Direct support professional-Hourly

Direct support professional (Dsp)

Residential Services | Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Program Location: New Jersey Department: Residential Services Reports To: Residential Manager FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides compassionate, person-centered support to individuals with intellectual, developmental, and behavioral health disabilities living in residential settings. DSPs assist individuals with daily living activities, promote independence, encourage community inclusion, and help individuals achieve their personal goals as outlined in their Individual Service Plans (ISPs).

The DSP plays a critical role in ensuring the health, safety, dignity, and well-being of the individuals served while creating a supportive and trauma-informed environment that fosters growth, self-determination, and quality of life.

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Individual support & daily living
• Assist individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs), including personal hygiene, grooming, dressing, meal preparation, housekeeping, shopping, and laundry.
• Support individuals in developing life skills and achieving personal goals identified in their Individual Service Plans (ISPs).
• Provide supervision, guidance, and encouragement to promote independence and self-advocacy.
• Foster positive relationships and support participation in community activities, social events, religious services, family visits, and recreational opportunities.
• Ensure individuals are treated with dignity, respect, privacy, and compassion at all times.

• Health, safety & medication administration
• Monitor the health, safety, and overall well-being of individuals served.
• Administer medications and complete medication documentation according to agency policies, state regulations, and training requirements.
• Implement prescribed healthcare and behavioral support plans.
• Recognize, respond to, and appropriately document crisis situations, medical concerns, incidents, and emergencies.
• Report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment immediately according to agency policies and state regulations.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and supportive residential environment.

• Documentation & compliance
• Complete all required documentation accurately and timely, including:
• Daily logs and progress notes
• Medication administration records (MARs)
• Goal and service documentation
• Incident reports
• Behavioral support documentation
• Seizure, weight, bowel movement, and sleep/awake charts
• Vehicle logs, mileage records, and consumer fund documentation
• Assist with ISP implementation, goal tracking, and outcome documentation.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements.
• Adhere to agency policies, licensing standards, and Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) regulations.

• Transportation & community integration
• Transport individuals to appointments, day programs, employment, recreational activities, community outings, religious services, and family visits.
• Maintain a safe driving record and adhere to all motor vehicle laws and agency transportation policies.
• Assist individuals in becoming active and engaged members of their communities.

• Team collaboration
• Work collaboratively with Residential Managers, Lead DSPs, healthcare providers, family members, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
• Assist with home inspections, licensing reviews, and special projects as needed.
• Support on-call responsibilities and emergency coverage when requested.

Qualifications

• Required
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Minimum age of 21 years.
• Ability to pass all required background checks, clearances, and screenings.
• Ability to complete required trainings, including CPR, First Aid, medication administration, and other mandated certifications.

• Preferred
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Special Education, or a related field.
• Six months to one year of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or in a human services setting.

• Knowledge, skills, and abilities
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals with disabilities, families, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of person-centered supports and trauma-informed care practices.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office, email, and electronic documentation systems.
• Ability to remain calm and respond appropriately during crises or emergencies.

• Physical requirements
• Ability to lift, transfer, and assist individuals as needed, including lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb stairs throughout the workday.
• Ability to drive for extended periods when transporting individuals.
• Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations.

• Work environment
• Residential homes and various community settings throughout New Jersey.
• Exposure to a variety of environmental conditions while supporting individuals in the community.
• Flexible schedule required, including evenings, weekends, holidays, overnight shifts, and emergency coverage as needed.

Why join us?

As a Direct Support Professional, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting independence, inclusion, dignity, and personal growth every day.

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This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Management reserves the right to modify responsibilities as business needs require.

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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 a network of more than 30 nonprofit and for-profit organizations across the United States. Together, these organizations support thousands of individuals and families while creating rewarding career opportunities for employees nationwide.

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Equal employment opportunity

Advancing Opportunities, Inc., Apis Services, Inc., and their affiliates are Equal Opportunity Employers and are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. 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.