LEAD DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Job Description

Job Description

Job Posting Title

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL LEAD (LEAD DSP)

Job Description

The Direct Support Professional Lead (Lead DSP) provides direct care, mentorship, and operational support within residential programs serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition to delivering person-centered services, the Lead DSP serves as a role model and resource for Direct Support Professionals by providing on-site training, guidance, coaching, and oversight to ensure quality service delivery and regulatory compliance.

The Lead DSP promotes independence, community inclusion, health, safety, and overall quality of life for individuals served while supporting implementation of individualized service plans, behavior support plans, and daily program operations. This position functions with professionalism, autonomy, and leadership while supporting the mission, values, and standards of Advancing Opportunities and the Inperium Family of Services.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE JOB AND ESSENTIAL ELEMENTSDirect Duties

• Assists individuals with activities of daily living including personal hygiene, grooming, bathing, dressing, meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, and household maintenance.
• Supports individuals in achieving goals identified in Individual Service Plans (ISP), Behavior Support Plans (BSP), and other individualized service programs.
• Promotes independence, dignity, self-determination, and community integration.
• Models optimism, positive reinforcement, and person-centered support.
• Provides supervision and guidance to help individuals develop life skills and increase independence.
• Creates and maintains a safe, therapeutic, and supportive living environment.
• Monitors and responds appropriately to actual or potential crisis situations.
• Utilizes trauma-informed care principles and behavioral interventions.
• Recognizes and reports suspected abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or exploitation according to agency policy and regulatory requirements.
• Assists with medication administration and medication-related documentation.
• Supports individuals in accessing medical, behavioral health, recreational, educational, vocational, and community resources.
• Provides transportation to appointments, community activities, employment opportunities, recreational activities, and other approved destinations.
• Assists individuals in developing personal care, housekeeping, meal planning, budgeting, and community living skills.
• Documents services, interventions, and individual progress in accordance with agency requirements.
• Maintains communication with Residential Managers regarding individual needs, concerns, and program issues.
• Completes required daily documentation and service records.
• Serves as a positive professional role model for staff and individuals served.
• Documents time worked accurately.
• Performs other duties as assigned by management.

Leadership & Staff Support Responsibilities

• Provides mentoring, coaching, and on-site training to Direct Support Professionals.
• Assists with onboarding and training of new staff.
• Monitors staff adherence to policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Provides ongoing feedback and guidance regarding service delivery and program expectations.
• Identifies compliance concerns and communicates issues to the Residential Manager.
• Supports implementation and consistency of individualized services and behavioral interventions.
• Assists with staff scheduling needs and operational coverage as requested.
• Promotes teamwork, professionalism, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Serves as a liaison between residential staff and management.
• Encourages a culture of accountability, communication, and service excellence.

Residential Program Responsibilities

• Oversees and supports implementation of individualized treatment, habilitation, and skill development programs.
• Ensures consistency of behavior support interventions and teaching strategies.
• Supports medical appointment coordination and follow-up activities.
• Assists with medication audits and medication administration oversight.
• Reviews documentation for completeness and accuracy.
• Prepares monthly reports and communicates service outcomes as required.
• Ensures homes maintain a clean, safe, organized, and home-like environment.
• Assists with inventory management, household supplies, clothing, and personal needs.
• Supports fire drills, safety inspections, vehicle inspections, and risk management activities.
• Ensures compliance with licensing standards and residential regulations.
• Participates in quality assurance reviews and program audits.
• Acts as an advocate for individuals served and their rights.

Other Responsibilities

• Demonstrates knowledge of developmental disabilities, behavioral health needs, and person-centered supports.
• Implements structured skill development programs including:
  • Self-care skills
  • Independent living skills
  • Social skills
  • Community integration
  • Vocational readiness
  • Family living skills
• Supports implementation of motivation systems and positive behavior supports.
• Assists with crisis prevention and intervention activities.
• Communicates effectively with families, guardians, support coordinators, healthcare providers, schools, employers, and community stakeholders.
• Participates in staff meetings, trainings, supervision sessions, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Promotes organizational values and ethical conduct.
• Supports emergency response and on-call activities as required.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by Residential Leadership.

ADHERE TO AND FOLLOW

• The By-Laws of the Corporation and as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation.

Job QualificationsEducation and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum one (1) year experience supporting individuals with disabilities, developmental disabilities, behavioral health conditions, or mental illness required.
• Supervisory, leadership, or mentoring experience preferred.
• Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
• Valid non-provisional driver's license with acceptable driving record required.
• Ability to meet agency and regulatory background screening requirements.

Required Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong documentation and recordkeeping abilities.
• Computer proficiency including Microsoft Office applications, email, electronic documentation systems, and timekeeping software.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and behavioral intervention practices.
• Knowledge of developmental disabilities and community-based support services.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to supervise, mentor, and train staff.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Ability to work flexible schedules as required.

Job CompetenciesLeadership & Staff Development

Provides coaching, mentoring, support, and leadership to Direct Support Professionals while promoting accountability and service excellence.

Person-Centered Support

Promotes dignity, choice, independence, and self-determination for individuals served.

Trauma-Informed Care

Applies trauma-informed principles to create safe and supportive environments.

Behavioral Support

Implements and monitors behavior support plans and intervention strategies effectively.

Community Integration

Supports individuals in developing relationships and participating fully in community life.

Communication

Communicates effectively with individuals served, families, team members, healthcare providers, and community partners.

Documentation & Compliance

Maintains accurate, timely, and compliant documentation consistent with organizational and regulatory standards.

Crisis Prevention & Intervention

Recognizes risks, responds appropriately to crisis situations, and supports prevention planning.

Organization & Time Management

Effectively manages responsibilities, documentation requirements, program tasks, and competing priorities.

Professionalism & Ethics

Demonstrates integrity, confidentiality, accountability, and respect in all interactions.

Network FunctionsVehicle Requirements

• Current driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Current vehicle registration and insurance as required.
• Ability to safely operate agency vehicles.
• Ability to transport individuals served.
• Ability to safely operate wheelchair lifts and adaptive transportation equipment when required.

Equipment/MachinesEquipment Operations

• Agency vehicles
• Wheelchair lifts
• Adaptive equipment
• Cellular and multi-line telephones
• Computers
• Copiers
• Fax machines
• Calculators
• Residential appliances and household equipment

Computer Software Applications

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems
• Electronic documentation systems
• HRIS and payroll platforms
• Agency-specific software applications

Physical DemandsPhysical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, twist, kneel, reach, and climb stairs throughout the workday.
• Ability to assist individuals with mobility, personal care, and daily living activities.
• Ability to drive vehicles and transport individuals safely.
• Ability to assist during emergencies and crisis situations.
• Ability to inspect facilities, complete safety reviews, and support household operations.

Lifting Requirements

• Ability to lift, push, pull, and move more than 50 pounds when necessary to safely support individuals and perform duties.

Working Conditions

• Residential group homes and supervised apartment programs.
• Community-based environments throughout New Jersey.
• Medical appointments, recreational settings, employment sites, educational locations, and community programs.
• Indoor and outdoor environments.
• Flexible schedules that may include evenings, overnights, weekends, holidays, and emergency coverage.

ACCIDENT, HEALTH HAZARD AND SECURITY KNOWLEDGE

• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Right-To-Know
• HIPAA
• Security Procedures
• Fire and Safety Regulations
• Crisis Intervention Procedures
• Emergency Preparedness and Risk Management Practices

General Requirements

• Maintain and abide by OSHA requirements and guidelines.
• Observe all Fire and Safety Policies and Procedures.
• Observe all Personnel Policies and Procedures.
• Observe all Agency Policies and Procedures.
• Observe all HIPAA Policies and Procedures and maintain confidentiality.
• Complete all required Human Resources documentation and forms.
• Attend all required trainings, meetings, certifications, and competency reviews.
• Successfully maintain CPR, First Aid, Medication Administration, and required certifications.
• Comply with DDS licensing standards, CARI requirements, criminal background checks, and abuse registry requirements.
• Maintain a professional demeanor and exercise sound judgment at all times.
• Document time worked accurately.

Drug-Free Workplace Statement

Apis Services maintains a drug-free workplace. Employees may be required to participate in pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, post-incident, or post-accident drug testing in accordance with affiliate, licensing, regulatory, and contractual requirements.

Employees must successfully complete all required background checks, abuse registry clearances, and regulatory screenings.

The statements on these pages reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified. These statements shall not be considered a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the position. We rely on good judgment, common sense, professionalism, and teamwork.

From time to time, employees may be requested to perform other duties essential to the effective operation of the affiliate. Appropriate training will be provided when necessary.

Schedule Flexibility

Please note that work schedules are subject to change based on business needs. Flexibility in working hours, including evenings, weekends, overnight shifts, holidays, emergency coverage, and various work locations may be required.

The more you know and the more areas in which you can work within the affiliate will add value to you as a professional and contribute to the continued success of Inperium, Inc. & Family of Services.

About Company

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 and its affiliates provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law. This commitment extends to every phase of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotion, training, and termination.