Direct Support Companion

Kindly Direct Care; Franklin Lakes (NJ); On-site; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedule

Health insurance

Mileage reimbursement

Paid training

Professional development assistance

Job summary

Kindly Direct Care is seeking a Direct Support Professional to provide one-on-one companionship and support to adults with varying communication abilities across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. You will help individuals participate in community activities, build relationships, and promote independence while maintaining dignity.

The role requires a High School Diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the ability to pass background checks.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to pass required background checks and screenings.
• Ability to complete required paid training.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Preferred: experience supporting individuals with IDD; caregiving/healthcare/human services background.
• CPR, First Aid, or Medication Administration certifications preferred.
• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one companionship and help individuals engage in communities and activities.
• Attend movies, parks, restaurants, shopping trips, events, and other outings.
• Assist with meals, daily routines, and personal care when needed.
• Follow individualized support plans and safety protocols.
• Complete accurate electronic documentation and progress notes.
• Communicate with supervisors, families, and care team; attend trainings and maintain certifications.

Skills

Compassionate

Patient

Dependable

Strong communication

Bilingual encouraged

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

CPR

First Aid

Medication Administration

Job description

Become a Companion. Make a Difference. Have Fun Every Day.

Looking for a job that doesn't feel like work?

We're searching for compassionate, energetic, and dependable people to provide one-on-one companionship and support to young adult, middle-aged, and older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are minimally verbal or non-verbal and have higher support needs.

This isn't your typical caregiving position. It's about building meaningful relationships and helping people experience life to the fullest.

Whether it's going to the movies, taking walks, grabbing lunch, shopping, listening to music, attending community events, visiting local attractions, or simply spending quality time together, you'll help individuals enjoy the experiences that matter most to them.

Every day is different, and every day is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

About Kindly

At Kindly, we believe every person deserves the opportunity to live a joyful, meaningful, and fulfilling life.

We provide individualized support services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Our mission is to help people build independence, strengthen community connections, achieve personal goals, and enjoy life on their own terms.

What You'll Do

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you'll provide one-on-one support while helping individuals engage in their communities, build meaningful relationships, and participate in activities they enjoy.

Responsibilities include:

Community Engagement & Companionship

• Build trusting, meaningful relationships with the individuals you support.
• Provide companionship while encouraging participation in community life.
• Attend movies, parks, restaurants, shopping trips, community events, recreational activities, and other outings.
• Encourage hobbies, interests, and new experiences.
• Support social interaction and community inclusion.
• Assist with transportation to approved activities and appointments.

Daily Living & Personal Support

• Assist with meal preparation and healthy living habits.
• Support household organization and daily routines.
• Provide personal care assistance when needed and authorized.
• Promote independence while ensuring safety and dignity.
• Follow individualized support plans and safety protocols.
• Observe and report changes in health, behavior, or well-being.
• Assist with medications when trained and authorized.

Documentation & Teamwork

• Complete accurate electronic documentation and service notes.
• Document progress toward individual goals.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, families, and care team members.
• Attend required trainings and maintain certifications.
• Follow agency policies, HIPAA guidelines, and state regulations.

We're looking for people who are:

• Compassionate, patient, and dependable.
• Positive, engaging, and enjoy spending time with others.
• Comfortable supporting adults who are minimally verbal or non-verbal.
• Comfortable assisting individuals with higher support needs, including personal care when needed.
• Reliable and able to work independently.
• Great communicators who understand that meaningful connections don't always require words.

Experience is helpful—but not required.

If you have a caring attitude and a willingness to learn, we'll provide the paid training, support, and guidance you need to succeed.

Required

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to pass required background checks and screenings.
• Ability to complete required paid training.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred

• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Experience in caregiving, healthcare, education, behavioral health, or human services.
• CPR, First Aid, or Medication Administration certifications.
• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel throughout assigned service areas.
• Ability to assist with transfers, mobility, or lifting when required by an individual's support plan.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and participate in community-based activities.
• Ability to respond appropriately in emergency situations.

Why Join Kindly?

At Kindly, we know exceptional support starts with exceptional people.

When you join Kindly, you'll receive:

• Competitive pay.
• Flexible scheduling.
• Supportive leadership and ongoing coaching.
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement.
• Meaningful work where you can truly make a difference.

You’ll never be "just a caregiver." You’ll become a trusted companion, advocate, mentor, and someone who helps create meaningful experiences and lasting memories.

Job Types:

• Full-Time, Part-Time

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid training
• Professional development assistance

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• DSP Direct Support Professional: 1 year (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 50% (Required)

Work Location: In person