Direct Support Professional Plainfield Hillside

Pillar Care Continuum; Plainfield (NJ); On-site; USD 21,025 - 29,945; Part time

Job summary

A community support organization in New Jersey is seeking a Direct Support Professional to provide compassionate assistance to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The role requires engaging residents in daily living activities, administering medication, and fostering community connections. Candidates should have a high school diploma and relevant experience. This is a part-time position with varied shifts, including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age for insurance purposes.
• 1 year experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities preferred.
• Valid driver's license with fewer than 4 points.

Responsibilities

• Assist residents with daily activities such as hygiene and meals.
• Support health and service plans, observing and reporting changes.
• Ensure safe transportation for residents.

Skills

Compassionate support

Daily living activities

Medication administration

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Standard health precautions

Transportation vehicles

Job description

Direct Support Professional – Residential Services

Location: Union County
Job Type: Part-Time
Schedule: Thursday through Saturday 11pm–7am, Saturday and Sunday 11pm–7am, Saturday and Sunday 7am–3pm, Friday and Saturday 3pm–11pm

Salary: $18.50 per hour

About Pillar Care Continuum

Pillar Care Continuum is dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities and other special needs by supporting personal growth, independence and participation in the community. Founded in 1953 to meet the needs of children with cerebral palsy and their families, Pillar Care has steadily grew and now delivers life-affirming services to infants, children, adults and their families throughout northern New Jersey through 27 program locations. Pillar Care provides specialized programs to meet a wide range of educational, therapeutic, and social needs of people with various disabilities. The agency serves over 1,650 families each year and employs 700 full- and part-time employees.

About The Opportunity

Join our team and make a difference in the lives of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a Residential Care Assistant/Direct Support Specialist, you’ll provide compassionate support to help residents live their best lives. Your role includes assisting with daily activities such as hygiene, meals, and medication, creating a comfortable home environment, and fostering meaningful family and community connections.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage residents in activities of daily living to the extent of their ability and support individual needs in areas of shopping, meal preparation, cleaning, bathing, dressing, toileting, feeding, grooming and hygiene.
• Support individual health and service plans (HSP/ISP) or other goals and objectives; regularly observe, identify, document and report changes in health and/or behavior.
• Perform household chores as needed and assist residents to determine social, recreational, or educational activities of choice.
• Adhere to standard health precautions, ensuring the well-being of residents by monitoring individual health, administering medication as prescribed.
• Inspect individual equipment and furnishings for proper functioning and report malfunctions to supervisor.
• Ensure that safe and reliable transportation is available to residents. Drive van or other vehicle; escort residents to scheduled programs or other activities, recreational opportunities, or medical appointments as assigned by supervisor.
• Prepare and communicate written progress notes relating to medication administration, individual daily activities, medical emergencies and other related areas as required by supervisor.
• Interact with residents’ family members and friends, facilitate communications and engagement within the community.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings; may assist residents to participate in house meetings.
• Perform other related tasks as required by Group Home Manager.
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment; rotation of household chores and adherence to standard health precautions.
• Adhere to all PILLAR policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age (Insurance Purposes)
• HS Diploma or GED
• 1–2 years of successful employment with the same establishment or agency
• 1 year experience supporting adults/children with developmental disabilities preferred
• Successful completion of criminal background history and fingerprint examination
• Valid driver's license with fewer than 4 points at all times.

Additional Requirements

• Must successfully complete a criminal background check and receive clearance from the Department of Human Services, confirming they are not disqualified, before beginning work with individuals served by the organization.
• Must consent to having their name checked against the Central Registry of Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities.
• Must submit to drug testing prior to their start date.
• Required to complete an application for a name check against the Child Abuse Registry Information (CARI).

Pillar Care Continuum is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

If you like to learn more about our Residential Services: Pillar Care | Residential Services