Day Program Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Full-Time

Our House, Inc.•New Providence, NJ

About The Position

At Our House, Inc., our mission is to provide healthy, stimulating, and inclusive environments for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Through innovative day programs, employment services, and community-based opportunities, we support individuals in building skills, independence, and meaningful connections. This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy active, hands-on work, community engagement, and supporting adults in a structured daytime program setting. The Day Program Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides supervision, instruction, and support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a structured day program and community-based settings. DSPs engage participants in meaningful activities while ensuring safety, dignity, and compliance with individual service plans.

Requirements

Valid driver’s license with an insurable driving record and ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check
Must be comfortable driving agency vehicles on a regular basis, including highway driving
Must have reliable transportation to and from work
At minimum, a high school diploma, GED, or foreign equivalent
Must be 21 years of age or older
Ability to attend and successfully complete required paid training and maintain annual recertifications
Comfortable using computers and electronic systems for documentation, email communication, and data entry
Ability to provide professional references during the application process
Ability to write and type legibly using a computer, laptop, or other company-provided device
Ability to read, interpret, and apply charts, diagrams, and written instructions
Ability to enter and navigate program sites and community locations safely
Ability to observe, hear, and respond promptly if a participant requires assistance or is in danger
Ability to physically demonstrate tasks and activities to participants
Adequate motor skills to assist participants with physical disabilities and to respond quickly to prevent injury or unsafe situations
Ability to redirect participants exhibiting behavioral challenges (e.g., self-injury, elopement, aggression)
Strong judgment and problem-solving skills to manage daily situations independently
Ability to work independently while maintaining required staffing ratios
Ability to accompany and supervise participants during appointments, community activities, and recreational events
Strong verbal communication and comprehension skills for interaction with participants, staff, and community members
Ability to attend off-site trainings as required
Ability to assist participants with hygiene needs, including bathing, showering, and toileting
Ability to assist individuals using wheelchairs in program and community settings
Ability to safely transfer participants in and out of bathrooms, vehicles, beds, or other equipment as needed
Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including masks when required
Ability to drive agency vehicles regularly to transport participants and complete business errands

Responsibilities

Supervise program participants in accordance with individual service plan supervision guidelines, including line-of-sight supervision when required
Actively engage in all scheduled activities with participants, including but not limited to: Swimming and fitness activities Exercise and skill-building programs Gardening, farming, and outdoor activities Fishing and community-based recreation Domestic skill development (laundry, dishwashing, cleaning tasks)
Maintain required staff-to-participant ratios at all times in facility-based and community settings
Safely transport individuals to volunteer sites, activities, and appointments using agency vehicles, including highway and long-distance driving, in compliance with the Our House, Inc. Safe Driving Policy
Ensure cleanliness, safety, and security of the program site, including performing general cleaning duties as needed
Assist participants with toileting and hygiene needs, including use of adult incontinence products and post-accident clean-up when necessary
Demonstrate flexibility by supporting various participants and working across different program sites as assigned
Attend and actively participate in monthly staff meetings and quarterly all-agency meetings