Direct Support Professional Westwood

Direct Support Professional – Residential Services

Location:

Bergen County

Job Type: Full‑time

Work schedule:

Saturday and Sunday 8:00 am–4:00 pm | Wednesday and Thursday 2:00 pm–11:00 pm

Salary: $18.50 per hour

Pillar Care Continuum is dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities and other special needs by supporting personal growth, independence and participation in the community. Founded in 1953 to meet the needs of children with cerebral palsy and their families, Pillar Care has steadily grown and now delivers life‑affirming services to infants, children, adults and their families throughout northern New Jersey through 27 program locations.

The agency serves over 1,650 families each year and employs 700 full‑ and part‑time employees.

Join our team and make a difference in the lives of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a Residential Care Assistant/Direct Support Specialist, you’ll provide compassionate support to help residents live their best lives. Your role includes assisting with daily activities such as hygiene, meals, and medication, creating a comfortable home environment, and fostering meaningful family and community connections.

• Engages residents in activities of daily living to the extent of their ability and supports individual needs in areas of shopping, meal preparation, cleaning, bathing, dressing, toileting, feeding, grooming and hygiene.
• Supports individual health and service plans (HSP/ISP) or other goals and objectives; regularly observe, identify, document and report changes in health and behaviour.
• Perform household chores as needed and assist residents to determine social, recreational, or educational activities of choice.
• Adhering to standard health precautions, ensure well‑being of residents by monitoring individual health and administering medication as prescribed.
• Inspect individual equipment and furnishings for proper functioning and report malfunctions to supervisor.
• Ensure that safe and reliable transportation is available to residents. Drive van or other vehicle; escort residents to scheduled programs or other activities, recreational opportunities, or medical appointments as assigned by supervisor.
• Prepare and communicate written progress notes relating to medication administration, individual daily activities, medical emergencies and other related areas as required by supervisor.
• Interact with residents’ family members and friends, facilitate communications and engagement within the community.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and assist residents to participate in house meetings.
• Perform other related tasks as required by Group Home Manager.
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment; rotate household chores and adhere to standard health precautions.
• Adhere to all PILLAR policies and procedures.

• At least 18 years of age (for insurance purposes).
• HS Diploma or GED.
• 1‑2 years of successful employment with the same establishment or agency.
• 1 year experience supporting adults or children with developmental disabilities preferred.
• Successful completion of criminal background history and fingerprint examination.
• Valid driver’s license with fewer than four points.

• Must successfully complete a criminal background check and receive clearance from the Department of Human Services, confirming they are not disqualified, before beginning work with individuals served by the organization.
• Must consent to having their name checked against the Central Registry of Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities.
• Must submit to drug testing prior to their start date.
• Required to complete an application for a name check against the Child Abuse Registry Information (CARI).

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Pillar Care Continuum by 2x.

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