LEAD DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Apis Services Inc•Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional Lead (Lead DSP) provides direct care, mentorship, and operational support within residential programs serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition to delivering person-centered services, the Lead DSP serves as a role model and resource for Direct Support Professionals by providing on-site training, guidance, coaching, and oversight to ensure quality service delivery and regulatory compliance. The Lead DSP promotes independence, community inclusion, health, safety, and overall quality of life for individuals served while supporting implementation of individualized service plans, behavior support plans, and daily program operations. This position functions with professionalism, autonomy, and leadership while supporting the mission, values, and standards of Advancing Opportunities and the Inperium Family of Services.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required.
Minimum one (1) year experience supporting individuals with disabilities, developmental disabilities, behavioral health conditions, or mental illness required.
Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
Valid non-provisional 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.
Computer proficiency including Microsoft Office applications, email, electronic documentation systems, and timekeeping software.
Knowledge of trauma-informed care and behavioral intervention practices.
Knowledge of developmental disabilities and community-based support services.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Ability to supervise, mentor, and train staff.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Ability to work flexible schedules as required.
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.
Ability to safely operate wheelchair lifts and adaptive transportation equipment when required.
Agency vehicles
Wheelchair lifts
Adaptive equipment
Cellular and multi-line telephones
Computers
Copiers
Fax machines
Calculators
Residential appliances and household equipment
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems
Electronic documentation systems
HRIS and payroll platforms
Agency-specific software applications
Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, twist, kneel, reach, and climb stairs throughout the workday.
Ability to assist individuals with mobility, personal care, and daily living activities.
Ability to drive vehicles and transport individuals safely.
Ability to assist during emergencies and crisis situations.
Ability to inspect facilities, complete safety reviews, and support household operations.
Ability to lift, push, pull, and move more than 50 pounds when necessary to safely support individuals and perform duties.
Bloodborne Pathogens
Right-To-Know
HIPAA
Security Procedures
Fire and Safety Regulations
Crisis Intervention Procedures
Emergency Preparedness and Risk Management Practices
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 and forms.
Attend all required trainings, meetings, certifications, and competency reviews.
Successfully maintain CPR, First Aid, Medication Administration, and required certifications.
Comply with DDS licensing standards, CARI requirements, criminal background checks, and abuse registry requirements.
Maintain a professional demeanor and exercise sound judgment at all times.
Document time worked accurately.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory, leadership, or mentoring experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Assists individuals with activities of daily living including personal hygiene, grooming, bathing, dressing, meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, and household maintenance.
Supports individuals in achieving goals identified in Individual Service Plans (ISP), Behavior Support Plans (BSP), and other individualized service programs.
Promotes independence, dignity, self-determination, and community integration.
Models optimism, positive reinforcement, and person-centered support.
Provides supervision and guidance to help individuals develop life skills and increase independence.
Creates and maintains a safe, therapeutic, and supportive living environment.
Monitors and responds appropriately to actual or potential crisis situations.
Utilizes trauma-informed care principles and behavioral interventions.
Recognizes and reports suspected abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or exploitation according to agency policy and regulatory requirements.
Assists with medication administration and medication-related documentation.
Supports individuals in accessing medical, behavioral health, recreational, educational, vocational, and community resources.
Provides transportation to appointments, community activities, employment opportunities, recreational activities, and other approved destinations.
Assists individuals in developing personal care, housekeeping, meal planning, budgeting, and community living skills.
Documents services, interventions, and individual progress in accordance with agency requirements.
Maintains communication with Residential Managers regarding individual needs, concerns, and program issues.
Completes required daily documentation and service records.
Serves as a positive professional role model for staff and individuals served.
Documents time worked accurately.
Performs other duties as assigned by management.
Provides mentoring, coaching, and on-site training to Direct Support Professionals.
Assists with onboarding and training of new staff.
Monitors staff adherence to policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
Provides ongoing feedback and guidance regarding service delivery and program expectations.
Identifies compliance concerns and communicates issues to the Residential Manager.
Supports implementation and consistency of individualized services and behavioral interventions.
Assists with staff scheduling needs and operational coverage as requested.
Promotes teamwork, professionalism, and collaborative problem-solving.
Serves as a liaison between residential staff and management.
Encourages a culture of accountability, communication, and service excellence.
Oversees and supports implementation of individualized treatment, habilitation, and skill development programs.
Ensures consistency of behavior support interventions and teaching strategies.
Supports medical appointment coordination and follow-up activities.
Assists with medication audits and medication administration oversight.
Reviews documentation for completeness and accuracy.
Prepares monthly reports and communicates service outcomes as required.
Ensures homes maintain a clean, safe, organized, and home-like environment.
Assists with inventory management, household supplies, clothing, and personal needs.
Supports fire drills, safety inspections, vehicle inspections, and risk management activities.
Ensures compliance with licensing standards and residential regulations.
Participates in quality assurance reviews and program audits.
Acts as an advocate for individuals served and their rights.
Demonstrates knowledge of developmental disabilities, behavioral health needs, and person-centered supports.
Implements structured skill development programs including: Self-care skills, Independent living skills, Social skills, Community integration, Vocational readiness, Family living skills.
Supports implementation of motivation systems and positive behavior supports.
Assists with crisis prevention and intervention activities.
Communicates effectively with families, guardians, support coordinators, healthcare providers, schools, employers, and community stakeholders.
Participates in staff meetings, trainings, supervision sessions, and quality improvement initiatives.
Promotes organizational values and ethical conduct.
Supports emergency response and on-call activities as required.
Performs additional duties as assigned by Residential Leadership.