Direct Support Professional DSP - Forest Hills, Queens

About the Position

We are hiring a Direct Support Professional in Queens locations. The ideal candidate possesses a wide range of skills and is eager to promote YAI’s mission of supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, love, work, and learn in their communities.

DSPs work closely with people of all ages who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Depending on the supports needed, DSPs may work in a person’s home, in their family’s home, in a YAI residence, at a day habilitation center, or out in the community.

Working at YAI means effecting real change in people’s lives. It means going home at the end of the day knowing you have helped someone accomplish a goal. If you want a career supporting others, creatively finding solutions to life’s challenges, and building a more inclusive community, YAI is the place for you!

Join us in our mission to create opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, love, work, and learn in their communities.

• To provide direct care services as needed, including counseling, training in ADLs, assistance with personal care, medical, dietary, social, sexual, recreational, financial, habilitative and other needs within the program.
• Ensure the health, safety, and wellness of the people we support.
• Support with intimate care functions.
• Build and maintain positive relationships.
• Participate in development of treatment plans.
• Crisis intervention and management.
• Complete mandatory trainings based on the program and position (AMAP, CPR/First Aid, SCIP‑R, Defensive Driving, etc.) and apply skills.
• Meet, demonstrate, and model OPWDD core competencies.
• Assist the people we support in maximizing their strengths, interests and abilities through teaching, self‑advocacy, and emotional support.
• Facilitate community integration, recreational activities, and socialization.
• Complete documentation to ensure compliance and billing.
• Train/present to a team.
• Take on additional tasks outside of basic DSP work and complete job‑related tasks as needed.

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Work or life experience in the I/DD field is a plus, but not mandatory (for DSP 1 positions). For DSP 2 positions, at least 1‑2 years of work experience in the I/DD field.
• Valid NY State Driver’s License may be required depending on the position.
• Tuberculosis test is mandatory for most positions.

• Forest Hills, Queens (Forest Hills IRA)

• Full‑time, part‑time, weekday and/or weekend positions available, including morning, evening, and overnight schedules.

• Daily Pay available – Work today, get paid today!
• Tuition reimbursement
• Medical and dental insurance – options for family and more extensive medical plans, and vision (for full‑time positions)
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time
• 403(b) retirement with employer match
• Life insurance and long‑term disability
• Discounts on travel, entertainment, wireless services, shopping, and more. Check our benefits page to learn more!

• $16.50/hour to $18.00/hour (depending on experience)

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.