DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Job Description

Job Description

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Residential Services | Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
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 challenges. DSPs help individuals achieve greater independence, enhance their quality of life, and maintain their health, safety, and well-being in residential and community settings.

Working as part of an interdisciplinary team, the DSP assists individuals with daily living activities, community involvement, skill development, and implementation of individualized service plans. The ideal candidate is patient, dependable, and committed to promoting dignity, choice, inclusion, and personal growth.

Key ResponsibilitiesIndividual Support & Care

• Provide direct care and supervision to individuals in residential settings.
• Assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), including personal hygiene, grooming, dressing, meal preparation, and household tasks.
• Support individuals in achieving goals identified in their Individual Service Plan (ISP) and behavior support plans.
• Encourage independence, self-advocacy, and skill development.
• Promote a safe, respectful, and supportive environment that preserves individual dignity and privacy.
• Provide trauma-informed care and support positive behavioral interventions.

Community Integration

• Assist individuals in participating in community activities, recreational opportunities, religious services, employment, school programs, and family visits.
• Foster meaningful relationships and community engagement.
• Support individuals in developing social and life skills that increase independence and quality of life.

Health, Safety & Medication Support

• Monitor the health, safety, and overall well-being of individuals served.
• Administer medications and maintain required medication documentation in accordance with agency policies and state regulations.
• Implement prescribed healthcare programs and monitor for changes in condition.
• Recognize, respond to, and report emergencies, incidents, safety concerns, or suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
• Maintain CPR, First Aid, and other required certifications and trainings.

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete accurate and timely documentation, including:
  • Daily notes and activity logs
  • Medication administration records
  • Incident reports
  • Behavior tracking and goal documentation
  • Health monitoring records
  • Consumer fund records and receipts
  • Vehicle logs and other required forms
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements.
• Support licensing requirements, audits, inspections, and regulatory compliance activities.
• Attend required trainings, staff meetings, and supervisory sessions.

Transportation & Household Management

• Safely transport individuals to appointments, community activities, work programs, and other locations.
• Assist with household operations, including:
  • Meal planning and preparation
  • Grocery shopping
  • Housekeeping and organization
  • Home maintenance tasks
• Ensure residential environments remain clean, safe, and compliant with licensing standards.

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with Residential Managers, Lead DSPs, healthcare providers, families, and other team members.
• Assist with implementation of individualized goals and services.
• Participate in emergency, on-call, and special project activities as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support quality services and organizational objectives.

QualificationsRequired

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Minimum age of 21 years.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to pass all required background screenings and clearances.
• Ability to successfully complete required training, including CPR and First Aid.

Preferred

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Services, Psychology, Special Education, or a related field.
• Six (6) months to one (1) year of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or in a human services setting.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with individuals, families, and team members.
• Knowledge of person-centered and trauma-informed care practices.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining accountability.
• Strong documentation and recordkeeping skills.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office, email, and electronic documentation systems.
• Ability to remain calm and professional during emergencies and crisis situations.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, reach, stoop, and assist individuals throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds or more, with or without accommodation.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and transport individuals safely.
• Ability to work in residential and community settings throughout New Jersey.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergency situations and provide physical assistance when needed.

Work Schedule

This position requires flexibility to meet the needs of individuals served and may include:

• Day, evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts
• Overtime as needed
• On-call responsibilities and emergency coverage

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 build independence, achieve personal goals, and actively participate in their communities. This role offers the opportunity to be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to compassion, respect, inclusion, and excellence in care.

Who we are: Advancing Opportunities, Inc, an affiliate of Apis Services, is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization providing services and supports to people with disabilities and their families so they can live independently. Recognized as one of the leading disability service providers in the state of New Jersey, the agency is committed to person-centered services delivered in the community.

Apis Services, Inc. provides administrative services, including recruiting and onboarding new team members for more than 30 for profit and non-profit organizations across the United States so they can focus on their all-important missions. APIS Service, Inc. is a progressive corporation with over 3500 employees nationwide and growing.

The employment opportunities we have to offer dedicated and caring career seekers are endless. Join us in helping to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve by providing good people to support the missions they serve.

Apis Services, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Inperium, Inc.) provides a progressive platform for delivering Shared Services to Inperium and its Constellation of affiliate companies.

Apis Services provides equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment in compliance with all federal and all applicable state and local laws and regulations, including nondiscrimination in hiring and employment.

All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy/childbirth, veteran status or any other basis protected by law. This policy of non-discrimination and equal employment opportunities extends to every phase and aspect of hiring and employment.