DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL
$35,672–$35,672 year
On-siteWoodland Park, New Jersey, United States
Job Summary
Assist individuals with activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, grooming, meal preparation, and household maintenance. Provide person-centered support that promotes independence, personal choice, dignity, privacy, and quality of life while helping individuals develop daily living, social, communication, and community participation skills. Create and maintain a safe, respectful, trauma-informed, and supportive residential environment. Transport and accompany individuals to medical appointments, day programs, community activities, and religious services. Administer medications after completing required training and implement prescribed healthcare and behavioral programs. Recognize and respond appropriately to emergencies, behavioral concerns, or crises using approved techniques. Complete required documentation accurately in medication logs, daily logs, goal logs, and incident reports. Work with the Residential Manager to ensure needs are addressed according to service plans and participate in scheduled staff meetings.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent certificate
- At least 21 years of age
- Valid driver's license and a driving record that meets organizational requirements
- Current vehicle registration and insurance when use of a personal vehicle is required
- Ability to read, write, communicate, and complete required documentation in English
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office, email, electronic timekeeping, and related applications
- Strong judgment, problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Ability to supervise or assist individuals receiving residential services
- Ability to respond calmly and appropriately to crises, emergencies, criticism, and high-stress situations
- Ability to recognize, respond to, and report health, safety, and security concerns
- Ability to complete and maintain all required training, including CPR and First Aid
- Ability to satisfy all applicable pre-employment and ongoing screening requirements, including criminal background, CARI, Central Registry, and drug screening requirements
- Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position
- Ability to stand or work for six to eight hours during a shift
- Ability to sit for approximately two to three hours during a shift
- Ability to drive a company vehicle for approximately one to four hours during a shift when required
- Ability to bend, reach, stand, stoop, twist, sit, and climb stairs
- Ability to lift more than 50 pounds when required to perform essential duties
- Ability to provide hands-on assistance to individuals as needed
- Ability to safely operate vehicles, wheelchair lifts, adaptive equipment, telephones, computers, household appliances, and other assigned equipment after appropriate training
- Ability to work in residential and community settings throughout New Jersey
- Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation
- Criminal background screening
- Child Abuse Record Information screening
- Central Registry screening
- Drug screening
- Driver's license and motor vehicle record verification
- Completion of required orientation and training
- CPR and First Aid certification
- Medication-administration training
- Annual competency requirements
- Compliance with confidentiality and HIPAA requirements
- Compliance with safety, licensing, and regulatory requirements
- Ability to remain calm during challenging situations
- Organized and attentive to detail
- A clear and professional communicator
- Able to work independently with minimal supervision
- A collaborative and supportive team member
- Committed to helping others achieve their goals
- Must be available for weekend shifts
- Part-Time Overnight schedule (Thursday 11:00 PM to 9:00 AM Friday & Saturday 11:00 PM to 7:00 a.m.)
- Flexibility for alternate hours, locations, training, meetings, emergencies, or additional coverage
Desired Qualifications
- Associate or bachelor's degree
- Six months to one year of direct experience working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities
- Previous experience in a human services, residential, behavioral health, or community-based setting
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care and trauma-informed environments
- Experience implementing individual service plans or behavioral support plans
- Experience completing medication, service, behavioral, safety, or incident documentation
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