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About the Position:

YAI supports people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities in achieving the fullest lives possible by creating new opportunities for living, loving, working and learning. YAI is a network of agencies with programs that empower and enhance the lives of thousands of people we support and their families. YAI promotes a person-centered approach by creating supports that cater to the specific needs of each person. Join our dynamic team teaching daily and independent living skills, providing individual and group counseling, and promoting community integration. The ideal candidate will have enthusiasm for working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and a willingness to help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as assisting with showering, toileting, grooming, laundry and housekeeping as necessary. Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) work directly with people in their home, work, and daily life in varying capacities. A DSP 3 must have previously worked as a DSP, completed all the required trainings and demonstrated all the knowledge, skills and accountabilities of a DSP 1 and DSP 2. Additionally, a DSP 3 must demonstrate leadership abilities and handle an increased monthly caseload. A DSP 3 may work in more than one region.

Mission Statement YAI:

YAI is a network of agencies offering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities a comprehensive range of services across all ages. YAI empowers people with disabilities to reach their goals every day. Our enthusiastic staff of over 4,000 professionals believes that everyone has a fundamental right to live, love, work, and learn. If you share our vision and want to help support people to live the fullest lives possible, apply to this position.

Key Responsibilities:

− Demonstrating and modeling all skills of DSP 1 & DSP 2 (has all knowledge)

− Mentoring DSP I and II (observe skill areas and give feedback)

− Modeling Professionalism and Leadership Skills

− Identifying regional needs

− Training/ presenting to people across the region or agency

− Participating in agency wide projects/ committees

− Demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of systems (financial, clinical, medical, administrative)

− Taking responsibility for and managing multiple systems/ assignments within a program

− Reviewing of program systems

− Demonstrating knowledgeable of and implementing multiple services as needed

− Creating person centered plans and providing support for meetings

− Understanding team dynamics and supporting team growth

− Providing effective feedback to all members of team

− Modeling OPWDD Core Competencies

− Facilitating community engagement

− Building valued social roles and social capitol

− Managing complex family dynamics effectively

− Assisting the Supervisor with problem identification and applying solutions

− Anticipating program needs and communicating with the Supervisor

− Supporting the Supervisor with staff scheduling, curriculum development and tasks

− Taking the lead in the Supervisor's absence

Education and Experience:

− A High School Diploma or GED is required; some college is a plus

− Work experience with intellectual/developmental disabilities, serving as a DSP − Proven excellence at working with people with intellectual/developmental disabilities

− Knowledgeable and comfortable with ADLs

− Completed all mandatory OPWDD and YAI trainings for DSP 1 and DSP 2

− Have high scores (mainly “exceeds”) on OPWDD’s Annual Core Competencies Evaluation

− Computer knowledge

− Valid NY State Driver's License may be required depending upon the position − Tuberculosis test mandatory for most positions

Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

− Exceptional interpersonal, problem solving and communication skills

− Willing to take initiative

− Highly flexible personality type All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam or disabled veteran.

Compensation: $19.00-$19.00 hourly.

YAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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

Our Roots:

YAI was launched in February of 1957 out of a small school in Brooklyn, New York. Initially staffed by Co-Founders Bert MacLeech and Pearl Maze MacLeech alone, their pilot program served just seven people. According to Bert, from its very beginning YAI has been dedicated to providing innovative services for the I/DD (intellectual and/or developmental disabilities) community. MacLeech envisioned a, “total life adjustment approach, emphasizing personal growth, social responsibility, employment goals, and the development of independence for the individual.” At a time when institutional living was the norm for people with I/DD, this vision was nothing short of revolutionary.

YAI Today:

Today, YAI has a team of over 4,000 employees and supports over 20,000 people in the I/DD community. This extraordinary growth shows the ongoing need for these important services, and YAI’s success in offering them. YAI supports people with autism, Down syndrome, and Cerebral Palsy, among others. Operating throughout Downstate New York and Northern New Jersey, YAI now offers more than 300 programs for people of all ages.

Better Together:

At YAI, we are driven by our mission of living, loving, working, and learning. This applies not only to the people we support, but to our staff as well. Commitment and passion for the work continue to unite employees and drive the organization forward. Empowering the people we support to reach their goals remains at the heart of our organization.

http://www.yai.org/