DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL-HOURLY

Job Description

Job Description

Job Posting Title

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (DSP)

Job Description

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides compassionate, person-centered support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in residential and community-based settings. The DSP plays a critical role in promoting independence, health, safety, dignity, and quality of life by assisting individuals with daily living activities, implementing individualized support plans, and fostering meaningful community participation.

Working collaboratively with Residential Managers, Lead DSPs, clinical staff, families, and community partners, the DSP helps individuals achieve personal goals, maintain health and wellness, develop life skills, and engage fully in their communities. The DSP embraces the organization’s mission by promoting compassion, hope, service, collaboration, and person-centered care.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE JOB AND ESSENTIAL ELEMENTSDirect Support & Daily Living Assistance

• Assists individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs), including:
  • Personal hygiene and grooming
  • Bathing and dressing
  • Meal planning and preparation
  • Housekeeping and laundry
  • Household cleaning and maintenance
  • Shopping and budgeting activities
• Supports individuals in achieving greater independence and maximizing quality of life.
• Encourages personal growth, self-determination, and development of independent living skills.
• Promotes meaningful relationships, social engagement, and community inclusion.
• Assists individuals in participating in recreational, educational, employment, and community activities.
• Creates and maintains a safe, supportive, and person-centered environment.
• Provides supervision and guidance consistent with individual support plans and program requirements.
• Models positive behaviors and promotes individual dignity and respect.

Health, Safety & Wellness Support

• Assists in maintaining the health, safety, and well-being of individuals served.
• Observes and reports changes in physical, emotional, behavioral, or medical conditions.
• Supports implementation of healthcare and wellness plans.
• Administers medications and completes medication documentation in accordance with state regulations and organizational standards.
• Monitors for potential crisis situations and responds appropriately using approved intervention strategies.
• Reports suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment according to agency policy and regulatory requirements.
• Follows all incident management and reporting procedures.
• Provides trauma-informed care and support.

Individualized Service & Skill Development

• Assists with implementation of Individual Service Plans (ISPs), Individual Habilitation Plans (IHPs), and Behavior Support Plans (BSPs).
• Supports individuals in achieving personal goals and measurable outcomes.
• Teaches life skills, daily living skills, and community participation skills.
• Implements positive behavior support strategies and individualized programming.
• Assists individuals in developing:
  • Self-care skills
  • Household management skills
  • Social skills
  • Community integration skills
  • Independent living skills
• Collaborates with Lead DSPs, Residential Managers, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure quality care and support.

Community Participation & Transportation

• Provides transportation and support for:
  • Medical appointments
  • Day programs
  • Employment activities
  • School programs
  • Recreational outings
  • Religious services
  • Family visits
  • Community events
• Assists individuals with accessing resources and opportunities within the community.
• Promotes community integration and meaningful participation.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintains accurate and timely documentation, including:
  • Daily logs
  • Medication Administration Records (MARs)
  • Goal tracking documentation
  • Incident reports
  • Sleep/awake charts
  • Weight monitoring records
  • Seizure logs
  • Behavior support documentation
  • Vehicle logs
  • Consumer funds documentation
  • Fire drill documentation
• Completes required documentation in accordance with agency, licensing, and regulatory requirements.
• Documents time worked accurately through the HRIS system.
• Participates in audits, inspections, investigations, and quality assurance activities as required.

Other Responsibilities

• Completes all required orientation, annual, competency-based, CPR, First Aid, and in-service trainings.
• Attends staff meetings, supervision sessions, and program meetings.
• Assists Residential Managers and Lead DSPs with program activities and special projects.
• Supports emergency and on-call activities as needed.
• Cooperates with licensing representatives, regulatory agencies, and organizational leadership.
• Maintains confidentiality of individual and organizational information.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

ADHERE TO AND FOLLOW

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

Job QualificationsEducation and ExperienceRequired

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Minimum twenty-one (21) years of age.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Ability to read, write, and document effectively in English.

Preferred

• Associate Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Education, Behavioral Health, or related field.
• Six (6) months to one (1) year of experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or within human services.
• Experience in residential, behavioral health, or community-based service settings.

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain).
• Medication Administration certification as required by state regulations.
• Successful completion of:
  • Criminal background investigations
  • CARI screenings
  • Drug screenings
  • Required regulatory clearances

Required Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong documentation and recordkeeping abilities.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles.
• Ability to effectively support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Basic computer proficiency including:
  • Microsoft Office
  • Email systems
  • Electronic documentation systems
  • HRIS platforms

Job CompetenciesPerson-Centered Support

Provides individualized services that promote dignity, choice, independence, and quality of life.

Communication

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

Trauma-Informed Care

Creates supportive environments that recognize and appropriately respond to trauma-related needs.

Documentation & Compliance

Maintains accurate, timely, and compliant documentation while following regulatory and organizational requirements.

Community Integration

Supports meaningful participation in community life and development of social connections.

Problem Solving & Critical Thinking

Applies sound judgment to resolve concerns and address individual support needs.

Organization & Time Management

Effectively prioritizes responsibilities while maintaining quality service delivery.

Stress Tolerance

Remains calm and professional during emergencies, crises, and challenging situations.

Teamwork & Collaboration

Works effectively with interdisciplinary teams, families, and community stakeholders.

Ethical Practice

Demonstrates integrity, confidentiality, professionalism, and respect for participant rights.

Network FunctionsVehicle Requirements

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

Equipment/MachinesEquipment Operations

• Agency vehicles
• Wheelchair lifts
• Adaptive equipment
• Telephone
• Cellular phone
• Computer
• Copier
• Fax machine
• Calculator
• Residential household equipment and appliances

Computer Software Applications

• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Electronic Health Records (EHR)
• Electronic documentation systems
• HRIS platforms
• Agency-specific software applications

Physical DemandsPhysical Requirements

• Standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, twisting, and climbing stairs regularly.
• Assisting individuals with mobility and daily living activities.
• Driving vehicles for community transportation.
• Responding to emergencies and crisis situations.
• Working both indoors and outdoors in residential and community environments.

Lifting Requirements

• Ability to lift, transfer, push, pull, and carry more than 50 pounds as required.

Working Conditions

• Residential group homes.
• Community-based settings.
• Medical and healthcare appointments.
• Recreation and employment sites.
• Various locations throughout New Jersey.

ACCIDENT, HEALTH HAZARD AND SECURITY KNOWLEDGE

• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Right-To-Know
• HIPAA
• Incident Reporting Procedures
• Emergency Response Protocols
• Fire and Safety Procedures
• Workplace Safety Standards

General Requirements

• Maintain and abide by OSHA requirements and guidelines.
• Observe all Agency, Personnel, HR, and Safety Policies and Procedures.
• Maintain HIPAA compliance and confidentiality standards.
• Attend all required trainings, meetings, certifications, and professional development activities.
• Demonstrate professionalism and sound judgment in all employment duties.
• Support person-centered, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented practices.
• Document time worked accurately.

Drug-Free Workplace Statement

Apis Services maintains a drug-free workplace. Employees may be required to participate in drug and alcohol testing as required by state regulations, licensing standards, contractual obligations, post-incident procedures, or reasonable suspicion protocols.

The statements contained herein describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications.

Additional duties may be assigned to support program operations and participant outcomes. Appropriate training will be provided when necessary.

Schedule Flexibility

Work schedules are subject to business needs and may include days, evenings, weekends, holidays, overnight shifts, emergency coverage, and varying work locations.

The more knowledge, flexibility, and expertise an employee develops, the greater value they bring to themselves and contribute to the continued success of Inperium, Inc. & Family of Services.

About Company

Advancing Opportunities (AO) , an affiliate of Apis Services, Inc. and Inperium, Inc. , provides innovative supports and services that empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve independence, meaningful community participation, and enhanced quality of life.

Apis Services and its affiliates are equal opportunity employers committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. 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 characteristic protected by applicable law. This commitment extends to all phases of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotion, training, and termination.