Title: Direct Support Professional 

Reports to: Program Coordinator

Supervises: n/a

General Description:

A Direct Support Professional provides support to individuals with developmental disabilities to help them complete tasks throughout their day. The DSP give support to maintain or help build the individual’s level of independence. These skills include, but are not limited to, completing their hygiene, using the bathroom, dressing, cleaning, providing transportation, engaging in community activities, administering medication and providing supports during medical appointments. DSPs are the first line of support in the individuals’ lives and plays the most critical role in their overall care. 

Duties:

  • Provide supports to assist the individual to maintain their health and safety

  • Assist individuals with following their scheduled routine

  • Assist daily living skills, such as, personal hygiene care, cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc., as requested

  • Monitor, administer, and safeguard medication

  • Provide transportation when needed

  • Assist individuals served to advocate for themselves 

  • Report and document Unusual Incidents 

  • Report potential, suspected, or actual violations of laws regulation, or policies 

  • Cooperate with any internal or Division in any inspection or investigation, as well as Federal or Local Government Investigators

  • Respect confidentiality of all information regarding individuals served and their families 

  • Protect the served individuals’ dignity 

  • Other tasks as assigned

Requirements: 

  • Comply with all Federal Laws, DHS-DDD Supports Program (SP) Manual, New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities standards and circulars, local regulations, and policies and procedures of A & S Support Services.

  • Must cooperate with A & S Support Services’ and Department of Human Services staff in any inspection, inquiry or investigation

  • Must successfully complete and demonstrate proficiency in in all areas of required training, as mandated by the Division of Developmental Disabilities and the state of New Jersey

  • Meet annual Professional Development and training requirements 

Qualifications: 

  • Must be at least 18 years of age

  • Possess at minimum a High School Diploma or equivalent

  • Possess a Driver’s License valid in the state of New Jersey with no more than 5 points listed on the Motor Vehicle Abstract

  • Must obtain medical clearance to perform job responsibilities

  • Submit to a Criminal Background Check and be determined qualified for employment by the Department of Human Services 

  • Agree to a Central Registry of Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities check

  • Submit to pre-employment, random, and for cause Drug Screenings

  • Complete an application to be checked against the Child Abuse Registry Information (CARI)