Direct support professional (Dsp) - Day program
Position purpose
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a valued member of the clinical and support services team responsible for providing compassionate, person-centered care to individuals with intellectual, developmental, and behavioral health challenges. The DSP assists individuals in achieving their highest level of independence, personal growth, health, safety, and community participation.
Working collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team, the DSP provides support with daily living activities, skill development, social engagement, community integration, and individualized program goals. The DSP embodies the organization's mission and values by fostering a culture of compassion, hope, dignity, inclusion, and collaboration.
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Essential duties and responsibilities
- Participant support and care
- Assist individuals with activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, toileting, meal support, and other personal care needs.
- Support individuals in achieving greater independence and enhancing their quality of life.
- Encourage and motivate participants to reach individual goals and maximize their personal potential.
- Foster positive relationships, social engagement, and community involvement.
- Provide supervision and guidance to promote skill development and self-confidence.
- Maintain a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all individuals served.
- Assist with medication administration in accordance with agency policy and training requirements.
- Monitor, recognize, and appropriately respond to crisis situations utilizing approved intervention techniques.
- Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of individuals both within the day program and during community activities.
- Program and activity facilitation
- Facilitate and support group and individual activities, including:
- Art activities such as drawing, painting, ceramics, and printmaking
- Social skills development
- Self-esteem building activities
- Recreational and leisure activities
- Community outings and volunteer opportunities
- Support participants in achieving Individual Support Plan (ISP) goals and outcomes.
- Assist with day program operations, including activity preparation, meal support, organization, cleaning, and maintenance of program areas.
- Documentation and compliance
- Complete accurate and timely documentation, including:
- Daily service notes
- Goal tracking and ISP documentation
- Medication administration records
- Incident reports
- Behavioral and health-related logs
- Vehicle and transportation records
- Consumer fund documentation, as applicable
- Complete all Electronic Health Record (EHR) documentation by the end of each shift.
- Maintain confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA, agency policies, and ethical standards.
- Report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment in accordance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
- Assist with program licensing, audits, and compliance activities as required.
- Transportation and community engagement
- Safely transport individuals to community activities, appointments, and program-related events when assigned.
- Maintain compliance with agency transportation policies and vehicle safety requirements.
- Follow all supervision requirements outlined in participants' ISP and Behavior Support Plans (BSP).
- Team collaboration
- Collaborate with Program Management, Lead DSPs, Studio Coordinators, and other team members to ensure quality service delivery.
- Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
- Assist with on-call responsibilities and emergency situations as assigned.
- Participate in annual mandatory training and competency-based training requirements.
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
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Qualifications
Education and experience
Required
High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Minimum one (1) year of experience working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities or in a related human services field.
Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
Preferred
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Special Education, Fine Arts, or a related field.
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Required knowledge, skills, and abilities
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to establish positive relationships with individuals, families, coworkers, and community partners.
Knowledge of developmental disabilities and person-centered support practices.
Understanding of trauma-informed care principles and practices.
Strong documentation and record-keeping skills.
Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office, email, electronic health records, and timekeeping systems.
Excellent organizational, time management, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to remain calm and professional during crisis or high-stress situations.
Ability to facilitate group activities and engage participants with varying abilities.
Creative and artistic skills are highly desirable for facilitating visual and performing arts activities.
Flexibility to adapt to changing schedules and participant needs.
Physical ability to safely perform job responsibilities, including assisting participants as needed.
Ability to complete and maintain required certifications and training, including CPR and First Aid.
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About resources for human development
RHD, Inc., an affiliate of Apis Services, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities and their families to live independent and fulfilling lives. As one of New Jersey's leading disability service providers, the organization delivers person-centered services that promote inclusion, independence, and community engagement.
Apis Services, Inc. provides administrative, recruiting, and onboarding support to a network of nonprofit and human service organizations across the United States, helping mission-driven agencies focus on serving their communities.
Equal employment opportunity
RHD and Apis Services are Equal Opportunity Employers. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
