Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional (DSP) | Home Health
Location: New Jersey
Employment Type: Flexible
Work Location: Field-Based
Schedule: Flexible
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

This position is classified under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and applicable New Jersey labor regulations.

About Our Company

OneWell Health Care and its affiliated companies are dedicated to empowering individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and Autism to lead fulfilling, self-directed lives. We provide compassionate, person-centered care that promotes dignity, independence, and inclusion across community and home settings throughout the United States.

Position Summary

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides person-centered services to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) in residential, community, and home-based settings. The DSP assists individuals in achieving the highest level of independence, self-determination, community inclusion, and quality of life by providing direct care, skill development, health and safety support, and advocacy while maintaining dignity, respect, and individual choice.

Position Scope

The DSP is responsible for implementing individualized service plans (ISPs), supporting activities of daily living (ADLs), promoting independence, ensuring health and safety, documenting services, and assisting individuals in achieving personal goals. Services are delivered in accordance with New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) requirements, agency policies, Medicaid standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.

Key Responsibilities

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides person-centered support to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) by assisting with activities of daily living, medication support, meal preparation, mobility, transportation, housekeeping, and the development of independent living skills. The DSP implements Individualized Service Plans (ISPs) and behavior support plans, monitors and reports changes in health or behavior, responds to emergencies, maintains a safe and supportive environment, promotes community participation and social inclusion, protects individual rights and confidentiality, completes accurate and timely documentation, communicates effectively with individuals, families, and interdisciplinary team members, participates in required meetings, training, and quality improvement activities, assists with household operations and appointments, supports recreational and community activities, helps orient new staff as assigned, and performs other related duties to ensure high-quality, person-centered services in accordance with agency policies and applicable regulations.

Regulatory Frameworks

The position must comply with all applicable regulations including but not limited to:

• New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) requirements.
• Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) regulations.
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) HCBS Final Rule.
• HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules.
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.
• New Jersey Adult Protective Services reporting requirements.
• Agency policies and procedures.
• Person-Centered Planning standards.

Confidentiality

The DSP is responsible for maintaining strict confidentiality of all protected health information, personnel information, and agency business.

Confidential information shall only be disclosed in accordance with HIPAA, agency policy, and applicable federal and state laws.

Documentation Requirements

The DSP is required to:

• Complete daily service documentation before the end of each shift.
• Record services accurately and objectively.
• Complete incident reports immediately following reportable events.
• Document medication administration as required.
• Maintain attendance records and timekeeping.
• Complete required electronic documentation using agency-approved systems.
• Maintain documentation in compliance with Medicaid and DDD requirements.

Certifications

Required:

• CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain within the required timeframe.
• Completion of all New Jersey DDD-mandated DSP training within required timeframes.
• Medication Administration training/competency, when assigned medication responsibilities.
• Agency-approved behavior management/crisis intervention training, when required.
• Completion of all other agency and program-required annual training and competencies.

Education

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred:

• Associate degree or coursework in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Special Education, Nursing, or related field.

Experience

Required:

• Experience is not required for entry-level positions; training will be provided.

Preferred:

• One (1) year of experience working with individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, behavioral health, home care, residential services, healthcare, or related human services environments.

Technical Skills

The DSP should possess:

• Basic computer skills.
• Electronic Health Record (EHR) documentation experience preferred.
• Ability to use smartphones, tablets, and electronic documentation systems.
• Basic Microsoft Office proficiency.
• Ability to safely operate agency vehicles when assigned.
• Knowledge of person-centered support practices.

Languages

Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, and accurately understand and document participant needs and services. Bilingual skills are an asset based on the needs of the participants and communities served.

Driver License

Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record when driving is required for assigned duties. Reliable transportation and ability to meet agency insurance requirements, as applicable.

Travel Requirement

Daily local travel within New Jersey may be required to provide community-based services. Transportation of individuals to appointments, employment, recreational activities, and community outings may be required. Mileage reimbursement may be provided in accordance with agency policy when personal vehicles are authorized for business use.

Benefits

Compensation and Financial Benefits

• Paid sick leave
• Vacation time
• Very competitive wages
• Referral bonuses
• Weekly direct deposit
• DailyPay (get paid before payday)
• Mileage reimbursement (if applicable)
• Retirement plan benefits 401(k) 

Health & Wellness Benefits (available for full time employees)

• Medical (PPO, Flex, and HSA plans)
• Dental
• Vision
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Hospital Insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability & Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pet Insurance 

Work-Life Balance & Other Benefits

• Flexible scheduling
• Supportive supervisor and work environment

Legal Disclaimer

This job description reflects the general nature and scope of the role and is not exhaustive. OneWell Health Care reserves the right to revise responsibilities, qualifications, or expectations at its discretion, consistent with applicable law. Employment is at-will and may be terminated by either party at any time, with or without cause or notice.

If you are passionate about supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven environment, we encourage you to apply today.

Join OneWell Health Care — where your work truly changes lives.