Direct Support Professional Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Minimum twenty-one (21) years of age.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Ability to read, write, and document effectively in English.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain).
• Medication Administration certification as required by state regulations.
• Successful completion of criminal background investigations, CARI screenings, drug screenings, and required regulatory clearances.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong documentation and recordkeeping abilities.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles.
• Ability to effectively support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Basic computer proficiency including Microsoft Office, Email systems, Electronic documentation systems, and HRIS platforms.
• Current driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Current vehicle registration and insurance as required.
• Ability to safely transport individuals served.
• Ability to operate agency vehicles and adaptive transportation equipment.
• Agency vehicles
• Wheelchair lifts
• Adaptive equipment
• Telephone
• Cellular phone
• Computer
• Copier
• Fax machine
• Calculator
• Residential household equipment and appliances
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Electronic Health Records (EHR)
• Electronic documentation systems
• HRIS platforms
• Agency-specific software applications
• Standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, twisting, and climbing stairs regularly.
• Assisting individuals with mobility and daily living activities.
• Driving vehicles for community transportation.
• Responding to emergencies and crisis situations.
• Working both indoors and outdoors in residential and community environments.
• Ability to lift, transfer, push, pull, and carry more than 50 pounds as required.
• Residential group homes.
• Community-based settings.
• Medical and healthcare appointments.
• Recreation and employment sites.
• Various locations throughout New Jersey.
• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Right-To-Know
• HIPAA
• Incident Reporting Procedures
• Emergency Response Protocols
• Fire and Safety Procedures
• Workplace Safety Standards
• Maintain and abide by OSHA requirements and guidelines.
• Observe all Agency, Personnel, HR, and Safety Policies and Procedures.
• Maintain HIPAA compliance and confidentiality standards.
• Attend all required trainings, meetings, certifications, and professional development activities.
• Demonstrate professionalism and sound judgment in all employment duties.
• Support person-centered, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented practices.
• Document time worked accurately.

Nice To Haves

• Associate Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Education, Behavioral Health, or related field.
• Six (6) months to one (1) year of experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or within human services.
• Experience in residential, behavioral health, or community-based service settings.

Responsibilities

• Assists individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs), including personal hygiene and grooming, bathing and dressing, meal planning and preparation, housekeeping and laundry, household cleaning and maintenance, and shopping and budgeting activities.
• Supports individuals in achieving greater independence and maximizing quality of life.
• Encourages personal growth, self-determination, and development of independent living skills.
• Promotes meaningful relationships, social engagement, and community inclusion.
• Assists individuals in participating in recreational, educational, employment, and community activities.
• Creates and maintains a safe, supportive, and person-centered environment.
• Provides supervision and guidance consistent with individual support plans and program requirements.
• Models positive behaviors and promotes individual dignity and respect.
• Assists in maintaining the health, safety, and well-being of individuals served.
• Observes and reports changes in physical, emotional, behavioral, or medical conditions.
• Supports implementation of healthcare and wellness plans.
• Administers medications and completes medication documentation in accordance with state regulations and organizational standards.
• Monitors for potential crisis situations and responds appropriately using approved intervention strategies.
• Reports suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment according to agency policy and regulatory requirements.
• Follows all incident management and reporting procedures.
• Provides trauma-informed care and support.
• Assists with implementation of Individual Service Plans (ISPs), Individual Habilitation Plans (IHPs), and Behavior Support Plans (BSPs).
• Supports individuals in achieving personal goals and measurable outcomes.
• Teaches life skills, daily living skills, and community participation skills.
• Implements positive behavior support strategies and individualized programming.
• Assists individuals in developing self-care skills, household management skills, social skills, community integration skills, and independent living skills.
• Collaborates with Lead DSPs, Residential Managers, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure quality care and support.
• Provides transportation and support for medical appointments, day programs, employment activities, school programs, recreational outings, religious services, family visits, and community events.
• Assists individuals with accessing resources and opportunities within the community.
• Promotes community integration and meaningful participation.
• Maintains accurate and timely documentation, including daily logs, Medication Administration Records (MARs), goal tracking documentation, incident reports, sleep/awake charts, weight monitoring records, seizure logs, behavior support documentation, vehicle logs, consumer funds documentation, and fire drill documentation.
• Completes required documentation in accordance with agency, licensing, and regulatory requirements.
• Documents time worked accurately through the HRIS system.
• Participates in audits, inspections, investigations, and quality assurance activities as required.
• Completes all required orientation, annual, competency-based, CPR, First Aid, and in-service trainings.
• Attends staff meetings, supervision sessions, and program meetings.
• Assists Residential Managers and Lead DSPs with program activities and special projects.
• Supports emergency and on-call activities as needed.
• Cooperates with licensing representatives, regulatory agencies, and organizational leadership.
• Maintains confidentiality of individual and organizational information.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.
• Adheres to and follows the By-Laws of the Corporation and as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation.

Benefits

• Compensation, benefits, promotion, training