Personal Assistant (Direct Support Professional)

Youth Consultation Service; Paterson (NJ); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Youth Consultation Service in Paterson, NJ is seeking a Personal Assistant (Direct Support Professional) to assist adults with developmental disabilities in a residential setting. The role emphasizes safety, health, and helping clients meet personal goals.

Responsibilities include daily care, medication support, and accurate record-keeping. Requires a high school diploma and a valid driver’s license; developmentally disabled experience is preferred. Full-time position with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience working with developmentally disabled individuals preferred.
• Valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Assist clients in meeting their individual goals as defined in their plan.
• Provide daily care (personal hygiene, housekeeping, meals) and support health and safety in residence.
• Assist with medication administration and understand basic medication purpose and side effects.
• Demonstrate proper body mechanics and mobility transfer to prevent injuries.
• De-escalate crises and, if necessary, physically assist within policy.
• Keep accurate and timely records.

Education

High school degree or equivalent

Job description

Personal Assistant (Direct Support Professional)

Job Category: Other Instructions/Direct

Requisition Number: PERSO009245

• Posted : February 3, 2026
• Full-Time

Locations

Showing 1 location

Paterson, NJ 07503, USA

Description

Dedicated. Compassionate. Inspiring. Rewarding.

These are just some of the words to describe what it's like working at YCS. YCS employees are devoted professionals who have a passion for helping children, adolescents and adults.

Do you share the same qualities?

Sawtelle Buffalo Program in Paterson, NJ provides residential care for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in a group home setting. The program is currently hiring for a Personal Assistant.

Personal Assistants are expected to have a unique sensitivity to recognize and appropriately respond to clients who may have evidenced difficulties. Provide quality daily care (personal hygiene, housekeeping, meal preparation, and other related tasks) to ensure the health and safety of clients in the residence and community.

Duties and Responsibilities Include:

• Assist clients in meeting their individual goals and objectives as defined in their Individual Habilitation Plan.
• Dependent on client's IHP, teach/support the client with the following: bath, toilet, change adult absorbent underwear and linens, grooming and dressing, and self-administration of medication.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of medications, purpose and side effects.
• Demonstrate proper body mechanics and mobility transfer technique to prevent injuries.
• De-escalate potential crisis situations and if necessary be prepared to control client physically.
• Keep accurate and timely records.

Job Requirements:

• High school degree or equivalent
• Valid driver's license
• Experience working with developmental disabilities preferred

YCS provides a competitive compensation package. Benefits for full-time employees include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Paid time off
• Life insurance / disability benefits/ health and wellness programs
• 403 (B) savings and investment plans
• Potential public service loan forgiveness

Shifts Available

• Full Time, Part-time, and on-call

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.