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Shaded band: the middle 50% of posted behavioral health roles in Newton, New Jersey rates. This role sits in the 5th percentile.
About the role
Pay for this role is about 44% below the Newton, New Jersey median for behavioral health roles.
The Direct Support Professional provides direct care and support to individuals with disabilities in their homes and community settings. Responsibilities include assisting with personal care, teaching independent living skills, facilitating community outings, and documenting care provided.
We are hiring for
Direct Support Professional
Type
Regular
If you are a positive and personable individual looking for a satisfying and fun opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of people with intellectual, developmental disabilities, and people facing mental health, and substance use challenges, join our team at RHA Health Services!
Provides support for individuals and/or groups of persons with disabilities in the community.
Assists the person(s) receiving services in identifying and communicating his or her requests and needs for services and supports.
Implements services and supports to address the person’s goals and desired outcomes as identified through each person’s Centered Plan.
Seek to understand the individuals in the context of their personal history, their social and family networks, and their hopes and dreams for the future.
Relies on direction and supervision to accomplish the job.
Requires High School Diploma or GED (Preferred (NJ)), at least 18 years of age and valid drivers’ license.
Starting Wage: $20 per hour + $1,000 Sign-On Bonus for Eligible Full-Time Employees
Duties and Responsibilities
Advocate for individuals’ human, legal, and civil rights.
Promote health and safety by supporting wellness initiatives and accident prevention.
Encourage self-advocacy and empower individuals in making their own choices.
Facilitate community engagement by accompanying individuals to work, recreational activities, and social events.
Teach and support independent living skills, including household management and personal care.
Provide transportation for appointments, errands, and community activities.
Foster social connections by supporting relationship-building within the community.
Support informed decision-making regarding living arrangements, employment, and social activities.
Assist with personal care tasks, such as hygiene, bathing, dressing, and household chores (laundry, cleaning, and decorating).
Requirements
Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED, be at least 18 years of age, and possess a valid driver's license. The role requires the physical ability to lift, bend, and push over 30 lbs, along with passing pre-employment screenings including background and drug tests.
high school
Advocacy
Documentation
Transportation
Communication skills
Computer skills
Conflict resolution
Medication administration
Decision making
Personal care
Independent living skills training
Posting details
Employment type
Full Time
Work arrangement
On Site
Experience
0-2 yrs
Salary
$20 - $20/hr
Locations
Newton, New Jersey; Trinity, Alabama
Posted
Sep 11, 2026
Application
Employer website
Maintain accurate documentation of provided services and support.
Understand and address challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, using effective advocacy strategies.
Connect individuals with community resources for career development, education, and volunteer opportunities.
Encourage effective communication, adapting to individual needs and preferences.
Assist with medication administration in accordance with state laws and regulations.
Ensure confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in all aspects of care.
Supervisory responsibilities: This position has no supervisory responsibilities
Minimum Qualifications
High School Diploma or equivalent
Must be at least 18 years of age
Meet all pre-employment screening
Compassionate, patient, and dedicated to person-centered support.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to foster independence while providing necessary support.
Knowledge of disability rights, self-advocacy, and community integration principles.
Ability to maintain accurate records and follow regulatory guidelines.
Physical demands and work environment
Must be able to regularly lift and carry up to 20 lbs. and occasionally pull at least 40 lbs.
Must be able to squat, kneel, crawl, crouch, climb, and stoop as part of regular job duties.
Must be able to use hands and fingers to handle or operate objects, tools, or controls.
Required to stand and walk for extended periods.
Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in CPR from floor level, which requires working on hands and knees, bending, standing, and lifting.
Vision requirements include close, distance, and peripheral vision.
Must be able to talk and hear.
Exception –
Deaf and
Hard of
Hearing
Programs: For these programs only, employees must be fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). The requirement to talk and hear does not apply.
RHA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, prohibits discrimination based on the following protected categories: race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex/gender, marital status, civil status, domestic partnership status, familial status, religion, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, or disability.
Pre-employment screening
Complete criminal background
Name checked in the registries. (OIG exclusions database, Child Abuse Registry, and Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities)
Drug testing
Education verification and other credentialing based on position requirements.
Proof of employment history or references (if required)
Positions that require driving Proof of driver's license, driver's insurance, and vehicle, IF required for providing transportation for individuals.
We offer the following benefits to employees
Payactiv: early access to the money you’ve earned from hours you’ve already worked, before payday!
Employee perks and discount program: to help you save money!
Paid Time Off (full-time employees only)
Health/Insurance (full-time employees only)
401(k) retirement savings program
Wellbeing
Programs: Physical, Emotional and Financial
Chronic Disease management programs for hypertension and diabetes (for qualifying employees)
Training: Free CPR, first aid, and job-specific training opportunities
*contract/contingent workers and interns do not qualify for any of the above
Benefits
EEO Statement RHA is an equal opportunity employer. In addition, we provide reasonable accommodation to qualified employees who have protected disabilities to the extent required by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact our solutions center.
About RHA
At RHA Health Services, we help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health and/or substance use needs live their best lives. Our mission is to provide a safe and healthy environment while creating opportunities for personal outcomes.
For over 30 years, the people we serve and support have remained at the very center of everything we do. RHA currently provides services in North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and New Jersey.
If you are ready to make a difference in the lives of people we serve and support apply to join the team today.
Market context
Direct care role with steady New Jersey demand
Direct Support Professional roles in New Jersey are often in steady demand because providers need reliable staff to support daily living and community-based care. This role can be competitive because employers look for dependable candidates with a high school diploma, a valid driver’s license, and access to a registered, insured vehicle; human services or direct care experience is preferred. Review the schedule, travel expectations, and support duties closely, and use the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time comparing the original job description.
