Direct Support Professional (DSP) / Caregiver

Position Type: Substitute to Full-Time

Job Description
As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) / Caregiver, you begin each shift ready to help adults with developmental disabilities live their best lives as independently as possible. You have made it your mission to ensure the comfort and safety of each client. Your job is to assist our residents with activities of daily living such as administering medication, cooking, performing personal hygiene, and more, as needed.
 

Using effective teaching and mentoring techniques, you teach them new skills and help them achieve goals. Based on each individual's preferences and plans, you encourage their interests and help with any recreational activities. You are happy to help them find greater access to the community. You are conscientious about reporting any concerns about their health and safety and keeping documentation accurate and updated.
 

The work is easily accomplished but at the end of each shift, knowing your clients are happy makes everyone happy and you feel great about the work you do.

• Working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities
• Assist in the implementation of individual behavioral plans 
• Use teaching and mentoring techniques to teach new skills and help individuals achieve goals
• Encourage individuals’ interests and help with any recreational activities
• Help them find greater access to the community and socialize
• Reporting any concerns about their health and safety, as well as keeping records and documentation accurate and updated
• Support independence of individuals
• ADLs (Activities of Daily Living): Administering medication, housework, helping individuals with hygiene and self-care, cooking/meal preparation, dressing, etc.
• Clear communication: with individuals under your care, supervisors, HR, directors, etc.

Position Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record
• Ability to pass criminal/registry background checks and a drug screen
• Clear tuberculosis (TB) screening
• Ability to pass and maintain required trainings such as CPR/first aid, medication administration, and positive behavioral support training
• Basic computer skills
• If not currently fully vaccinated (which includes a booster), you will be required to have had at least a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine prior to your first day of employment and will be expected to complete the vaccination process as you become eligible for subsequent doses. This requirement is part of the job description and will be waived only in exceptional circumstances as the law may require

• Experience working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. As long as you are compassionate, have strong communication and interpersonal skills, are able to remain calm and professional in challenging situations, and want to make a difference, 

Work Schedule:

We serve at 24-hour residential group homes and client residents, which means our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) / Caregivers have many shift options including mornings, afternoons, evenings, overnights, and weekends.

Training:

All employees are required to complete 10-15 trainings upon hire and on an ongoing basis. Trainings are a combination of in person, which require staff to commute to the main office in Piscataway, NJ, and remote, using Direct Course.


About Us!
Haven Human Services Inc. is a national 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that helps adults with disabilities and special needs, live better lives, individuals with disabilities and specific special needs in New Jersey will receive services in many of our programs. We believe everyone has right to realize their potential and live their life as they envision it; everyone is allowed access to opportunities that permit them to do so.

Our employees dedicate themselves to making positive change in people’s lives every day by believing our Core Values.

Haven Human Services Inc. Is An Equal Opportunity Employer
As one of our core values is, together, we build resilience, strengthen connections, and drive transformative change in our communities. We strive to provide equal opportunity to all of our employees without regard to their age, gender, religion, race, color, origin, marital status, sexual orientation, disability which is unrelated to the ability to perform essential job functions, unfavorable military discharge (except dishonorable), veteran status, marital status, parental status, genetic information, source of income or other legally protected category in accordance with applicable law with regard to receipt of services, appointment or election to voluntary office, or hiring for, assignment to, or promotion in staff positions.