DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

New Jersey Full-Time Sunday through Thursday 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM $18.35/hour $19.35/hour on weekends DailyPay Available

Looking for More Than Just a Job?

At Advancing Opportunities (AO), we believe every person deserves the opportunity to live a meaningful, fulfilling, and independent life.

We are seeking compassionate, dedicated professionals who are looking for more than a paycheck. We are looking for individuals who want to make a difference, develop rewarding careers, and become part of a team committed to helping others succeed.

Whether you are beginning your career, changing professions, or bringing previous experience, we provide the training, support, and opportunities needed to help you thrive.

About Advancing Opportunities

Advancing Opportunities (AO) provides high-quality residential services and support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout New Jersey.

Our employees help individuals achieve greater independence, confidence, and success while promoting dignity, respect, inclusion, personal choice, health, and safety. Every day, our team members make a meaningful impact by helping the people we support reach their goals and live fulfilling lives.

Why Join Our Team?

Competitive Pay & Benefits

• $18.35 per hour
• $19.35 per hour for weekend hours
• DailyPay, allowing access to earned wages before payday
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness programs
• Employee referral bonuses
• Company-paid training

Career Growth & Development

• Paid training programs
• Professional development opportunities
• Certification opportunities
• Leadership development programs
• Career advancement opportunities
• Opportunities across multiple service lines

Meaningful Work That Matters

• Make a difference every day
• Support individuals and families
• Build meaningful relationships
• Strengthen communities
• Join a mission-driven organization

What You'll Do

As a Direct Support Professional, you will provide compassionate, person-centered assistance to individuals with intellectual, developmental, and behavioral health needs. Working collaboratively with the residential and clinical teams, you will help individuals increase their independence, maintain their health and safety, and achieve the goals outlined in their individualized plans.

Key responsibilities include:

• Assist individuals with activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, meal preparation, housekeeping, shopping, cleaning, and home maintenance.
• Provide respectful, age-appropriate support that protects each individual's privacy, dignity, rights, and personal choices.
• Encourage independence and help individuals build the skills needed to maximize their quality of life.
• Support individuals in developing relationships and participating in recreational, social, religious, educational, and community activities.
• Provide transportation to medical appointments, community activities, school or day programs, religious services, family visits, and other approved destinations.
• Drive agency vehicles safely and comply with applicable motor vehicle laws and organizational transportation requirements.
• Provide appropriate supervision and guidance based on each individual's Individual Service Plan and Behavior Support Plan.
• Assist with the development, implementation, and monitoring of Individual Service Plan goals and outcomes.
• Teach skills using the strategies and materials identified in each individual's service or habilitation plan.
• Implement behavioral programs and trauma-informed support practices in accordance with individualized plans.
• Build safe, supportive relationships and model hope, encouragement, and optimism.
• Recognize potential crisis situations and respond calmly and appropriately in accordance with training, policies, and procedures.
• Carry out prescribed healthcare programs and administer medications following training and organizational requirements.
• Monitor the health, safety, and well-being of all individuals residing in the home.
• Report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment in accordance with organizational policies and applicable requirements.
• Complete required documentation accurately and on time, including daily logs, medication records, goal logs, incident reports, behavior documentation, seizure records, sleep and awake charts, weight charts, fire drill logs, vehicle logs, receipts, and consumer fund records.
• Maintain individual and program files and assist with progress monitoring and monthly reporting.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, ethical standards, and organizational privacy requirements.
• Assist with annual community residence licensing activities, program inspections, inquiries, and investigations.
• Cooperate with agency representatives, licensing personnel, and Department of Human Services staff during inspections or investigations.
• Accurately record hours worked through the designated HRIS timekeeping system.
• Attend required staff meetings, training programs, and competency-based training.
• Complete all required pre-service and annual in-service training.
• Collaborate with the Lead DSP, Residential Manager, families, team members, and other service professionals to ensure individuals' needs are met.
• Assist the Residential Manager with assessments, special projects, emergency situations, and other program needs.
• Follow applicable organizational, Division of Developmental Disabilities, OSHA, fire and safety, personnel, and program policies.
• Maintain a professional demeanor and use sound judgment in all employment duties.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities assigned by the Residential Manager, Lead DSP, or supervisor.

Who We're Looking For

You may be a great fit if you are:

Compassionate Dependable Patient Team-oriented Service-focused Professional Positive Respectful Safety-conscious Committed to helping others

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent certificate.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Valid driver's license and clean motor vehicle record.
• Current vehicle registration and insurance, as applicable.
• Ability to meet agency driving and vehicle-use requirements.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and completing documentation in English.
• Basic computer literacy, including experience with Microsoft Office, email, electronic timekeeping, and related applications.
• Ability to complete records, reports, financial documentation, and basic mathematical calculations accurately.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, problem-solving, judgment, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to supervise or assist individuals receiving residential services.
• Ability to recognize crisis situations and respond in a calm, mature, and appropriate manner.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements.
• Ability to complete all required training, including CPR and First Aid.
• Ability to meet all required background checks, screenings, and clearances, which may include criminal history, drug screening, CARI, and Central Registry checks.
• Ability to perform the essential duties and physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Schedule flexibility based on program and operational needs.

Preferred

• Associate or bachelor's degree in human services or a related field.
• Six months to one year of direct experience working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities or in a human services setting.
• Knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and trauma-informed environments.
• Experience implementing behavior support plans.
• Experience administering medications in a residential or human services setting.
• Familiarity with New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities requirements.

Schedule

• Full-Time
• Sunday through Thursday
• 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM
• $18.35 per hour
• $19.35 per hour for weekend hours
• Weekend availability is required