Direct Support Professional

and the job listing Expires on March 8, 2026

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides personalized support to individuals with disabilities, helping them engage meaningfully in their communities and achieve their personal goals. This role involves assisting individuals in identifying and expressing their needs, implementing services aligned with their person-centered plans, and fostering independence and self-advocacy. A successful DSP seeks to understand each individual’s history, social and family networks, and aspirations, providing support with compassion and respect.

This position operates under supervision and follows established guidelines to ensure high-quality care and advocacy.

• Advocate for individuals’ human, legal, and civil rights.
• Promote health and safety by supporting wellness initiatives and accident prevention.
• Encourage self-advocacy and empower individuals in making their own choices.
• Facilitate community engagement by accompanying individuals to work, recreational activities, and social events.
• Teach and support independent living skills, including household management and personal care.
• Provide transportation for appointments, errands, and community activities.
• Foster social connections by supporting relationship-building within the community.
• Support informed decision-making regarding living arrangements, employment, and social activities.
• Assist with personal care tasks, such as hygiene, bathing, dressing, and household chores (laundry, cleaning, and decorating).
• Maintain accurate documentation of provided services and support.
• Understand and address challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, using effective advocacy strategies.
• Connect individuals with community resources for career development, education, and volunteer opportunities.
• Encourage effective communication, adapting to individual needs and preferences.
• Assist with medication administration in accordance with state laws and regulations.
• Ensure confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in all aspects of care.

This position has no supervisory responsibilities

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Meet all pre‑employment screening
• Compassionate, patient, and dedicated to person‑centered support.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to foster independence while providing necessary support.
• Knowledge of disability rights, self‑advocacy, and community integration principles.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and follow regulatory guidelines.

• Regularly required to lift 30 lbs.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 lbs.
• Must be able to pull minimum of 25 lbs.
• Must be able to squat, kneel, crawl, crouch, climb, and stoop.
• Must be able to regularly use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Required to regularly stand and walk.
• Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in CPR from the floor level requiring to work on hands, knees, bending, standing and lifting.
• Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision.
• Must be able to talk and hear.

RHA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, prohibits discrimination based on the following protected categories: race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex/gender, marital status, civil status, domestic partnership status, familial status, religion, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, or disability.

• A requirement that every employee cooperates with the licensee and Department of Human Services staff in any inspection, inquiry or investigation.
• Driver’s license valid in the state of New Jersey
• A requirement that every employee submits to a criminal background check, and be determined to be not disqualified by the Department of Human Services prior to working with individuals served.
• A requirement that every employee agrees to have their name checked against the Central Registry of Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
• All employees hired after 6/15/18 shall submit to drug testing prior to employment.
• All employees shall submit to drug testing conducted randomly and for cause.
• All employees shall complete an application to have their name checked against the Child Abuse Registry Information (CARI).
• Employee must successfully complete and demonstrate proficiency in all areas of required training.