Direct Support Professional

THE CENTER FOR FAMILY SUPPORT INC•Plainfield, NJ

12d

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) helps individuals with developmental and related disabilities build meaningful lives, pursue their interests and plans, develop skills, and form positive relationships in their communities. The role uses a person-centered approach, respects and promotes individuals’ rights and self-advocacy, and offers friendship and support through everyday experiences. DSPs help protect the health and safety of the people they support. Depending on the individual’s needs, this may include administering medication, following doctors’ orders, attending medical appointments, seeking emergency care, and providing supervision according to the person’s service plan. DSPs also contribute to service-plan development, carry out assigned parts of the plan, and follow agency procedures for incident and suspected-abuse reporting, including cooperating with investigations and inspections. The Center for Family Support (CFS) supports individuals with developmental and related disabilities. CFS states that it is the first agency in New Jersey and New York to achieve Council on Quality and Leadership Certification (CQL), reflecting its commitment to services that enhance individuals’ quality of life. Full-time and part-time positions are available in its programs. The stated pay range is USD $18.43 per hour.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Some experience in healthcare or human services is a plus.

Nice To Haves

Valid driver’s license, preferred depending on program needs.
Some experience in healthcare or human services.

Responsibilities

Help the people supported pursue meaningful lives by listening to their dreams and helping them learn skills to live the lives they choose.
Help individuals express what is important to them and involve them in activities aligned with their interests, gifts, and plans.
Help individuals learn to form and maintain positive relationships with people in their communities.
Respect individuals’ rights and teach them to speak up for themselves.
Use a person-centered philosophy throughout the day and treat everyday moments as opportunities for learning.
Maintain a positive attitude toward work and others.
Protect individuals’ health, including giving medication, following doctors’ orders, attending medical appointments, and seeking emergency care when necessary.
Participate with team members in developing service plans and carry out assigned responsibilities.
Protect individuals’ safety by providing supervision specified in their service plans and reporting potentially dangerous situations to a supervisor.
Follow agency procedures for incident reporting and reporting possible abuse, and cooperate with agency and division staff during investigations and inspections.