Residential Program Assistant (DSP) PT/FT

The Arc of Ocean County; Lacey Township (NJ); On-site; USD 29,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

401(k)

Paid Time Off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

The Arc of Ocean County in New Jersey is seeking compassionate Evening Residential Support Specialists to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities develop independence through evening routines, activities, and skill-building.

Both full-time and part-time opportunities are available with shifts from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM, paid bi-weekly. Compensation ranges from $20.70 to $24.70 per hour, plus a comprehensive benefits package and paid training.

Qualifications

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Have a High School Diploma or GED as a minimum.
• Hold a New Jersey driver’s license in good standing with no more than five points.
• Successfully complete required background checks and onboarding.
• Demonstrate stable employment history and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals with evening routines, meals, personal care, and daily living tasks.
• Keep residential spaces clean, organized, and welcoming.
• Encourage healthy habits and independence while respecting personal choices.
• Support participation in activities, community outings, and goals.
• Communicate updates with supervisors and team members as needed.

Skills

Communication skills

Independent work

Flexibility

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Residential Program Assistant

Help Turn Everyday Moments Into Greater Independence

A welcoming home, a favorite activity, a new skill learned—your support can help make these moments possible.

The Arc of Ocean County is seeking compassionate, dependable team members to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities during the hours when they unwind, connect with others, and prepare for the next day. As an Evening Residential Support Specialist, you'll help individuals navigate their evening routines, enjoy meaningful activities, participate in their communities, and build skills that support greater independence.

Both full-time and part-time opportunities are available with our Residential Services team. Whether you're bringing experience from another field or beginning your career in human services, paid training will help you learn the role and develop the skills needed to provide individualized support.

If you're looking for work where patience, teamwork, and everyday encouragement make a real difference, this could be your opportunity to build a rewarding career while helping others live life on their own terms.

Your Work Schedule and Compensation

• Employment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities Available
• Schedule: Evening Shift | 3:00 PM–11:00 PM
• Weekend Availability: Required
• Pay: $20.70–$24.70 per hour
• Pay Schedule: Bi-Weekly

Additional earning opportunities:

• Shift Differential Opportunities
• Overtime Opportunities Available

How You'll Support Life Beyond the Day Program

Create Comfort and Confidence at Home

• Assist individuals with evening routines, preparing meals, personal care, medication administration, housekeeping, laundry, and other activities of daily living.
• Help keep residential settings clean, organized, comfortable, and inviting.
• Encourage healthy routines and habits while giving individuals opportunities to complete tasks as independently as possible.
• Honor personal preferences and everyday choices while helping individuals develop greater independence in their homes.

Encourage Interests, Relationships, and Personal Goals

• Help individuals explore hobbies, recreation, community events, and other activities that reflect their interests.
• Support progress toward personal goals and acknowledge individual achievements along the way.
• Develop positive, respectful relationships that encourage confidence, preserve dignity, and foster a sense of belonging.
• Create opportunities for individuals to decide how they spend their time and participate in activities they enjoy.

Make Community Participation Possible

• Accompany and support individuals during appointments, recreational activities, and community outings.
• Safely transport individuals in agency vehicles when assigned.
• Encourage experiences outside the home that promote community involvement, meaningful participation, and greater independence.

Respond to Individual Needs and Work as a Team

• Stay attentive to physical, emotional, and behavioral needs and respond appropriately when situations change.
• Follow individualized support plans, agency procedures, and established residential practices.
• Communicate important updates with supervisors, coworkers, families, healthcare providers, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Collaborate with residential colleagues to maintain dependable, consistent support across shifts.

Maintain Accurate Records and Reports

• Complete electronic documentation and daily service notes accurately and within required timelines.
• Maintain medication records and other required reports.
• Record relevant information about services, individual progress, and support needs so team members have an accurate understanding of each person's situation.

Discover the Impact of Work That Matters

Residential support is about more than completing a checklist. It means helping someone prepare a meal, encouraging them to try a task independently, sharing an activity they enjoy, or providing dependable assistance when they need it.

These everyday interactions can help individuals build confidence, develop practical abilities, strengthen relationships, and experience greater independence. Your contribution helps make their home a place where they can feel respected, supported, and connected.

Opportunities to Learn and Grow

The Arc of Ocean County offers opportunities to develop your skills and continue building your career, including:

• Paid On-the-Job Training
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• Supportive Leadership and Team Environment
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Meaningful Work That Makes a Difference

What You'll Need to Join Our Team

Candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Have a High School Diploma or GED.
• Hold a valid New Jersey driver's license in good standing with no more than five (5) motor vehicle points.
• Successfully complete all required background checks, screenings, and agency onboarding requirements.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to work independently with professionalism, flexibility, and sound judgment.
• Demonstrate employment stability, including at least one (1) year of longevity with a previous employer.

Benefits for Your Health and Future

The Arc of Ocean County offers a comprehensive benefits package to support employee well-being, financial security, and professional development.

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Coverage
• Low Deductible Medical Insurance with $0 Copay Options
• Comprehensive Prescription Coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Agency Match
• Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
• Paid On-the-Job Training
• Tuition Reimbursement Opportunities
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Supplemental Benefit Options Available

Make a Difference One Day at a Time

Bring your reliability, patience, and willingness to support others to a team where the work you do has a direct impact on everyday life. Join The Arc of Ocean County as Direct Support Professional and help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities enjoy their homes, pursue their interests, connect with their communities, and build greater independence.