Day Habilitation Program Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Apluscare Behavioral Health - East Brunswick, NJ

Full-time - Entry Level

East Brunswick, NJ

About the position

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) in the Day Habilitation Program at APluscare LLC is responsible for providing care and support to individuals with developmental disabilities. This role involves implementing individual support plans, promoting independence, and ensuring the well-being of clients while facilitating their integration into the community. The DSP works under the supervision of the Day Habilitation Program Supervisor and adheres to regulatory standards and company policies.

Responsibilities

• Administer medications to individuals as prescribed.
• Observe individuals for any changes in behavior or health and evidence of injury or bruises.
• Contact the pharmacist for medication refills and script follow-ups.
• Assist individuals with medical appointments.
• Ensure individuals are dressed neatly and appropriately and are always groomed.
• Prepare nutritional meals based on individual dietary needs.
• Encourage individuals to assist in the preparation of meals and snacks as appropriate to their individual dietary needs.
• Maintain cleanliness of the day habilitation program physical plant and individuals' personal spaces.
• Teach individuals daily skills such as household chores, laundry, cleaning, and washing dishes according to their individual support plan.
• Provide transportation to and from activities and the day habilitation program.
• Implement individual support plan and behavioral support plan goals.
• Assist individuals in achieving their goals on wellness programs such as recreational, social, and community activities according to their individual needs and plans.
• Promote participation and involvement in community outings.
• Work all assigned schedules, including arriving and departing on time, requesting time off in advance, and notifying the Program Supervisor of changes to the assigned work schedule.
• Ensure all individuals' rights are protected and treat individuals with dignity and respect.
• Report any noted problems to the Program Supervisor immediately and complete an in-house incident report form.
• Represent APluscare Behavioral Health in a professional manner to families, service coordinators, State officials, and community partners when required.
• Document all program data, including individual behavior plan data, activity logs, community integration logs, and critical logs.
• Document individuals' health such as seizure charts, weight, bowel movements, and fluid intake.
• Ensure that all documentation is completed accurately and in a timely manner.
• Ensure Medication Administration Record (MAR) entries are completed as required.
• Complete communication logbooks during shifts and all other duties as assigned.
• Cooperate with all agency, state (DHS/DDD), and federal investigations and inspections.
• Attend all required staff meetings and trainings scheduled.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 6 months to 1 year of experience working with people with developmental disabilities.
• CPR Certification.
• Valid Driver's License with a clear driving record.
• Ability to push, pull, and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work on holidays, weekends, and during inclement weather.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in medication administration.
• Knowledge of individual support plans and behavior plans.

Benefits

• Full-time position with competitive salary.
• Opportunity for professional development through mandatory trainings.