Floater Direct Support Professional- Somerset County (2321)

ALTERNATIVES INC•Somerville, NJ

1d•$25 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

Are you looking for a full-time job where you can make a positive difference in your community? Are you passionate about the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities to live with dignity and respect? If so, read on! Alternatives, Inc. is looking to hire a Full-time Floater Direct Support Professional (DSP) / Caregiver to support adults with developmental disabilities in Somerset County. Program sites are located in Raritan, Somerset, Hillsborough, and South Bound Brook. We pay a competitive wage of $25.00/hr with an additional $2/hr shift differential on weekend shifts. We also offer great perks such as paid training, annual raises, mileage reimbursement, staff appreciation events, employee recognition awards, health and wellness fairs, and offer eligibility for a federal student loan forgiveness program. Most importantly, you have the opportunity to change lives & build futures! If this sounds like the perfect full-time job for you, apply today! ABOUT ALTERNATIVES, INC. For over 40 years, Alternatives, Inc. has been dedicated to providing the best in support services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as those with mental illnesses. Our services include residential, behavior support, support coordination, and recreation. We strive to enable our clients to reach their highest level of independence and integration into the community using our person-centered philosophy. We have seen great growth in the past few years, which has stretched our coverage area to include Warren, Hunterdon, Morris, Union, Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties. This expansion would not be possible without our dedicated staff members. A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A FLOATER DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (DSP) / CAREGIVER As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) / Caregiver, you begin each shift ready to help adults with developmental disabilities live their best lives as independently as possible. You have made it your mission to ensure the comfort and safety of each client. In our residential group home, you assist our residents with activities of daily living such as administering medication, cooking meals, performing personal hygiene, and transportation to medical appointments. You also assist in the implementation of individual behavioral plans. Using effective teaching and mentoring techniques, you teach them new skills and help them achieve goals. Based on each individual's preferences and behavioral plans, you encourage their interests and drive them to community outings and recreational activities. You are happy to help them find greater access to the community. You are conscientious about reporting any concerns about their health and safety and keeping documentation accurate and up-to-date. Some aspects of this job are not easily accomplished but at the end of each shift, knowing your clients are happy makes you feel great about the work you do! WORK SCHEDULE We operate 24-hour residential group homes, which means our schedules are determined by programmatic needs and maintained by the assigned supervisor. Employees are required to work scheduled shifts as well as unscheduled shifts due to emergencies. For the FLOATER position, it is expected that the FLOATER can work all scheduled shifts at all the programs within the region. This would include mornings, afternoons, evenings, overnights, and weekend shifts. The schedule is created at least 1-2 weeks in advance when possible and provided to the FLOATER. TRAINING All employees are required to complete 10-15 trainings upon hire and on an ongoing basis. Trainings are a combination of in-person, which require staff to commute to the main office in Raritan, NJ, remote, using Go To Meeting or Microsoft Teams, and online. All trainings are paid at your hourly rate. BENEFITS Full-Time & Part-Time Employees are entitled to the following Benefits: Paid Trainings Mileage Reimbursement Direct Deposit Holiday Pay 401K Plan Paid Sick Time (40 hours) Federal Credit Union Discounted Auto Insurance Advancement Opportunities Worker’s Compensation Employee Assistance Program Voluntary Vision Plan AFLAC Pre-Paid Legal Services Pet Insurance Full-Time Employees are entitled to the following additional Benefits: Medical Insurance Dental Insurance Life Insurance Short and Long Term Disability Flexible Spending Account Participation Tuition Reimbursement Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) Paid Benefit Time (120 hours) Paid Sick Time (40 hours) Paid Bereavement Leave Paid Jury Duty Leave ARE YOU READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM? If you feel that you are right for this Full-time FLOATER Direct Support Professional (DSP) / Caregiver position, apply now with our initial 3-minute, mobile-friendly application! Alternatives, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Valid driver's license with a good driving record
Ability to pass criminal/registry background checks and a drug screen
Clear tuberculosis (TB) screening
Ability to pass and maintain required trainings such as CPR/first aid, medication administration, and positive behavioral support training
Basic computer skills
Employees are required to work scheduled shifts as well as unscheduled shifts due to emergencies
it is expected that the FLOATER can work all scheduled shifts at all the programs within the region. This would include mornings, afternoons, evenings, overnights, and weekend shifts

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities is preferred, but not required.
As long as you are compassionate, have strong communication and interpersonal skills, can remain calm and professional in challenging situations, and want to make a difference, you may be perfect for this full-time opportunity!

Responsibilities

assist our residents with activities of daily living such as administering medication, cooking meals, performing personal hygiene, and transportation to medical appointments
assist in the implementation of individual behavioral plans
teach them new skills and help them achieve goals
encourage their interests and drive them to community outings and recreational activities
reporting any concerns about their health and safety and keeping documentation accurate and up-to-date