Out-N-About Direct Support Professional

Who We Are 

Join a Team That’s Making a Difference for Thousands of Families Across New Jersey! 

At the Family Resource Network (FRN), we’re committed to improving the lives of individuals living with epilepsy, autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, and chronic illnesses. With over 30 programs and services, we’ve impacted the health and happiness of thousands of families for over five decades. But our impact doesn’t stop there—our community events, like the “Walk for the ONE” 5k walk/run and the Autism Beach Bash, bring even more people together in support of our mission.  

As part of FRN, you’ll be joining a statewide organization that serves over 3,500 through direct service and 80,000 individuals through training and education annually. FRN’s core service areas include: providing community-based programs that meet the evolving needs of individuals and families across New Jersey.  

At FRN, our values-driven culture is what sets us apart. We are deeply committed to fostering a positive and inclusive environment, where everyone’s voice is heard, and every contribution matters. Our focus on respect, integrity, and teamwork allows us to create meaningful change for the individuals and families we serve, while ensuring that each team member thrives in a supportive, collaborative workplace.  

If you have a genuine passion for helping others and are eager to contribute to meaningful change, we invite you to bring your enthusiasm and lend your talents to advancing our mission. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Out N About program is a community inclusion program for adults with developmental disabilities. The program provides social and recreational opportunities for the individuals enrolled in the program. The Direct Support Professional (DSP) shall assist individuals in the ONA program in participating in activities planned within the community, ensuring socialization, and assisting the individual(s) with working on their independence.

Out N About programming occurs on Saturdays and requires in-person staff attendance. Saturday event hours vary but typically take place between the timeframe of 10AM – 3PM. Virtual opportunities may also be available throughout the week. Hour availability will vary based on scheduled events.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Must work a 3 in-person events per month that occur on the weekend
• Is attentive, flexible, and supportive of consumers and their families
• Maintain regular communication with the Family Support Coordinator via agency email
• Is technologically proficient and able to use company implemented platforms to ensure successful programming and documentation
• Responsible for maintaining the comfort, health, safety, and well-being of consumers during program events and intervening when necessary
• Provide care and supervision to assigned individual(s) during program
• Encourage and models appropriate social behaviors and interactions
• Ensure that all work is carried out in a manner that is both respectful and empowering to families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• When necessary, will be required to drive consumers to and from a planned program activity in rental cars reserved by the Family Support Coordinator
• Maintain participant’s confidentiality according to HIPPA
• Contacts Program Lead and Coordinator 48 hours prior to a scheduled event/activity if unable to attend
• Maintain CPR and First Aid certification (every two years) and other job requirements as necessary
• Complete 6 professional development hours annually
• Attend quarterly DSP/program meetings
• Demonstrate a friendly, courteous, and professional demeanor
• Prepare self-evaluation for the Family Support Coordinator and undergoes an annual review process as required
• Submit all pertinent documents, including program notes, timesheets, and incident reports by specified deadlines
• Follow mandatory reporting procedures according to FRN and state protocols
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to engage in physical activities including:
  • • Walking long distances
    • Lifting, moving, or holding weight of 10-40 pounds may be required
    • Respond immediately and appropriately to ensure consumer health and safety needs
    • Maintain mental and physical alertness and an appropriate level of energy to perform essential job requirement

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED
• Meet agency and state requirements, and maintain credentials for the position, which includes ongoing trainings CPR Certification, TB test, etc.
• Experience with assisting and serving individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities preferred
• Must submit to a criminal history review/ fingerprinting. All employment and continued employment are contingent upon receipt and maintenance of a satisfactory criminal records review/ fingerprint report.
• If driving for the agency, a valid driver’s license, proper registration, insurance and satisfactory driver’s record required- these credentials must be maintained for initial and continued employment
• Drug Testing required upon hire

Salary : $20 - $22