Direct Support Professional

About the Role

At Devereux New Jersey, being a Direct Support Professional is more than a job. It is an opportunity to help adults with autism and developmental disabilities build greater independence, develop everyday life skills, and participate more fully in their communities. You will join a collaborative team of dedicated professionals who share your commitment to helping others thrive while prioritizing your growth and career development.

Pay

Starting salary at $20.42 per hour, with increases based on education and experience. Opportunities for advancement and ongoing support within a collaborative environment.

Benefits

• Time Off: Comprehensive package begins day one — up to 24 days of paid time off during your first year plus 64 hours of sick time.
• Healthcare: Benefits start 30 days after start date. Low-cost coverage available with single plans starting as low as $87 per pay period. Includes medical (telemedicine via phone, web, app), dental, prescription drug, preventative care, and mental health services.
• Retirement: 403(b) plan with matching benefit.
• Student Loan & Education Support: ASCEND Program for student loan reimbursement; tuition reimbursement and continuing education assistance.
• Additional Coverage: Voluntary/employee-paid supplemental life and accident coverage; employee assistance / work-life balance program.
• Clinical & Management Support: Work alongside a highly supportive management team with training, ongoing supervision, and support from seasoned DSPs, management, regional directors, and a clinical team led by Dr. Michelle Lipchock, State Clinical Director.

Responsibilities

• Work in residential group homes or vocational day programs.
• Ensure the safety, health, and well-being of individuals in our care.
• Coach and assist individuals as they build daily living skills, including food preparation, cooking, cleaning, and shopping.
• Support the planning, implementation, and documentation of programs that address each individual's social, emotional, physical, and personal needs.
• Plan and participate in community-based employment, volunteer opportunities, day program activities, and outings that promote involvement and independence.
• Build positive, productive relationships with individuals’ family members to help ensure the individual thrives under the care we provide.
• Safely transport individuals to doctor appointments, day programs, and scheduled community activities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid, non-provisional driver's license.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Availability to attend a two-week paid new-hire orientation training (hybrid and in-person).
• Sound judgment and the ability to respond calmly, make thoughtful decisions, and know when to ask for support.
• Empathy, reliability, and a team-oriented approach to supporting adults with autism and developmental disabilities.

Devereux has a zero-tolerance policy for abuse and maintains policies and procedures to systematically reduce the risk of abuse. Devereux fosters a culture of reporting abuse and will cooperate with authorities to the fullest extent possible.

Company Overview

Devereux is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit organizations, providing services, insight, and leadership in the evolving field of behavioral healthcare. Founded in 1912, Devereux operates a comprehensive national network of clinical, therapeutic, educational, and employment programs that positively impact the lives of 10,000+ children, adults, and their families every year. With nearly 6,500 employees working in programs across the country, Devereux is a trusted partner for families, schools, and communities, serving individuals in the areas of autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, specialty mental health, education, and foster care.

Mission: Devereux changes lives — by unlocking and nurturing human potential for people living with emotional, behavioral, or cognitive differences.

Culture

At Devereux, Servant Leadership is embedded throughout our culture and every aspect of our organizational framework. Our mission-driven, people-first mindset is at the heart of the compassionate and high-quality programming we provide every day for the individuals and families we serve, and other key stakeholders. Devereux offers challenging and exciting work, and our team environment creates an empowering, positive, and rewarding atmosphere.

To be successful at Devereux, you will put the needs of others first, feel called to serve and called to lead. As a member of our team, you will be a significant part of our commitment to providing a welcoming and supportive work environment across all programs and services, and within all policies and employee practices. We believe a workplace rooted in inclusivity — offering a sense of belonging to all those who walk through our doors — is fundamental to delivering the highest quality healthcare services. Through open dialogue and the creation of brave spaces, we will engage in work that gives each of us a chance to change the world — one person, one family, one community at a