Direct Support Professional

Beacon Specialized Living • Keansburg, NJ

18d • $20 - $20

About The Position

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Beacon Specialized Living Services, you will support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and mental health challenges. You will help residents live independently, achieve personal goals, and improve their quality of life. Beacon provides on-the-job training and support, and no prior experience is required.

The role includes supporting personal care, life skills, and social activities; preparing meals and helping maintain a clean, safe home; transporting individuals to appointments and advocating for them; assisting with documentation; and administering medications as prescribed. You will follow person-centered and behavior plans, uphold individuals’ rights, and help create a supportive environment. Some homes require staff to remain awake and accessible around the clock.

Beacon offers paid training, including CPR, de-escalation, and medication-administration certification, along with opportunities for professional development and advancement through its LEAP program. The role involves physical activity and may include working in environments with challenging behaviors, potential physical aggression, and infectious disease exposure.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Compassionate and patient demeanor when working with individuals who have mental illness and co-occurring disorders.
• Commitment to helping people and working as part of a team.
• Reliability and dependability.
• Willingness to learn and participate in on-the-job training.
• Physical activity and emotional resilience when working in environments with occasional challenging behaviors.

Nice To Haves

• One to two years of experience in healthcare, social services, or a related field; experience is not required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in environments with potential exposure to physical aggression and infectious disease.

Responsibilities

• Encourage and guide individuals in meeting their goals while following person-centered and behavior plans.
• Create a safe, respectful, and supportive environment and uphold individuals’ rights.
• Prepare meals according to dietary specifications and assist with laundry and cleaning.
• Transport individuals to appointments, advocate on their behalf, and assist with documentation.
• Administer medications as prescribed and ensure the correct dosage is provided.
• Remain awake and accessible in homes requiring round-the-clock care.
• Supervise and support personal care, life skills, and social activities.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, starting the first of the month after 60 days.
• Free First Stop Health telehealth for the employee and family, including 24/7 virtual urgent care, primary care, and mental health care.
• Life insurance.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Paid training, including CPR, de-escalation, and medication-administration certification.
• DailyPay access.
• Advancement opportunities through the LEAP program.
• Structured professional development intended to prepare employees for leadership roles and increased compensation.
• Potential to progress through the leveling system within the first 90 days based on skills and demonstrated leadership potential.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED