DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (DSP)

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Department: Residential Services
Service Line: Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
Affiliate: Advancing Opportunities (AO)
Location: New Jersey
Reports To: Residential Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Schedule: Per Diem

Position Summary

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a valued member of the Residential Services team responsible for providing compassionate, person-centered support to individuals with intellectual, developmental, and behavioral health challenges. The Direct Support Professional (DSP) assists individuals in achieving their highest level of independence, dignity, health, and well-being while promoting community inclusion and personal growth.

Working collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team, the Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides direct care, skill development, supervision, transportation, medication administration, and support with activities of daily living. The DSP fosters a safe, supportive, and trauma-informed environment that reflects the organization’s commitment to compassion, hope, service, and collaboration.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Direct Care and Support

• Assist individuals with activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, grooming, dressing, meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, and household maintenance.
• Support individuals in maximizing independence and quality of life.
• Provide supervision, guidance, and skill-building opportunities to promote personal growth and self-sufficiency.
• Foster positive relationships and support community integration and participation.
• Ensure the health, safety, welfare, and emotional well-being of individuals served.
• Provide services using trauma-informed care principles.

Individualized Services

• Support implementation of Individual Service Plans (ISPs), Individual Habilitation Plans (IHPs), and Behavior Support Plans (BSPs).
• Assist with ISP development, goal tracking, and outcome achievement.
• Implement behavioral support strategies and interventions as directed.
• Teach daily living, social, and adaptive skills in accordance with individualized plans.
• Follow all supervision requirements outlined in individual service plans.

Medication Administration and Health Support

• Administer medications in accordance with agency policies, physician orders, and regulatory requirements.
• Carry out prescribed health care programs and monitor individuals’ health status.
• Maintain accurate medication administration records and documentation.
• Respond appropriately to medical emergencies and health-related concerns.

Transportation and Community Involvement

• Safely transport individuals to and from medical appointments, day programs, educational activities, religious services, recreational outings, family visits, and community events.
• Operate agency or personal vehicles in compliance with motor vehicle laws and organizational policies.
• Ensure safety and supervision during all transportation and community activities.

Crisis Prevention and Intervention

• Monitor for potential crisis situations and respond appropriately.
• Utilize de-escalation and intervention techniques consistent with training and agency procedures.
• Report incidents, accidents, abuse, neglect, exploitation, or safety concerns in accordance with agency and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain a safe, supportive, and secure environment for individuals served.

Documentation and Compliance

• Complete and maintain accurate and timely documentation, including:
  • Daily logs
  • Goal tracking documentation
  • Medication administration records
  • Incident reports
  • Behavior support documentation
  • Sleep/awake charts
  • Weight and health monitoring records
  • Seizure logs
  • Fire drill logs
  • Vehicle logs and gas receipts
  • Consumer fund documentation
  • Other required reports and records
• Accurately record work time through the HRIS/timekeeping system.
• Maintain confidentiality of all individual and agency information.

Residential Program Operations

• Assist with household operations including shopping, meal planning, cleaning, recreational activities, and community-based supports.
• Support annual licensing reviews and regulatory compliance activities.
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, trainings, and agency functions.
• Assist with on-call responsibilities and emergency coverage as requested.
• Collaborate with Lead DSPs, Residential Managers, family members, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure quality services.
• Assist with agency projects and perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
• Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or a related field preferred.

Experience

• Six (6) months to one (1) year of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or working in the human services field preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record required.
• Current vehicle registration and insurance as required.
• CPR and First Aid certification required or ability to obtain within designated timeframe.
• Successful completion of all required orientation, competency-based training, and annual in-service training.

Additional Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Ability to successfully pass all required background clearances, including criminal history checks, child abuse clearances, drug screening, and other regulatory screenings.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities and person-centered support practices.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care and support strategies.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, email, electronic health records, and documentation systems.
• Strong organizational, documentation, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain professionalism.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to remain calm and effective during crisis situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals served, families, coworkers, funding sources, and community partners.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and documenting in English.
• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts and locations based on program needs.

Physical Requirements

The employee must be able to:

• Lift, transfer, and/or assist with weights exceeding 50 pounds.
• Bend, stoop, kneel, twist, reach, and climb stairs.
• Stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Sit for periods of up to 2–3 hours for meetings, transportation, and documentation.
• Drive agency or personal vehicles for up to 1–4 hours per shift.
• Perform physical interventions and assistance as required to safely support individuals served.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in residential homes and community settings throughout New Jersey.
• This is a Per Diem position. Hours and schedules vary based on program needs and staffing requirements.
• Flexibility to work days, evenings, overnights, weekends, holidays, and emergency coverage shifts is required.
• Exposure to environmental and safety hazards common to residential and community-based services.
• Compliance with OSHA, HIPAA, fire safety, infection control, and all organizational policies and procedures is required.

Compliance Responsibilities

The Direct Support Professional is expected to:

• Adhere to all agency policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, and ethical standards.
• Maintain confidentiality of protected health information and consumer records.
• Comply with Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) regulations and licensing standards.
• Cooperate with inspections, investigations, audits, and licensing reviews.
• Attend all required trainings and staff meetings.
• Maintain a professional demeanor and exercise sound judgment at all times.
• Support the mission, vision, and values of Advancing Opportunities, Apis Services, and the Inperium Family of Companies.

About Our Organization

Advancing Opportunities, Inc., a member of the Inperium Family of Companies, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing services and supports to individuals with disabilities and their families so they can live independently and achieve their fullest potential. Recognized as one of New Jersey’s leading disability service providers, Advancing Opportunities is committed to delivering high-quality, person-centered services in community-based settings.

Employment for this position is administered through Apis Services, Inc.

Apis Services, Inc. provides administrative support services, including recruiting and onboarding, to more than 30 nonprofit and for-profit organizations across the United States, allowing them to focus on their missions and the individuals they serve. Apis Services employs more than 3,500 team members nationwide and continues to grow as a progressive human services organization.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Apis Services, Inc., Inperium Inc., and their affiliates are Equal Opportunity Employers.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Management reserves the right to modify job duties and responsibilities based on organizational needs. Employees may be required to perform additional duties consistent with their training, qualifications, and business requirements. Cross-training and schedule flexibility are essential components of employment within the organization.