Direct support professional (Dsp)
Department
- Residential
- Services
- Service
- Line:
- Intellectual &
- Developmental
- Disabilities (IDD)
- Location:
- New
- Jersey
- Reports To:
- Residential
- Manager
- FLSA
- Status: Non-Exempt
Position Summary
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides compassionate, person-centered support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and behavioral health challenges. Working as part of an interdisciplinary team, the DSP assists individuals in achieving greater independence, maintaining health and safety, developing life skills, and participating fully in their communities.
DSPs play a critical role in promoting dignity, choice, community inclusion, and overall quality of life while delivering services consistent with each individual's Individual Service Plan (ISP), behavioral support strategies, and organizational policies.
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Key responsibilities
- Direct care & daily living support
- Assist individuals with activities of daily living, including personal care, hygiene, meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, and household maintenance.
- Support individuals in developing independence and life skills based on their goals and abilities.
- Provide supervision and guidance while promoting dignity, privacy, and self-determination.
- Foster a safe, supportive, and trauma-informed environment.
- Community engagement & transportation
- Transport individuals to appointments, day programs, recreational activities, community events, religious services, family visits, and other approved destinations.
- Support individuals in building relationships and participating in meaningful community activities.
- Ensure adherence to all motor vehicle and transportation safety requirements.
- Health, safety & medication administration
- Monitor the health, wellness, and safety of individuals served.
- Administer medications and document medication administration in accordance with state regulations and agency policies.
- Implement prescribed healthcare programs and monitor for changes in health status.
- Respond appropriately to emergencies, behavioral incidents, and crisis situations.
- Report incidents, concerns related to abuse, neglect, or mistreatment, and safety issues in accordance with agency policies and regulatory requirements.
- Individual service planning & skill development
- Implement Individual Service Plans (ISPs), Individual Habilitation Plans (IHPs), and Behavior Support Plans (BSPs).
- Teach and reinforce skills that promote independence, personal growth, and community integration.
- Assist with assessments and support progress toward identified goals and outcomes.
- Collaborate with Lead DSPs, Residential Managers, families, and interdisciplinary team members to meet individual needs.
- Documentation & compliance
- Accurately complete required documentation, including:
- Daily logs and service notes
- Medication administration records (MARs)
- Goal and progress tracking logs
- Incident reports
- Behavioral documentation
- Seizure, weight, bowel movement, and sleep/awake tracking records
- Fire drill records
- Transportation and vehicle logs
- Consumer funds documentation
- Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements.
- Ensure all documentation is completed accurately, timely, and in accordance with agency and regulatory standards.
- Team collaboration
- Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, trainings, and team discussions.
- Complete all required annual training, competency assessments, CPR, First Aid, and other mandated certifications.
- Assist with on-call responsibilities and emergency coverage as assigned.
- Support special projects and additional duties as requested by leadership.
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Minimum Qualifications
- Education
- High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Special Education, or a related field preferred.
- Experience
- At least six (6) months to one (1) year of experience supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities or working in a human services setting preferred.
Requirements
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
- Ability to meet all background screening and regulatory requirements.
- Successful completion of required pre-service and ongoing training.
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- Knowledge, skills & abilities
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
- Ability to work effectively with individuals, families, coworkers, and community partners.
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
- Knowledge of person-centered and trauma-informed care practices.
- Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to crisis situations.
- Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office, email, electronic documentation systems, and timekeeping platforms.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining accountability.
- Commitment to confidentiality, professional ethics, and quality service delivery.
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- Physical requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, and assist individuals throughout the workday.
- Ability to lift, transfer, and support individuals and equipment as needed, including lifting up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to drive for extended periods during the workday.
- Ability to work in residential and community-based settings.
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- Work schedule
- Flexible schedule required, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and varying shifts based on program needs.
- Ability to support emergency situations and provide coverage when necessary.
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Why join us?
As a Direct Support Professional, you will make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by helping them achieve greater independence, pursue personal goals, and become active members of their communities. Your work will directly contribute to creating a safe, supportive, and empowering environment where every individual can thrive.
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ABOUT US
Advancing Opportunities, Inc., an affiliate of Apis Services, Inc., is a leading New Jersey nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities and their families through innovative, person-centered programs and services.
Apis Services, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Inperium, Inc., provides administrative and shared services to more than 30 nonprofit and for-profit organizations nationwide. Together, we support thousands of individuals and families while creating opportunities for employees to build meaningful and rewarding careers.
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Equal employment opportunity
Advancing Opportunities, Inc., Apis Services, Inc., and their affiliates are proud Equal Opportunity Employers. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.
