DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL-HOURLY

Apis Services Inc•Trenton, NJ

32d•$0 - $19•Hybrid

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides compassionate, person-centered support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and behavioral health challenges. Working as part of an interdisciplinary team, the DSP assists individuals in achieving greater independence, enhancing their quality of life, and maintaining their health, safety, and overall well-being. DSPs promote dignity, choice, community inclusion, and skill development while ensuring services are delivered in accordance with individual support plans, agency policies, and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Minimum age of 21 years.
Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
Ability to successfully complete required background checks and screenings.
Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications, including CPR and First Aid.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Special Education, or a related field.
Six months to one year of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or in a human services setting.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to build positive relationships with individuals served, families, and team members.
Understanding of person-centered practices and trauma-informed care.
Knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities and behavioral support principles.
Strong organizational, documentation, and time-management skills.
Sound judgment and problem-solving abilities.
Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office, email, and electronic documentation systems.
Ability to work independently while maintaining effective teamwork and collaboration.
Ability to remain calm and respond effectively during crises or high-stress situations.
Commitment to confidentiality, ethical practices, and professional standards.

Responsibilities

Assist individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs), including personal hygiene, grooming, dressing, meal planning and preparation, housekeeping, laundry, and home maintenance.
Support individuals in developing life skills that increase independence and self-sufficiency.
Foster a safe, respectful, and supportive environment that promotes dignity, privacy, and personal choice.
Encourage participation in recreational, educational, vocational, religious, and community activities.
Build positive relationships with individuals served, families, guardians, and community partners.
Implement Individual Support Plans (ISPs), Individual Habilitation Plans (IHPs), Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), and other service plans.
Teach and reinforce skills outlined in individualized plans using approved methods and interventions.
Support individual outcomes and monitor progress toward established goals.
Assist with assessments and provide input regarding individuals’ strengths, needs, and service recommendations.
Monitor the health, safety, and well-being of individuals served.
Administer medications and carry out healthcare-related tasks in accordance with agency policies and training requirements.
Respond appropriately to medical, behavioral, and other emergency situations.
Recognize, document, and report incidents, injuries, abuse, neglect, exploitation, and other reportable events according to agency and state regulations.
Maintain required certifications, including CPR and First Aid.
Safely transport individuals to medical appointments, day programs, employment sites, community activities, family visits, and other approved destinations.
Ensure compliance with all motor vehicle laws and agency transportation policies.
Assist individuals in becoming active participants in their communities and developing meaningful social connections.
Complete accurate, timely, and detailed documentation, including: Daily logs, Goal and progress notes, Medication administration records, Incident reports, Behavioral documentation, Seizure, weight, bowel movement, and sleep logs, Vehicle and transportation records, Consumer fund documentation.
Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and agency requirements.
Comply with all agency policies, state licensing regulations, and Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) standards.
Participate in home inspections, audits, investigations, and licensing activities as needed.
Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
Complete all required annual and competency-based training.
Collaborate with Residential Managers, Lead DSPs, clinicians, and other team members to ensure quality service delivery.
Assist with on-call duties, special projects, and emergency coverage as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the needs of individuals and the organization.