DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Job Posting Title

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (DSP)

Job Description

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a member of the interdisciplinary care team who provides compassionate, person-centered support to individuals with intellectual, developmental, and behavioral health challenges. The DSP assists individuals in achieving their fullest potential by promoting independence, dignity, wellness, safety, and community integration. Working in residential and community settings, the DSP provides assistance with daily living activities, implements individualized support plans, and fosters an environment of hope, respect, and inclusion. Through trauma-informed care and collaborative service delivery, the DSP helps individuals achieve their personal goals and improve their quality of life.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE JOB AND ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS

Direct Duties

• Assists individuals with activities of daily living including personal hygiene, grooming, bathing, dressing, meal preparation, household chores, laundry, shopping, and community participation.
• Supports individuals in achieving goals identified in their Individual Service Plans (ISP), Individual Habilitation Plans (IHP), and Behavior Support Plans (BSP).
• Promotes independence, self-determination, and community inclusion.
• Models positive behaviors, optimism, and encouragement to help individuals maximize their potential.
• Provides supervision, guidance, and support to develop life skills and increase independence.
• Maintains a safe, supportive, and person-centered environment.
• Implements trauma-informed and recovery-oriented care practices.
• Monitors and responds appropriately to behavioral, medical, and emergency situations.
• Recognizes and reports suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment in accordance with agency policies and regulatory requirements.
• Assists with medication administration and documentation in accordance with agency policies and applicable regulations.
• Provides transportation to medical appointments, employment programs, educational opportunities, recreational activities, family visits, religious services, and other community-based activities.
• Assists individuals with community integration and participation in meaningful activities.
• Participates in ISP development, implementation, and progress monitoring.
• Maintains accurate and timely documentation, including but not limited to:
  • Daily logs
  • Medication Administration Records (MARs)
  • Goal tracking logs
  • Incident reports
  • Behavior documentation
  • Sleep/awake charts
  • Weight monitoring records
  • Seizure records
  • Fire drill logs
  • Vehicle logs
  • Consumer funds documentation
  • Other agency-required records
• Completes electronic timekeeping accurately through the HRIS system.
• Assists with residential licensing, inspections, and regulatory compliance activities.
• Attends all scheduled staff meetings, trainings, and agency events.
• Assists with on-call responsibilities and emergency situations as requested.
• Works collaboratively with Residential Managers, Lead DSPs, clinical staff, families, guardians, and external service providers.
• Performs special projects and program-related assignments as directed.
• Documents time worked accurately.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

Other Responsibilities

• Successfully completes all required pre-service, annual, and in-service training programs.
• Implements healthcare, habilitation, behavioral, and support plans as prescribed.
• Teaches adaptive living skills and supports individual growth and development.
• Maintains confidentiality of client information and records.
• Assists with maintenance of client files, monthly reports, and goal tracking documentation.
• Participates in individual assessments and identification of support needs.
• Cooperates fully with licensing reviews, audits, inspections, and investigations.
• Promotes dignity, respect, and individual rights at all times.
• Maintains professional relationships and ethical conduct.
• Supports positive relationships among individuals served, family members, coworkers, and community stakeholders.
• Participates in quality improvement activities and agency initiatives.
• Other duties as necessary to support quality service delivery.

ADHERE TO AND FOLLOW

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

Job Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
• Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Psychology, Education, Healthcare, Social Services, or related field preferred.
• Minimum six (6) months to one (1) year of direct support, human services, healthcare, or residential experience preferred.
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities preferred.
• Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
• Valid 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.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and positive behavioral support practices.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Computer proficiency including Microsoft Office, email, electronic documentation, and timekeeping systems.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with individuals served, families, coworkers, supervisors, and community partners.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule as required by program needs.

Job Competencies

Person-Centered Support

Provides individualized supports that promote dignity, independence, choice, and self-determination.

Communication

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

Trauma-Informed Care

Utilizes trauma-informed approaches to create safe and supportive environments.

Behavioral Support

Implements individualized behavior plans consistently and effectively.

Community Integration

Supports participation in community activities, relationships, and opportunities.

Documentation & Compliance

Maintains accurate, timely, and compliant records and reporting.

Problem Solving & Critical Thinking

Uses sound judgment and effective decision-making when addressing concerns and challenges.

Professionalism & Ethics

Demonstrates integrity, confidentiality, accountability, and professionalism.

Organization & Time Management

Effectively manages responsibilities, schedules, and documentation requirements.

Stress Tolerance

Responds calmly and appropriately during emergencies, crises, and high-stress situations.

Network Functions

Vehicle Requirements

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

Equipment/Machines

Equipment Operations

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

Computer Software Applications

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

Physical Demands

Physical Requirements

• Ability to bend, stoop, twist, kneel, reach, climb stairs, and assist individuals with mobility needs.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to sit for periods of time throughout a work shift.
• Ability to safely drive agency vehicles.
• Ability to assist with transfers and physical support when required.
• Ability to safely perform residential and community-based activities.

Lifting Requirements

• Ability to lift, push, pull, and move over 50 pounds when necessary to safely support individuals and complete job duties.

Working Conditions

• Residential group homes and community living environments.
• Community locations throughout New Jersey.
• Medical facilities, educational programs, employment sites, recreational programs, and community venues.
• Indoor and outdoor work environments.
• Flexible schedules that may include evenings, weekends, holidays, overnight shifts, and emergency coverage.

ACCIDENT, HEALTH HAZARD AND SECURITY KNOWLEDGE

• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Right-To-Know
• HIPAA
• Security Procedures
• Fire and Safety Regulations
• Emergency Preparedness Procedures

General Requirements

• Maintain and abide by OSHA requirements and guidelines.
• Observe all Fire and Safety Policies and Procedures.
• Observe all Fiscal, Office, Human Resources, and Personnel Policies and Procedures.
• Observe all Agency Policies and Procedures.
• Observe all HIPAA Policies and Procedures and maintain confidentiality.
• Complete and return all Human Resources documentation as required.
• Attend all required trainings, meetings, competency reviews, and recertifications.
• Maintain a professional demeanor and exercise sound judgment at all times.
• Successfully complete CPR, First Aid, and all required trainings.
• Comply with all required screenings, background checks, and regulatory clearances.
• Document time worked accurately.

Drug-Free Workplace Statement

Apis Services maintains a drug-free workplace. As a general policy, pre-employment drug testing is not required for employment with Apis Services.

However, drug and alcohol testing may be required under specific circumstances, including but not limited to:

• Following a work-related vehicle accident, in accordance with applicable policy and legal requirements.
• Following a workplace incident or injury where post-incident or workers’ compensation drug testing is appropriate or required.
• Certain affiliates may be subject to federal, state, licensing, regulatory, contractual, or funding agency requirements that mandate pre-employment or ongoing drug testing for specific positions or programs. In those cases, the affiliate-specific policy will govern those positions.

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 working schedules are subject to change based on business needs. Flexibility in working hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, overnight shifts, and 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 compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. 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 characteristic under applicable law. This commitment extends to all phases of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotion, training, and termination.