DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL-HOURLY

Apis Services Inc•Demarest, NJ

40d•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, health, safety, and community inclusion. Through direct support, skill development, advocacy, and trauma-informed care, the DSP helps individuals achieve goals outlined in their Individual Service Plans (ISP), Individual Habilitation Plans (IHP), and Behavior Support Plans (BSP). The DSP embraces the organization’s mission by fostering a culture of compassion, hope, service, collaboration, and respect while ensuring individuals receive high-quality care and support in residential and community settings.

Requirements

High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record required.
Ability to meet all regulatory and background screening requirements.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Strong documentation and recordkeeping abilities.
Ability to effectively support individuals with developmental disabilities.
Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office Suite, Email systems, Electronic documentation systems, HRIS platforms.
Understanding of trauma-informed care principles.
Excellent organizational and time management skills.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
Effective problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Ability to work flexible schedules based on program needs.
Current driver's license with acceptable driving record.
Current vehicle registration and insurance as required.
Ability to safely operate agency vehicles.
Ability to transport individuals served safely and responsibly.
Ability to operate wheelchair lifts and adaptive transportation equipment when required.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, twist, kneel, reach, and climb stairs throughout the workday.
Ability to assist individuals with mobility and daily living activities.
Ability to sit for approximately 2–3 hours per shift.
Ability to stand and actively work for 6–8 hours per shift.
Ability to drive agency vehicles for up to 1–4 hours per shift.
Ability to safely respond to emergency situations and behavioral crises.
Ability to support community and residential activities.
Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry more than 50 pounds as required.
Maintain and abide by OSHA requirements and guidelines.
Observe all Fire and Safety Policies and Procedures.
Observe all Personnel Policies and Procedures.
Observe all Agency Policies and Procedures.
Observe all HIPAA Policies and Procedures and maintain confidentiality.
Complete all required Human Resources documentation.
Attend all required trainings, meetings, certifications, and competency reviews.
Successfully complete CPR, First Aid, Medication Administration, and required annual trainings.
Comply with DDD regulations and licensing requirements.
Successfully complete all background checks, CARI screenings, and other required clearances.
Maintain a professional demeanor and exercise sound judgment at all times.
Document time worked accurately.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Psychology, Special Education, Healthcare, Social Work, or related field preferred.
Minimum six (6) months to one (1) year of experience working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities preferred.
Experience in residential services, healthcare, behavioral health, or human services preferred.

Responsibilities

Assists individuals with activities of daily living including personal hygiene, grooming, bathing, dressing, meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, shopping, and household maintenance.
Supports individuals in maximizing independence and quality of life.
Encourages self-determination, community inclusion, and personal growth.
Models hope, optimism, and positive behaviors.
Assists individuals in building social relationships and participating in community activities.
Creates and maintains a safe, supportive, and person-centered environment.
Provides supervision, guidance, and coaching to build daily living and life skills.
Implements individualized services and supports outlined in ISP, IHP, and BSP documentation.
Documents all interactions, services, activities, and observations according to agency policies and procedures.
Monitors for crisis situations and responds appropriately using approved interventions and protocols.
Reports suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment in accordance with agency and regulatory requirements.
Maintains confidentiality and protects the rights and dignity of individuals served.
Assists with health monitoring and overall wellness support.
Administers medications and completes required medication documentation as trained and authorized.
Provides transportation to medical appointments, community activities, day programs, educational services, religious activities, family visits, and recreational opportunities.
Assists individuals with shopping, budgeting, leisure activities, and household responsibilities.
Participates in ISP development, implementation, and outcome monitoring.
Completes required documentation including daily logs, goal tracking documentation, medication records (MARs), incident reports, sleep/awake charts, weight monitoring records, behavior tracking logs, fire drill records, seizure records, vehicle logs, consumer funds documentation, and other required regulatory documentation.
Completes electronic timekeeping accurately through HRIS systems.
Attends required staff meetings, trainings, and agency events.
Assists with emergency situations and on-call activities when requested.
Works collaboratively with Residential Managers, Lead DSPs, families, guardians, clinicians, and community partners.
Provides trauma-informed support in all aspects of service delivery.
Performs special projects and additional duties as assigned.
Successfully completes all required orientation, annual, competency-based, and in-service trainings.
Implements healthcare plans and prescribed health-related services.
Carries out behavioral support plans in accordance with individualized programming.
Teaches independent living skills described within Individual Habilitation Plans (IHPs).
Maintains complete and accurate service documentation.
Assists with maintenance of individual files and monthly reporting requirements.
Supports assessment of individual strengths, needs, and progress.
Cooperates with inspections, investigations, licensing reviews, regulatory audits, and accreditation activities.
Maintains positive relationships with individuals served, family members, coworkers, and stakeholders.
Promotes personal empowerment, dignity, and choice.
Participates in quality improvement activities and operational initiatives.
Other duties necessary to support high-quality service delivery.
Adheres to and follows the By-Laws of the Corporation and as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation.