DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (DSP)

Apis Services Inc•Pennington, NJ

20d•$17 - $18•Hybrid

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a valued member of the Residential Services team responsible for providing compassionate, person-centered support to individuals with intellectual, developmental, and behavioral health challenges. The Direct Support Professional (DSP) assists individuals in achieving their highest level of independence, dignity, health, and well-being while promoting community inclusion and personal growth. Working collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team, the Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides direct care, skill development, supervision, transportation, medication administration, and support with activities of daily living. The DSP fosters a safe, supportive, and trauma-informed environment that reflects the organization’s commitment to compassion, hope, service, and collaboration.

Requirements

High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record required.
Current vehicle registration and insurance as required.
CPR and First Aid certification required or ability to obtain within designated timeframe.
Successful completion of all required orientation, competency-based training, and annual in-service training.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Ability to successfully pass all required background clearances, including criminal history checks, child abuse clearances, drug screening, and other regulatory screenings.
Knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities and person-centered support practices.
Understanding of trauma-informed care and support strategies.
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, email, electronic health records, and documentation systems.
Strong organizational, documentation, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain professionalism.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to remain calm and effective during crisis situations.
Ability to communicate effectively with individuals served, families, coworkers, funding sources, and community partners.
Proficiency in reading, writing, and documenting in English.
Flexibility to work a variety of shifts and locations based on program needs.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or a related field preferred.
Six (6) months to one (1) year of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or working in the human services field preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist individuals with activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, grooming, dressing, meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, and household maintenance.
Support individuals in maximizing independence and quality of life.
Provide supervision, guidance, and skill-building opportunities to promote personal growth and self-sufficiency.
Foster positive relationships and support community integration and participation.
Ensure the health, safety, welfare, and emotional well-being of individuals served.
Provide services using trauma-informed care principles.
Support implementation of Individual Service Plans (ISPs), Individual Habilitation Plans (IHPs), and Behavior Support Plans (BSPs).
Assist with ISP development, goal tracking, and outcome achievement.
Implement behavioral support strategies and interventions as directed.
Teach daily living, social, and adaptive skills in accordance with individualized plans.
Follow all supervision requirements outlined in individual service plans.
Administer medications in accordance with agency policies, physician orders, and regulatory requirements.
Carry out prescribed health care programs and monitor individuals’ health status.
Maintain accurate medication administration records and documentation.
Respond appropriately to medical emergencies and health-related concerns.
Safely transport individuals to and from medical appointments, day programs, educational activities, religious services, recreational outings, family visits, and community events.
Operate agency or personal vehicles in compliance with motor vehicle laws and organizational policies.
Ensure safety and supervision during all transportation and community activities.
Monitor for potential crisis situations and respond appropriately.
Utilize de-escalation and intervention techniques consistent with training and agency procedures.
Report incidents, accidents, abuse, neglect, exploitation, or safety concerns in accordance with agency and regulatory requirements.
Maintain a safe, supportive, and secure environment for individuals served.
Complete and maintain accurate and timely documentation, including: Daily logs, Goal tracking documentation, Medication administration records, Incident reports, Behavior support documentation, Sleep/awake charts, Weight and health monitoring records, Seizure logs, Fire drill logs, Vehicle logs and gas receipts, Consumer fund documentation, Other required reports and records.
Accurately record work time through the HRIS/timekeeping system.
Maintain confidentiality of all individual and agency information.
Assist with household operations including shopping, meal planning, cleaning, recreational activities, and community-based supports.
Support annual licensing reviews and regulatory compliance activities.
Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, trainings, and agency functions.
Assist with on-call responsibilities and emergency coverage as requested.
Collaborate with Lead DSPs, Residential Managers, family members, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure quality services.
Assist with agency projects and perform other duties as assigned.