D&S Community Services, a part of the Sevita family, provides community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Here we believe every person has the right to live well, and everyone deserves to have a fulfilling career. You’ll join a mission-driven team and create relationships that motivate us all every day. Join us today, and experience a career well lived.
Summary
- Position Type: Non-exempt, full-time or part‑time, hourly role.
- Scope of Role:
- Responsible for providing 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, skill/behavioral development.
- Assist with daily activities: personal care, housekeeping, recreational activities, transportation, community integration, shopping, citizenship, and other activities of daily living.
Essential Job Functions
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential function listed below.
Services And Supports
- Direct Support: Provide direct support or assistance in accordance with individual service or program plans; assist with socialization, behavioral development, personal care, housekeeping, recreational activities, transportation, community orientation, shopping, financial management, citizenship, and other activities of daily living.
- Records: Accurately document progress and activity; review records and logs to stay abreast of changes in service plans; maintain confidentiality.
- Management of Individuals’ Assets: Make cost‑effective and appropriate purchases within the budget of the individual served and according to their choice/preference.
- Relationships: Maintain healthy and professional relationships with individuals, family, friends, guardians, and case managers; greet family members and visitors; implement Sevita Customer Service Standards.
- Reporting: Report any instance of alleged abuse or neglect according to internal and external standards; report medical, behavioral and other incidents in accordance with Sevita policy and external requirements.
- Rights: Maintain confidentiality, respect the rights of persons served, practice universal precautions, and assist individuals in exercising their rights.
Health Care
- Appointments: As needed, may accompany individuals to medical appointments; relay orders and information to and from medical providers as required.
- Medications: If assigned, accurately administer or support self‑administration of medication and document delivery; report administration errors promptly; maintain appropriate security of controlled medications and supplies.
- General Health Care: Monitor individual’s health; document health concerns; communicate with nurse or supervisor as appropriate; call 911 in case of emergency; follow individual health care directives.
- Medical Supplies and Equipment: Follow procedures for using medical equipment; report malfunction or disrepair.
- Meal Preparation: Prepare or support individuals to prepare food in accordance with planned menus and choice; know special diets and prepare individual meals; 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 replacement arrives; report schedule changes promptly; may fill in for other shifts when required without causing unapproved overtime.
- Teamwork: Work collaboratively with others; value contributions; be courteous, communicate openly, listen, and show respect.
- Workplace Safety: Develop and maintain a safe workplace; comply with safety policies; report hazards and participate in safety training.
Maintenance
- Vehicles: May transport individuals; drive safely and lawfully; use safety equipment; report accidents immediately.
- Housekeeping: Perform daily and seasonal housekeeping as directed; maintain neat, clean, safe environment.
- Maintenance and Repair: Monitor environmental safety; perform minor repairs; conduct yard maintenance; report needs for repairs.
- Safety: Check water temperature when assisting with bathing; participate in safety drills; protect individuals during emergencies.
Other
- Perform other duties and activities as required.
- MPA = Mobile Punch Authorized for timekeeping.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Minimum Knowledge And Skills Required For The Job
Education And Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Six months of experience in human services preferred.
- Must be 18 years of age.
- Working knowledge of computers.
Certificates, Licenses, And Registrations
- Valid driver’s license in good standing.
- Car registration and vehicle insurance if providing transportation for individuals receiving services.
- All state‑required training(s) and certification(s) completed in mandated timeframes.
- Maintain valid driver’s license, meet all insurance requirements, and be approved to drive for the company.
Work Environment
- Works at program location and may accompany individuals into the community.
Physical Requirements
- Heavy work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 20 pounds constantly to move objects.
Addendum
- CS New Jersey – Refer to: CS NJ Addendum – Direct Support Professional _1001 _ MPA 3429
- Employees must cooperate with the licensee and Department of Human Services staff in any inspection, inquiry, or investigation.
- Must have a valid driver’s license in good standing in the State of New Jersey; if commuting from another state, must have a valid license for that state.
- At minimum, a High School Diploma/Equivalent is required.
- All employees hired after 6/15/2018 shall submit to drug testing prior to employment; all employees shall submit to drug testing randomly and for cause/suspicion.
- Employees must submit to criminal background checks and be determined not disqualified by the Department of Human Services prior to working with individuals served; all employees must have name checked against the Central Registry of Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities and complete an application to have name checked against the Child Abuse Registry Information (CARI).
- Employees must successfully complete and demonstrate proficiency in all required trainings.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.