Per Diem Direct Support Professional - Montvale, NJ

About the Role

Assists individuals in maximizing their strengths, interests, and abilities while upholding personal rights, displaying patience and tolerance, providing emotional support, and building positive relationships. Supports people to meet personal goals that characterize quality of life, engages in respectful communications through person-first language, encourages socializing, and facilitates activities that provide social capital and community connections.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall supervision, protection, and care of individuals at all times, including maintaining program guidelines, facilitating fire safety training, and escalating signs of potential harm.
• Ensure health, wellness, and safety by supervising individuals, managing crisis situations, and adhering to policies and regulations.
• Support individuals in various settings according to their individualized service and behavior support plans, following DDD Standards.
• Implement person-centered plans, including Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), Individualized Service Plans (ISPs), and Life Plans.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized therapeutic environment, using safe handling procedures and infection control protocols.
• Assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), including personal care, hygiene, laundry, and housekeeping.
• Teach and develop habilitative and rehabilitative skills, support person-centered advocacy, and assist in communication and self-expression.
• Facilitate ethical decision-making and resolve disputes among individuals.
• Plan, prepare, and supervise balanced meals and snacks according to dietary restrictions, including modified diets or liquid consistencies.
• Transport and escort individuals to recreational activities, medical appointments, home visits, volunteer sites, and employment locations.
• Assist individuals with purchases and safeguard personal allowance funds.
• Administer medication as prescribed, manage medication inventory, and schedule medical appointments.
• Utilize petty cash and house funds, maintaining proper documentation and receipts.
• Operate agency vehicles for transportation and update related logs and maintenance sheets.
• Develop specialized clinical knowledge for person-specific needs, including supporting adults with challenging behaviors, autism spectrum disorders, and complex medical needs.
• Implement Behavior Support Plans and collect, record, and summarize data on individuals’ observable behavior.
• Report changes in behavior or other signs and symptoms to the clinical and leadership team.
• Communicate with circles of support, including families and external providers, to provide updates or obtain information.
• Serve as a team member, providing feedback and maintaining a solution-oriented approach during conflicts.
• Complete and maintain all necessary trainings, certifications, and documentation to ensure compliance with YAI policies and regulations.
• Review communication logs daily, make entries, and ensure information is shared between team members and shifts.
• Complete required paperwork and documentation accurately and within appropriate timeframes.
• Use foundational teaching skills (e.g., Explain, Model, Observe, Evaluate) and progressive teaching methods.
• Report maintenance, upkeep, and safety concerns to the Program Supervisor.
• Consult with program leadership and clinical staff to ensure high-quality care and attend team meetings.
• Respond to challenging or self-injurious behavior using approved YAI and NJ DDD training techniques.
• Provide support and coverage in various settings and programs, including off-site locations, to maintain minimum coverage levels.
• Comply with all federal, state, local, and regulatory requirements, including HIPAA.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Must hold or obtain and maintain a valid Driver’s License with no more than five (5) points.
• Ability to meet physical demands, including frequent walking, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling, and reaching.
• Ability to assist with lifting/moving individuals of any weight with assistance and lift/move up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Physical capacity to implement emergency interventions as per Behavior Support Plans, including lifting/moving individuals with or without assistance.
• Effective written and oral communication skills, including documentation for billing and tracking purposes.
• Enthusiasm for working with people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD), willingness to take initiative, and ability to demonstrate positivity, patience, empathy, and compassion.
• Willingness to assist with a variety of supports and ADLs, including exposure to bodily fluids.
• Basic computer skills, including email and use of Workday and related systems (e.g., Digital Agency).
• Must obtain and maintain certifications and trainings, including Non-Crisis Intervention, CPR/First Aid, NJ Medication Administration, and Positive Behavior Supports within 120 days of appointment.
• Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships aligned 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, including holidays, inclement weather, or emergencies, to maintain program coverage.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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 behavioral/mental health needs.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Daily pay option (work today, get paid today).
• Bonus pay.
• Tuition assistance.
• Paid sick, vacation, and holiday time.
• Extensive clinical and practical paid skills training.
• Supportive supervision.
• Growth-oriented work environment.
• Retirement plan with matching contributions.
• Discounts on wireless service, gym memberships, and more.

Pay

$19 per hour

Schedule

Varies