Direct Support Professional - Day Program

The Arc Mercer; Ewing Township (NJ); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k with 11% total match

Medical and dental benefits

Paid vacation, sick, and holidays

Job summary

The Arc Mercer in Ewing, NJ is seeking dedicated Direct Support Professionals to join our Day or Senior Day Team in Mercer County. DSPs provide hands-on support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping them achieve greater independence and build life skills in a safe, inclusive environment.

DSPs follow individualized behavior plans, de-escalate when needed, and document progress.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Experience with adults with developmental disabilities preferred.
• Ability to work in a Day Program setting.
• Physical ability to lift up to 25 pounds and perform related tasks.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Follow individualized behavior intervention plans to ensure consistency.
• Record behavioral incidents and progress notes accurately.
• Assist with personal hygiene, grooming, feeding, and health-related tasks.
• Support transportation to appointments and community activities.
• Maintain client safety and a clean, secure environment.
• Encourage self-help and independence.
• Follow health and safety guidelines and agency procedures.

Skills

Verbal & written communication

Physical stamina

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Position: Direct Support Professional Day Program

Location: EWING, NJ 08638 (Mercer County, NJ)

Job Type: Full-time; Hourly: $18.75 per hour; Hours: Varies

Reports to: Day Program Manager

Job Summary

We are seeking dedicated Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our Day or Senior Day Team in Mercer County. As a DSP, you will provide hands‑on support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping them achieve greater independence and build valuable life skills. Your role will be pivotal in fostering a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Follow individualized behavior intervention plans developed by behavior analysts or specialists to ensure consistency and effectiveness.
• Recognize signs of escalation, intervene promptly, and use approved behavioral techniques to de‑escalate situations.
• Accurately record behavioral incidents, progress notes, and other required data.
• Assist with personal hygiene, grooming, feeding, medical monitoring, and health‑related tasks.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with individuals served and their families.
• Ensure client safety and maintain a secure, clean environment.
• Remind and assist clients with medication self‑administration (with proper training).
• Encourage and promote self‑help and independence.
• Monitor and report changes in clients' conditions or family situations to supervisors.
• Accompany clients to appointments and community activities, providing transportation when needed.
• Assist with toileting and other physical care tasks as required.
• Follow all health and safety guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record (no more than three moving violations or suspensions in the past three years).
• Prior experience working with adults with developmental disabilities preferred.
• Ability to work in a Day Program setting.
• Physical ability to perform job tasks, including lifting up to 25 pounds, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, and extended periods of walking.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Benefits

• Top 401k plans in the industry. Employer contribution of 5% and 6% match, for a total of 11%.
• Comprehensive Medical and Dental Benefits – Full Time only.
• Paid Vacation, Sick, and Holidays.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Arc Mercer is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Contact Information

Questions? Email [e-mail] or call 609‑477‑9806.