DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Job Summary

Required Qualifications

• •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.
• •Strong documentation, interpersonal, organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• •Ability to complete records, reports, financial documentation, and basic mathematical calculations accurately.
• •Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a team.
• •Ability to supervise and assist individuals receiving residential services.
• •Ability to remain alert and attentive throughout an overnight shift.
• •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 satisfy 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.
• •Ability to stand or work for six to eight hours, or for the duration of the scheduled shift.
• •Ability to sit for approximately two to three hours during a shift.
• •Ability to drive an agency vehicle for approximately one to four hours during a shift.
• •Ability to bend, reach, stand, stoop, twist, climb stairs, and perform other physical movements throughout the work period.
• •Ability to assist individuals with personal care, mobility, and activities of daily living.
• •Ability to perform lifting duties involving more than 50 pounds when required for essential job responsibilities.
• •Ability to operate or assist with vehicle lifts, wheelchair lifts, adaptive equipment, household appliances, telephones, computers, and other program equipment.
• •Ability to work at residential and community locations throughout New Jersey.
• •Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• •Follow all OSHA, fire, health, safety, personnel, fiscal, office, and agency policies and procedures.
• •Comply with HIPAA requirements and protect confidential information.
• •Maintain knowledge of bloodborne-pathogen precautions, Right to Know requirements, security practices, and fire and safety procedures.
• •Complete and return required Human Resources documentation.
• •Attend all required and scheduled meetings and training sessions.
• •Accurately document all time worked.
• •Maintain a professional demeanor and exercise sound professional judgment.
• •Cooperate with program inspections, inquiries, investigations, and licensing activities.
• •Follow applicable corporate bylaws, organizational policies, procedures, and governing requirements.

Desired Qualifications

• •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 the creation of trauma-informed environments.
• •Experience implementing behavior support plans.
• •Medication administration experience.
• •Previous residential or overnight direct-support experience.
• •Familiarity with New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities requirements.