DSP (Direct Support Professional)

A Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides essential care and support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to help them live as independently as possible. DSPs empower clients by promoting personal growth, community involvement, and self-advocacy while ensuring a safe, respectful, and enriching environment.

Primary Responsibilities

• Support Daily Living Activities: Assist clients with bathing, grooming, dressing, eating, and other personal hygiene tasks as needed.
• Promote Independence and Life Skills: Encourage and assist clients in developing skills for independent living such as cooking, cleaning, budgeting, and communication.
• Implement Individualized Service Plans (ISPs): Follow person-centered plans tailored to each individual’s goals, abilities, and preferences.
• Community Integration: Accompany clients to recreational activities, social events, appointments, or volunteer/work programs, promoting inclusion and community engagement.
• Medication Administration: Administer medications as trained and authorized, maintaining accurate documentation in accordance with agency policy and state regulations.
• Behavioral Support: Provide consistent, respectful behavioral interventions and crisis support according to established behavior support plans.
• Maintain a Safe Environment: Ensure a clean, organized, and hazard-free environment in homes or community-based settings.
• Documentation and Reporting: Accurately record daily activities, health updates, incidents, and progress toward goals. Report significant changes to supervisors and healthcare professionals.
• Advocate for Clients: Support and empower individuals to express their choices, rights, and needs. Act as a liaison between clients, families, and professional service providers.
• Transportation Assistance: Safely transport clients to appointments, day programs, or community activities as necessary.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED (required)
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record (required by most employers)
• Completion of Direct Support Professional training (may vary by state/agency)
• CPR/First Aid certification (preferred or required)
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Patience, empathy, and commitment to disability advocacy
• Ability to assist with physical tasks, including lifting or transferring clients
• Prior experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities is a plus

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Referral program

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)
• Night Shift (Preferred)
• Overnight Shift (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Manchester, NJ 08759 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Manchester, NJ 08759: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16 - $18