DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL-HOURLY

Apis Services Inc•Pennington, NJ

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a member of the interdisciplinary care team who provides compassionate, person-centered support to individuals with intellectual, developmental, and behavioral health challenges. The DSP assists individuals in achieving their fullest potential by promoting independence, dignity, wellness, safety, and community integration. Working in residential and community settings, the DSP provides assistance with daily living activities, implements individualized support plans, and fosters an environment of hope, respect, and inclusion. Through trauma-informed care and collaborative service delivery, the DSP helps individuals achieve their personal goals and improve their quality of life.

Requirements

High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
Minimum six (6) months to one (1) year of direct support, human services, healthcare, or residential experience preferred.
Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record required.
Ability to meet agency and regulatory background screening requirements.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Strong documentation and recordkeeping abilities.
Knowledge of trauma-informed care and positive behavioral support practices.
Ability to work effectively with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Computer proficiency including Microsoft Office, email, electronic documentation, and timekeeping systems.
Strong organizational and time management abilities.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with individuals served, families, coworkers, supervisors, and community partners.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Ability to work a flexible schedule as required by program needs.
Current driver's license with acceptable driving record.
Vehicle registration and insurance as required.
Ability to safely operate agency vehicles.
Ability to transport individuals served.
Knowledge and safe operation of wheelchair lifts and adaptive transportation equipment.
Ability to bend, stoop, twist, kneel, reach, climb stairs, and assist individuals with mobility needs.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
Ability to sit for periods of time throughout a work shift.
Ability to safely drive agency vehicles.
Ability to assist with transfers and physical support when required.
Ability to safely perform residential and community-based activities.
Ability to lift, push, pull, and move over 50 pounds when necessary to safely support individuals and complete job duties.
Bloodborne Pathogens knowledge.
Right-To-Know knowledge.
HIPAA knowledge.
Security Procedures knowledge.
Fire and Safety Regulations knowledge.
Emergency Preparedness Procedures knowledge.
Maintain and abide by OSHA requirements and guidelines.
Observe all Fire and Safety Policies and Procedures.
Observe all Fiscal, Office, Human Resources, and Personnel Policies and Procedures.
Observe all Agency Policies and Procedures.
Observe all HIPAA Policies and Procedures and maintain confidentiality.
Complete and return all Human Resources documentation as required.
Attend all required trainings, meetings, competency reviews, and recertifications.
Maintain a professional demeanor and exercise sound judgment at all times.
Successfully complete CPR, First Aid, and all required trainings.
Comply with all required screenings, background checks, and regulatory clearances.
Document time worked accurately.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Psychology, Education, Healthcare, Social Services, or related field preferred.
Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities preferred.
Knowledge and safe operation of wheelchair lifts and adaptive transportation equipment.

Responsibilities

Assists individuals with activities of daily living including personal hygiene, grooming, bathing, dressing, meal preparation, household chores, laundry, shopping, and community participation.
Supports individuals in achieving goals identified in their Individual Service Plans (ISP), Individual Habilitation Plans (IHP), and Behavior Support Plans (BSP).
Promotes independence, self-determination, and community inclusion.
Models positive behaviors, optimism, and encouragement to help individuals maximize their potential.
Provides supervision, guidance, and support to develop life skills and increase independence.
Maintains a safe, supportive, and person-centered environment.
Implements trauma-informed and recovery-oriented care practices.
Monitors and responds appropriately to behavioral, medical, and emergency situations.
Recognizes and reports suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment in accordance with agency policies and regulatory requirements.
Assists with medication administration and documentation in accordance with agency policies and applicable regulations.
Provides transportation to medical appointments, employment programs, educational opportunities, recreational activities, family visits, religious services, and other community-based activities.
Assists individuals with community integration and participation in meaningful activities.
Participates in ISP development, implementation, and progress monitoring.
Maintains accurate and timely documentation, including but not limited to: Daily logs, Medication Administration Records (MARs), Goal tracking logs, Incident reports, Behavior documentation, Sleep/awake charts, Weight monitoring records, Seizure records, Fire drill logs, Vehicle logs, Consumer funds documentation, Other agency-required records.
Completes electronic timekeeping accurately through the HRIS system.
Assists with residential licensing, inspections, and regulatory compliance activities.
Attends all scheduled staff meetings, trainings, and agency events.
Assists with on-call responsibilities and emergency situations as requested.
Works collaboratively with Residential Managers, Lead DSPs, clinical staff, families, guardians, and external service providers.
Performs special projects and program-related assignments as directed.
Documents time worked accurately.
Other duties as assigned by management.
Successfully completes all required pre-service, annual, and in-service training programs.
Implements healthcare, habilitation, behavioral, and support plans as prescribed.
Teaches adaptive living skills and supports individual growth and development.
Maintains confidentiality of client information and records.
Assists with maintenance of client files, monthly reports, and goal tracking documentation.
Participates in individual assessments and identification of support needs.
Cooperates fully with licensing reviews, audits, inspections, and investigations.
Promotes dignity, respect, and individual rights at all times.
Maintains professional relationships and ethical conduct.
Supports positive relationships among individuals served, family members, coworkers, and community stakeholders.
Participates in quality improvement activities and agency initiatives.
Other duties as necessary to support quality service delivery.
Adheres to and follows the By-Laws of the Corporation and as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation.