Direct support professional (Dsp)
Department
- Residential
- Services (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 individuals 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, enhancing their quality of life, and maintaining their health, safety, and overall well-being. DSPs promote dignity, choice, community inclusion, and skill development while ensuring services are delivered in accordance with individual support plans, agency policies, and regulatory requirements.
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Essential responsibilities
- Person-Centered support & daily living assistance
- Assist individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs), including personal hygiene, grooming, dressing, meal planning and preparation, housekeeping, laundry, and home maintenance.
- Support individuals in developing life skills that increase independence and self-sufficiency.
- Foster a safe, respectful, and supportive environment that promotes dignity, privacy, and personal choice.
- Encourage participation in recreational, educational, vocational, religious, and community activities.
- Build positive relationships with individuals served, families, guardians, and community partners.
- Individualized services & goal achievement
- Implement Individual Support Plans (ISPs), Individual Habilitation Plans (IHPs), Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), and other service plans.
- Teach and reinforce skills outlined in individualized plans using approved methods and interventions.
- Support individual outcomes and monitor progress toward established goals.
- Assist with assessments and provide input regarding individuals’ strengths, needs, and service recommendations.
- Health, safety & medication administration
- Monitor the health, safety, and well-being of individuals served.
- Administer medications and carry out healthcare-related tasks in accordance with agency policies and training requirements.
- Respond appropriately to medical, behavioral, and other emergency situations.
- Recognize, document, and report incidents, injuries, abuse, neglect, exploitation, and other reportable events according to agency and state regulations.
- Maintain required certifications, including CPR and First Aid.
- Transportation & community integration
- Safely transport individuals to medical appointments, day programs, employment sites, community activities, family visits, and other approved destinations.
- Ensure compliance with all motor vehicle laws and agency transportation policies.
- Assist individuals in becoming active participants in their communities and developing meaningful social connections.
- Documentation & compliance
- Complete accurate, timely, and detailed documentation, including:
- Daily logs
- Goal and progress notes
- Medication administration records
- Incident reports
- Behavioral documentation
- Seizure, weight, bowel movement, and sleep logs
- Vehicle and transportation records
- Consumer fund documentation
- Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and agency requirements.
- Comply with all agency policies, state licensing regulations, and Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) standards.
- Participate in home inspections, audits, investigations, and licensing activities as needed.
- Team participation
- Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
- Complete all required annual and competency-based training.
- Collaborate with Residential Managers, Lead DSPs, clinicians, and other team members to ensure quality service delivery.
- Assist with on-call duties, special projects, and emergency coverage as assigned.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support the needs of individuals and the organization.
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Qualifications
- Required
- High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
- Minimum age of 21 years.
- Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
- Ability to successfully complete required background checks and screenings.
- Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications, including CPR and First Aid.
- 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.
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- Knowledge, skills & abilities
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to build positive relationships with individuals served, families, and team members.
- Understanding of person-centered practices and trauma-informed care.
- Knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities and behavioral support principles.
- Strong organizational, documentation, and time-management skills.
- Sound judgment and problem-solving abilities.
- Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office, email, and electronic documentation systems.
- Ability to work independently while maintaining effective teamwork and collaboration.
- Ability to remain calm and respond effectively during crises or high-stress situations.
- Commitment to confidentiality, ethical practices, and professional standards.
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- Physical requirements
- Ability to lift, move, or assist with transferring individuals and objects weighing up to 50 pounds or more, with or without accommodations.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, twist, climb stairs, and perform physical support activities throughout the workday.
- Ability to drive agency or personal vehicles for extended periods as needed.
- Ability to work in residential homes and community-based settings.
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- Work schedule
- Must be available to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, overnight shifts, and emergency coverage as needed.
- Schedule and work location may change based on business and program needs.
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Why join us?
As a Direct Support Professional, you will make a meaningful impact by helping individuals live more independent, fulfilling lives. You'll be part of a compassionate team dedicated to promoting dignity, choice, inclusion, and personal growth for every individual served.
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About advancing opportunities & apis services
Advancing Opportunities, Inc., an affiliate of Apis Services, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing services and supports that empower people with disabilities and their families to live independently. Recognized as one of New Jersey's leading disability service providers, Advancing Opportunities is committed to delivering innovative, person-centered services throughout the community.
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. With over 3,500 employees nationwide, Apis Services supports organizations focused on improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
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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 and inclusive workplace and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants 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 characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
