Direct Support Professional

Summary

Position Type: Non‑exempt, full‑time or part‑time, hourly role. Pay rate: $15.00/hour.

Scope of Role: Provides direct support within a single program or unit, typically supporting 4‑6 individuals in residential settings, or up to 10 individuals in periodic programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver support per individual service/program plans, including socialization, health maintenance, medication administration, and skill/behavioral development.
• Assist with daily activities such as personal care, housekeeping, recreational activities, transportation, community integration, shopping, citizenship, and other activities of daily living.

Essential Job Functions

• Direct Support: Provide assistance in accordance with individual service or program plans; support socialization, behavioral development, personal care, housekeeping, recreation, transportation, community orientation, shopping, financial management, citizenship, and other ADLs.
• Records: Accurately document progress and activity; review records and logs to stay abreast of changes; maintain confidentiality.
• Management of Individuals’ Assets: Make cost‑effective purchases within the individual’s budget and according to their preferences.
• Relationships: Maintain professional relationships with individuals, families, guardians, and case managers; greet visitors; implement Sevita Customer Service Standards.
• Reporting: Report alleged abuse or neglect per internal and external standards; report medical, behavioral, and other incidents in accordance with Sevita policy.
• Rights: Maintain confidentiality, respect persons’ rights, practice universal precautions, and assist individuals in exercising their rights.
• Health Care – Appointments: Accompany individuals to medical appointments as needed and relay orders/information to/from providers.
• Health Care – Medications: Accurately administer or support self‑administration of medication, document delivery, promptly report errors, and secure controlled substances.
• General Health Care: Monitor health, document concerns, communicate with nurse or supervisor, call 911 in emergencies, and follow health care directives.
• Medical Supplies and Equipment: Follow procedures for using equipment; report malfunctions or disrepair.
• Meal Preparation: Prepare or assist with food preparation according to menus and individual choices; accommodate special diets; monitor mealtime and implement dining plans.

Employment Responsibilities

• Training: Attend orientation and ongoing training; participate in monthly staff meetings.
• Employee Scheduling: Work scheduled hours, arrive on time, stay on shift until a replacement arrives, notify supervisor of absences promptly, and fill in for other shifts when needed without causing unapproved overtime.
• Teamwork: Collaborate respectfully with colleagues, communicate openly, listen, and show respect.
• Workplace Safety: Follow all safety policies, report hazards, and participate in safety training.
• Vehicle Operation: Transport individuals safely, obey traffic laws, use safety equipment (seat belts, lifts, wheelchair ties), and report accidents or safety concerns immediately.
• Housekeeping: Perform daily and seasonal housekeeping, maintain a clean and safe environment, and report hazards.
• Maintenance and Repair: Perform minor repairs, change light bulbs, conduct yard maintenance (including snow removal), and report equipment or facility issues.
• Safety: Check water temperature when assisting with bathing, participate in safety drills, and protect individuals during emergencies.
• Other: Perform other duties as required. MPA = Mobile Punch Authorized for timekeeping.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None.

Minimum Knowledge and Skills

• Working knowledge of computers.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Six months of experience in human services preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

• Valid driver’s license in good standing.
• Car registration and vehicle insurance if providing transportation.
• All state‑required training(s) and certification(s) completed within mandated timeframes.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license, meet insurance requirements, and be approved by management to drive for the company.
• If driving privileges are lost per company MVR policy, the employee must sign a Non‑Driver form and will be restricted from driving until the record is satisfactory.

Work Environment

Works at the program location and may accompany individuals into the community.

Physical Requirements

Heavy work. Exert up to 100 lb of force occasionally, up to 50 lb frequently, and up to 20 lb constantly to move objects.

Addendum

• Must cooperate with the licensee and Department of Human Services staff in any inspection, inquiry, or investigation.
• Valid driver’s license required in the State of New Jersey; if commuting from another state, a valid license in the state of residence is also required.
• All employees hired after 6/15/2018 must submit to drug testing prior to employment and may be subject to random or cause‑based testing.
• Employees must submit to criminal background checks and be cleared by the Department of Human Services.
• Employees must agree to name checks against the Central Registry of Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities and complete an application for the Child Abuse Registry Information (CARI).
• All employees must successfully complete and demonstrate proficiency in required trainings.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.