LEAD DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Apis Services, Inc.; Wilmington (DE); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Advancing Opportunities seeks a Direct Support Professional Lead to provide direct care and supervision for individuals with IDD in residential settings. You will coach DSPs, support individualized plans, and promote independence and community inclusion.

Lead responsibilities include training staff, ensuring compliance, and maintaining a safe, supportive home-like environment aligned with quality standards and organizational values.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum one year of experience supporting individuals with IDD, behavioral health, or mental health conditions.
• Must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver's license and clean driving record.
• Ability to obtain CPR, First Aid, and other required certifications.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care, supervision, skill development, and person-centered support to individuals with IDD in residential programs.
• Mentor and coach Direct Support Professionals to ensure quality service delivery and compliance.
• Assist with onboarding, orientation, mentoring, and training of staff.
• Maintain safety, documentation, and adherence to policies while promoting independence and community inclusion.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Person-centered supports

Trauma-informed care

Mentoring & coaching

Documentation

Microsoft Office

Team collaboration

Flexibility

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Electronic documentation systems

Email

Job description

Direct Support Professional Lead

Department: Residential Services
Service Line: Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
Reports To: Residential Manager
Affiliate: Advancing Opportunities
Location: New Jersey
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
EEO Classification: Service Worker

Position Summary

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) Lead provides direct care, supervision, skill development, and person-centered support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in residential programs. This role promotes independence, community inclusion, personal growth, and quality of life while ensuring services are delivered with dignity, respect, and compassion.

In addition to direct support responsibilities, the DSP Lead serves as a mentor and resource for Direct Support Professionals, providing coaching, training, and guidance to support quality service delivery, regulatory compliance, and adherence to organizational policies. Working closely with the Residential Manager, the DSP Lead helps maintain a safe, supportive, and person-centered environment that aligns with the organization's mission and values.

Essential Functions: Direct Support and Consumer Care

• Assist individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs), including personal hygiene, grooming, dressing, meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, and medication support as permitted by policy.
• Promote independence and self-determination by encouraging participation in daily routines, decision-making, and goal achievement.
• Support individuals in developing social, communication, and life skills.
• Facilitate community engagement, recreational activities, and relationship-building opportunities.
• Monitor and report changes in individuals’ physical, emotional, and behavioral well-being.
• Implement individualized service plans, behavior support plans, and other person-centered supports.
• Respond appropriately to incidents, emergencies, and crisis situations in accordance with agency policies and approved intervention practices.
• Complete accurate and timely documentation of services, incidents, observations, and outcomes.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Serve as a lead staff member and positive role model for residential team members.
• Assist with onboarding, orientation, mentoring, and training of Direct Support Professionals.
• Provide coaching and feedback related to service delivery, documentation, consumer care, and compliance requirements.
• Support shift operations and communicate program needs, concerns, and updates to the Residential Manager.
• Assist in maintaining staffing continuity and supporting team effectiveness.
• Promote a culture of accountability, professionalism, and person-centered care.

Program Operations and Oversight

• Support the delivery of services in accordance with individual service plans and organizational standards.
• Assist with coordinating medical appointments, behavioral health services, and community-based supports as needed.
• Monitor medication administration practices to ensure compliance with agency procedures and state regulations.
• Ensure individuals have access to appropriate clothing, personal care supplies, recreational opportunities, and community activities.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and home-like environment that promotes choice, dignity, and inclusion.

Health, Safety, and Compliance

• Follow all agency policies, licensing standards, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Conduct and document required safety inspections, emergency drills, and environmental reviews.
• Report incidents, injuries, safety concerns, maintenance needs, vehicle issues, and compliance risks promptly.
• Safely transport individuals to appointments, activities, and community events as assigned.
• Support audits, inspections, investigations, and quality assurance activities.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and other privacy requirements.

Qualifications Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.

Experience

• Minimum one (1) year of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioral health needs, or mental health conditions required.
• Leadership, supervisory, mentoring, or training experience preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Valid, unrestricted driver's license with an acceptable driving record required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain CPR, First Aid, and any other required certifications.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of person-centered supports and trauma-informed care practices.
• Ability to effectively support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Strong organizational, time management, and documentation skills.
• Ability to mentor, coach, and support staff performance.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office, email, and electronic documentation systems.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain professional boundaries, and handle confidential information.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts as needed.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, and sit for extended periods.
• Ability to assist individuals with mobility, transfers, and daily living activities as required.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to safely operate agency vehicles and assist with transportation needs.
• Ability to respond quickly and appropriately in emergency situations.

Work Environment

• Residential homes and community-based settings.
• Frequent interaction with individuals receiving services, families, healthcare providers, and community partners.
• Exposure to varying environmental conditions while participating in community activities and transportation.
• May include evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts based on program needs.

Employment and Compliance Requirements

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of all required pre-employment screenings and ongoing compliance requirements, including but not limited to:

• Criminal background checks.
• Driving record verification.
• State-required registry and abuse checks.
• Drug and alcohol testing, where applicable.
• Required training and certification completion.
• Compliance with all agency policies, licensing standards, and regulatory requirements.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Advancing Opportunities is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity and promotes equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants.