Direct Support Professional (DSP) Position Available In Warren, New Jersey

Direct Support Professional (DSP) 3.4 3.4 out of 5 stars Washington, NJ 07882 BASIC

FUNCTION

: Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are responsible for providing direct care, supervision, and support to individuals with developmental disabilities, focusing on their overall well-being and fostering independence in daily activities in the Day Program setting. DSPs assist with essential personal care tasks including feeding, toileting, and mobility and adhere to individualized support plans (NJISPs) to help service recipients achieve their personal goals, ensuring consistent implementation of behavior support plans. DSPs also engage service recipients in community activities to encourage social integration and participation in meaningful experiences. DSPs maintain a safe, structured environment, provide transportation as needed, participate in medication administration, and respond to medical or behavioral emergencies using approved crisis intervention techniques. DSPs also support service recipients in establishing constructive routines, building positive relationships, and achieving greater independence within the Day Program setting, while ensuring adequate staff coverage. Collaboration with IDT members is key to ensuring comprehensive support. DSPs are committed to adhering to agency and state policies, including accurate documentation of services, compliance with Medicaid requirements, and active participation in ongoing training and professional development.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

: 1. Assist with instruction and training of individuals with developmental disabilities in pre-vocational areas such as production, cleaning, and community activities. 2. Interact with individuals professionally, respectfully, and compassionately, fostering peer-like relationships throughout daily activities. 3. Follow behavior protocols/plans as directed. 4. Administer First Aid to individuals as necessary. 5. Provide Crisis Intervention using appropriate Crisis Management techniques. 6. Develop constructive habilitation activities in which all service recipients can participate. 7. Assist individuals with tasks such as cooking, shopping, feeding, toileting, ambulation, and other custodial care as required by their disabilities and as assigned by the supervisor or designee. 8. Provide input into individuals’ program needs and goals, contributing to the development of functional work and life skills. 9. Will complete all electronic health documentation via Therap within 24 hours of services provided. 10. Accurately complete and maintain all required paperwork and records related to individuals’ progress/needs, goals, charts, and incident reports, within a timely manner. 11. Create and maintain an organized, consistent, and structured environment. 12. Encourage individuals to achieve success and challenge them to progress to higher levels of independence. 13. Work willingly with individuals who present challenging or aggressive behaviors, require physical assistance, are known Hep B carriers, or need one-to-one supervision and training, including those who may need help with toileting or feeding. 14. Tolerate prolonged standing, lifting, pushing, pulling, and movement around the program environment to meet the needs of individuals served. 15. Communicate supply and material needs to the supervisor promptly. 16. Be flexible and willing to accept various job assignments, including on-site and off-site training, cleaning, providing transportation, assisting with community and volunteer activities, and serving as back-up for other Day Programs across the Agency. 17. Comply with workplace safety and health policies and procedures, promoting a safe work environment. 18. Adhere to the Abilities attendance policy to ensure program coverage is maintained appropriately. 19. Must comply with policies and procedures related to the Electronic Health Records System and confidentiality. 20. Attend all required trainings as mandated by position, supervision, or agency administration. 21. Comply with all agency, DDD, and Medicaid policies and procedures. 22. Perform other duties as assigned by management to support the overall function and success of the program.

QUALIFICATIONS

:

SKILLS :

1. The ability to exercise good judgment and use common sense. 2. The ability to remain calm in crisis situations. 3. The ability to interact with a wide range of people respectfully. 4. The ability to learn and accurately complete paperwork, including basic math and daily progress notes. 5. The ability to accurately control contract/production results, both quality and quantity. 6. The ability to approach daily work from a person-centered perspective. 7. Proficiency with technology, including tablets, computers, and Microsoft Office programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). 8. Ability to lift and transfer at least 50 pounds. 9. The ability to sit, bend, squat, reach, and stand for several hours at a time. 10. Must be able to read, write, and verbally communicate in English and direct/respond to individuals’ needs.

EDUCATION/LICENSES

1. At least 18 years of age or older 2. High School diploma or GED 3. Valid driver’s license and driving record in good standing is required. 4. Willingness to transport consumers in agency vehicles when assigned by supervisor or designee.

REQUIREMENTS

Driver’s license valid in the state of New Jersey A requirement that the employee cooperate with the licensee and Department of Human Services staff in any inspection, inquiry, or investigation A requirement that the employee submit to a criminal background check, and be determined to be not disqualified by the Department of Human Services prior to working with individuals served A requirement that the employee agree to have their name checked against the Central Registry of Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities All employees hired after 6/15/18 shall submit to drug testing prior to employment All employees shall submit to drug testing conducted randomly and for cause All employees shall complete an application to have their name checked against the Child Abuse Registry Information (CARI)

EXPOSURE CATEGORY

Category 4 – Maximum exposure to blood borne pathogens on a daily basis.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & INITIATIVE

This role operates within a professional office environment. The use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and printers/scanners is expected.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

In this role, the employee is required to frequently speak and/or hear and engage in physical tasks such as standing, walking, using hands for handling or feeling, and reaching with hands and arms. Prolonged standing may be necessary, and the position also requires the ability to sit, bend, squat, and reach.

TRAVEL:

Travel to Abilities locations will be required. Travel may also be required for certain training events as mandated by the state. You may be eligible for mileage reimbursement.

DISCLAIMER

Please note this position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Job Types:

Full-time, Part-time Pay:

From $16.44 per hour Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible schedule Health insurance Life insurance Paid orientation Paid sick time Paid time off Paid training Referral program Vision insurance

Schedule:

Day shift Monday to Friday No nights No weekends

Work Location:

In person