Apis Services Inc·Pennington, New Jersey
Provide compassionate, person-centered support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in residential and community settings. Assist with daily living activities, implement individualized support plans, and facilitate community integration.
Job posting title: Direct support professional (Dsp)
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, wellness, safety, and community integration. Working in residential and community settings, the DSP provides assistance with daily living activities, implements individualized support plans, and fosters an environment of hope, respect, and inclusion. Through trauma-informed care and collaborative service delivery, the DSP helps individuals achieve their personal goals and improve their quality of life.
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Responsibilities: Of the job and essential elements
Direct duties
Assists individuals with activities of daily living including personal hygiene, grooming, bathing, dressing, meal preparation, household chores, laundry, shopping, and community participation.
Supports individuals in achieving goals identified in their Individual Service Plans (ISP), Individual Habilitation Plans (IHP), and Behavior Support Plans (BSP).
Promotes independence, self-determination, and community inclusion.
Models positive behaviors, optimism, and encouragement to help individuals maximize their potential.
Provides supervision, guidance, and support to develop life skills and increase independence.
Maintains a safe, supportive, and person-centered environment.
Implements trauma-informed and recovery-oriented care practices.
Monitors and responds appropriately to behavioral, medical, and emergency situations.
Recognizes and reports suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment in accordance with agency policies and regulatory requirements.
Assists with medication administration and documentation in accordance with agency policies and applicable regulations.
Provides transportation to medical appointments, employment programs, educational opportunities, recreational activities, family visits, religious services, and other community-based activities.
Assists individuals with community integration and participation in meaningful activities.
Participates in ISP development, implementation, and progress monitoring.
Maintains accurate and timely documentation, including but not limited to:
Daily logs
Medication Administration Records (MARs)
Goal tracking logs
Incident reports
Behavior documentation
Sleep/awake charts
Weight monitoring records
Seizure records
Fire drill logs
Vehicle logs
Consumer funds documentation
Other agency-required records
Completes electronic timekeeping accurately through the HRIS system.
Assists with residential licensing, inspections, and regulatory compliance activities.
Attends all scheduled staff meetings, trainings, and agency events.
Assists with on-call responsibilities and emergency situations as requested.
Works collaboratively with Residential Managers, Lead DSPs, clinical staff, families, guardians, and external service providers.
Performs special projects and program-related assignments as directed.
Documents time worked accurately.
Other duties as assigned by management.
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Other responsibilities
Successfully completes all required pre-service, annual, and in-service training programs.
Implements healthcare, habilitation, behavioral, and support plans as prescribed.
Teaches adaptive living skills and supports individual growth and development.
Maintains confidentiality of client information and records.
Assists with maintenance of client files, monthly reports, and goal tracking documentation.
Participates in individual assessments and identification of support needs.
Cooperates fully with licensing reviews, audits, inspections, and investigations.
Promotes dignity, respect, and individual rights at all times.
Maintains professional relationships and ethical conduct.
Supports positive relationships among individuals served, family members, coworkers, and community stakeholders.
Participates in quality improvement activities and agency initiatives.
Other duties as necessary to support quality service delivery.
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Provides individualized supports that promote dignity, independence, choice, and self-determination.
Communicates professionally and effectively with individuals served, families, coworkers, and community partners.
Utilizes trauma-informed approaches to create safe and supportive environments.
Implements individualized behavior plans consistently and effectively.
Supports participation in community activities, relationships, and opportunities.
Documentation & compliance
Maintains accurate, timely, and compliant records and reporting.
Uses sound judgment and effective decision-making when addressing concerns and challenges.
Professionalism & ethics
Demonstrates integrity, confidentiality, accountability, and professionalism.
Organization & time management
Effectively manages responsibilities, schedules, and documentation requirements.
Responds calmly and appropriately during emergencies, crises, and high-stress situations.
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Vehicle requirements
Current driver's license with acceptable driving record.
Vehicle registration and insurance as required.
Ability to safely operate agency vehicles.
Ability to transport individuals served.
Knowledge and safe operation of wheelchair lifts and adaptive transportation equipment.
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Physical requirements
Ability to bend, stoop, twist, kneel, reach, climb stairs, and assist individuals with mobility needs.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
Ability to sit for periods of time throughout a work shift.
Ability to safely drive agency vehicles.
Ability to assist with transfers and physical support when required.
Ability to safely perform residential and community-based activities.
Working conditions
Residential group homes and community living environments.
Community locations throughout New Jersey.
Medical facilities, educational programs, employment sites, recreational programs, and community venues.
Indoor and outdoor work environments.
Flexible schedules that may include evenings, weekends, holidays, overnight shifts, and emergency coverage.
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General requirements
Maintain and abide by OSHA requirements and guidelines.
Observe all Fire and Safety Policies and Procedures.
Observe all Fiscal, Office, Human Resources, and Personnel Policies and Procedures.
Observe all Agency Policies and Procedures.
Observe all HIPAA Policies and Procedures and maintain confidentiality.
Complete and return all Human Resources documentation as required.
Attend all required trainings, meetings, competency reviews, and recertifications.
Maintain a professional demeanor and exercise sound judgment at all times.
Successfully complete CPR, First Aid, and all required trainings.
Comply with all required screenings, background checks, and regulatory clearances.
Document time worked accurately.
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Apis Services maintains a drug-free workplace. As a general policy, pre-employment drug testing is not required for employment with Apis Services.
However, drug and alcohol testing may be required under specific circumstances, including but not limited to:
Following a work-related vehicle accident, in accordance with applicable policy and legal requirements.
Following a workplace incident or injury where post-incident or workers’ compensation drug testing is appropriate or required.
Certain affiliates may be subject to federal, state, licensing, regulatory, contractual, or funding agency requirements that mandate pre-employment or ongoing drug testing for specific positions or programs. In those cases, the affiliate-specific policy will govern those positions.
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The statements on these pages reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified. These statements shall not be considered a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the position. We rely on good judgment, common sense, professionalism, and teamwork.
From time to time, employees may be requested to perform other duties essential to the effective operation of the affiliate. Appropriate training will be provided when necessary.
Please note that working schedules are subject to change based on business needs. Flexibility in working hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, overnight shifts, and work locations may be required.
The more you know and the more areas in which you can work within the affiliate will add value to you as a professional and contribute to the continued success of Inperium, Inc. & Family of Services.
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Apis Services, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Inperium, Inc.) provides a progressive platform for delivering Shared Services to Inperium and its constellation of affiliate companies. Apis Services and its affiliates provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. This commitment extends to all phases of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotion, training, and termination.
Requires a High School Diploma or GED and a valid driver's license. Preference is given to candidates with a degree in Human Services or related fields and experience in direct support or healthcare.
Market context
Direct Support Professional roles in New Jersey are often in steady demand because agencies need dependable staff to support daily living and community participation for people with developmental or behavioral needs. These positions can be competitive because employers look for reliability, a clean driving record, and experience in human services; this posting also notes preferred education and 6–12 months of experience. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, and confirm you meet the age, diploma, and driver’s license criteria before applying.
