Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional Homewatch CareGivers of South Orange - 3.8 South Orange, NJ Job Details Part-time | Full-time $18 an hour 3 hours ago Benefits Mileage reimbursement Paid holidays Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Flexible schedule Qualifications CPR Certification Working with individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders BLS Certification First aid English High school diploma or GED Driver's License First Aid Certification Direct support Mobile devices Full Job Description About Home Watch Caregivers Home Watch Caregivers is a NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)-approved provider supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their homes and communities serving Essex, Union, Passaic & Morris counties. We're growing, and we're looking for kind, dependable, and dedicated Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team. The Role As a Direct Support Professional, you'll work one-on-one with adults with developmental disabilities, supporting them in their day-to-day lives. You'll spend your time in their homes and out in the community — helping with daily living skills, encouraging independence, connecting them with what they love, and making sure they're safe, healthy, and happy. What You'll Do Build a real relationship with each person you support — get to know what matters to them, what they love, and what they want out of life. Support daily living activities such as personal care, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and mobility. Take individuals out into the community — appointments, errands, recreation, volunteering, classes, and social activities. Follow each individual's Person-Centered Planning Tool (PCPT) / Individual Service Plan (ISP) and document services accurately. Use Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) — clock in and out of every shift through our app or system. Recognize and respond to health and safety concerns, including calling 911 in any life-threatening emergency (Danielle's Law). Report any concerns about abuse, neglect, exploitation, or unusual incidents per Stephen Komninos' Law and our agency policies. Communicate clearly and respectfully with families, support coordinators, and our team. Show up on time, every shift, and treat the people we serve and their homes with respect. Requirements 18 years of age or older. High school diploma or GED. Valid driver's license, clean driving record, reliable vehicle, and current auto insurance. Ability to pass a NJ State and Federal fingerprint-based criminal background check. Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test and agree to ongoing random and reasonable-suspicion testing (Stephen Komninos' Law). Ability to clear NJ Central Registry (CRODID), CARI (Child Abuse Record Information), and Sex Offender Registry checks. Prior experience as a DSP for atleast 1 year. Strong English communication skills — written and verbal — for accurate documentation. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, assist with transfers, and perform the essential physical functions of the role. Comfort using a smartphone or tablet for EVV clock-in/out and documentation. Current CPR & First Aid certification (American Heart Association or American Red Cross — in-person, hands-on certification only). Familiarity with Therap, HHAeXchange, or other DDD/Medicaid documentation systems is a plus. What We Offer Competitive hourly pay — $18/hour Health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees. Paid time off and paid holidays. Reimbursement for mileage when transporting individuals. Flexible scheduling — daytime, evening, overnight, and weekend shifts available. A supportive team that has your back and respects your time. Real career growth — pathways into Lead DSP, Medication-Certified DSP, Supervisor, and beyond, aligned with NJ's DSP Core Competency Career Pathway.