilizes petty cash and house funds appropriately, obtaining and maintaining documentation or receipts for purchases in accordance with applicable rules in coordination with supervisor.
• Operates agency vehicle to transport individuals to and/or from programs, residences, community or other locations on a regular basis and updates related logs and maintenance sheets, coordinating appointments with supervisor.
• Develops an understanding of specialized clinical knowledge for person-specific needs (supporting adults, challenging behaviours, autism spectrum disorders, complex medical needs).
• Implements Behaviour Support Plan/Behaviour Guidelines and Protocols as specified in applicable plans.
• Collects, records, and summarises data on individuals’ observable behaviour.
• Observes and reports any changes in behaviour, or other signs and symptoms, to clinical and/or leadership team.
• Communicates by phone, email and/or in person with circles of support, including families and external providers, to provide updates and/or obtain information, as directed by clinical or program leadership.
• Serves as a member of a highly effective team, providing feedback and communicating programmatic needs to members of the team and maintaining a solution-oriented approach during conflicts.
• Completes and maintains all necessary trainings and certifications, including specialised trainings based on program and position to ensure compliance with YAI policies and all applicable rules or regulations.
• Reviews communication logs daily and makes entries of events, progress notes, services and/or information; ensures all pertinent information is communicated between members of the team and/or shifts using prescribed in-house communication systems.
• Collects and enters data as part of daily operations using an electronic health record and/or medication record.
• Reviews and completes all other required paperwork and documentation to ensure compliance and/or billing completely, accurately and within appropriate timeframes.
• Uses foundational teaching skills and progressive teaching.
• Understands behaviour as communication and employs person-centred thinking to support positive interactions and prevent further escalation.
• Reports maintenance, upkeep and safety concerns observed at YAI/NIPD-NJ facilities to Program Supervisor or appropriate designee.
• Consults with program leadership, clinical and other direct support staff to ensure streamlined and top-quality care for individuals and attends and actively participates in team meetings.
• Utilises/demonstrates approved YAI and NJ DDD training techniques to respond timely and appropriately to challenging and/or self-injurious behaviour, ensuring the health and safety of the people we support, self and others.
• Regularly provides support and/or coverage in a variety of settings and programs across assigned region and/or service delivery settings, including assisting at off-site locations based on needs of program and/or individuals supported.
• May participate in the development of treatment plans.
• Complies with all Federal, State, Local and other relevant regulatory agency requirements, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Performs all other duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• HS diploma or its educational equivalent.
• Must hold or obtain and maintain a valid Driver’s License with no more than five (5) points.
• Ability to meet essential physical demands of position including frequent walking, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling and reaching with hands and arms.
• Effective written and oral communication skills including the ability to appropriately document services provided for billing and tracking purposes.
• Enthusiasm for working with people with I/DD, willingness to take initiative and ability to demonstrate positivity, patience and empathy in all interactions.
• Basic computer skills – including email, utilizing Workday and related systems to complete tasks.
• Must hold or obtain and maintain certifications and trainings as required by program assignment and persons supported.
• Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships in alignment with YAI’s mission and vision.
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations and work in a high-energy, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work beyond regularly scheduled hours/shift and/or to report to work as scheduled on holidays, in inclement weather or during other emergencies.

Preferred Qualification Requirements:

• Work or life experience supporting people with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
• Knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), clinical syndromes and/or I/DD with co-occurring behavioural/mental health needs.

Compensation: $18.75/hour to $19.25/hour

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam or disabled veteran. YAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.