DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Advancing Opportunities, Inc.•Marlboro Township, NJ

5d•$18 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

Advancing Opportunities is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Direct Support Professional (DSP) to provide person-centered assistance to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a residential setting. The role supports individuals in building independence, confidence, skills, relationships, and community participation while respecting their dignity, privacy, safety, and personal choices. The DSP assists with daily living and household activities, implements individualized service and behavioral support plans, provides transportation, and may administer medications after required training. The role also includes monitoring health and safety, responding to crises and emergencies, completing detailed records, maintaining confidentiality, and collaborating with managers, families, clinicians, and other support professionals. The position is full-time in Marlboro, New Jersey, with available overnight or afternoon schedules. Schedule flexibility may be required for evenings, weekends, holidays, emergencies, and different work locations. Compensation is $18.16 per hour on weekdays and $19.16 per hour for weekend hours.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent certificate.
At least 21 years of age.
Valid driver’s license.
Clean and acceptable motor vehicle record.
Current vehicle registration and insurance, as required.
Ability to read, write, communicate, and complete documentation in English.
Basic computer skills, including experience with email, Microsoft Office, electronic timekeeping, and other workplace applications.
Ability to complete required pre-employment screenings, including criminal background, drug, Central Registry, and Child Abuse Record Information checks.
Ability to complete required training, including CPR and First Aid.
Ability to administer medications after completing required training.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position.
Ability to work the assigned schedule and demonstrate schedule flexibility when necessary.
Compassion, dependability, patience, respect, sound judgment, teamwork, organization, attention to detail, clear communication, confidentiality, adaptability, and ability to work independently with limited supervision.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field.
Six months to one year of experience working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Previous experience in residential services, direct support, behavioral health, or another human services setting.
Knowledge of trauma-informed care and the development of trauma-informed environments.
Familiarity with New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities requirements.

Responsibilities

Assist individuals with activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, meal preparation, housekeeping, shopping, and household maintenance.
Support individuals in developing skills to maximize their independence and quality of life.
Provide respectful assistance that protects each individual’s privacy, dignity, safety, and personal choice.
Encourage relationship-building and participation in recreational, educational, religious, family, and community activities.
Provide transportation to medical appointments, day programs, community activities, family visits, and other approved destinations.
Maintain a safe, supportive, and trauma-informed residential environment.
Provide supervision and guidance according to each individual’s Individual Service Plan and Behavior Support Plan.
Teach skills using methods and materials outlined in individualized habilitation and service plans.
Assist with developing and monitoring individual goals and outcomes.
Administer medications and carry out prescribed healthcare programs after completing required training.
Implement behavioral support programs according to individualized plans.
Recognize and respond appropriately to crisis situations, behavioral concerns, health concerns, and emergencies.
Report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment according to organizational policies and applicable regulations.
Complete required documentation accurately and on time, including daily logs, medication records, goal logs, incident reports, seizure records, behavior documentation, sleep and awake charts, vehicle logs, fire drill logs, and consumer fund records.
Maintain the confidentiality of individual information and records.
Work collaboratively with the Lead DSP, Residential Manager, families, clinical team members, and other support professionals.
Attend scheduled staff meetings, training sessions, and competency-based programs.
Assist with annual community residence licensing activities and regulatory inspections.
Accurately record hours worked through the organization’s timekeeping system.
Assist with emergency and on-call activities when requested by the Residential Manager.
Follow organizational, Division of Developmental Disabilities, OSHA, HIPAA, fire, safety, and personnel policies.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.