Lead Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional Lead

Department: Residential Services
Service Line: Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
Reports To: Residential Manager
Affiliate: Advancing Opportunities
Location: New Jersey
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
EEO Classification: Service Worker

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) Lead provides direct care, supervision, skill development, and person-centered support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in residential programs. This role promotes independence, community inclusion, personal growth, and quality of life while ensuring services are delivered with dignity, respect, and compassion.

In addition to direct support responsibilities, the DSP Lead serves as a mentor and resource for Direct Support Professionals, providing coaching, training, and guidance to support quality service delivery, regulatory compliance, and adherence to organizational policies. Working closely with the Residential Manager, the DSP Lead helps maintain a safe, supportive, and person-centered environment that aligns with the organization's mission and values.

• Assist individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs), including personal hygiene, grooming, dressing, meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, and medication support as permitted by policy.
• Promote independence and self-determination by encouraging participation in daily routines, decision-making, and goal achievement.
• Support individuals in developing social, communication, and life skills.
• Facilitate community engagement, recreational activities, and relationship-building opportunities.
• Monitor and report changes in individuals’ physical, emotional, and behavioral well-being.
• Implement individualized service plans, behavior support plans, and other person-centered supports.
• Respond appropriately to incidents, emergencies, and crisis situations in accordance with agency policies and approved intervention practices.
• Complete accurate and timely documentation of services, incidents, observations, and outcomes.

• Serve as a lead staff member and positive role model for residential team members.
• Assist with onboarding, orientation, mentoring, and training of Direct Support Professionals.
• Provide coaching and feedback related to service delivery, documentation, consumer care, and compliance requirements.
• Support shift operations and communicate program needs, concerns, and updates to the Residential Manager.
• Assist in maintaining staffing continuity and supporting team effectiveness.
• Promote a culture of accountability, professionalism, and person-centered care.

• Support the delivery of services in accordance with individual service plans and organizational standards.
• Assist with coordinating medical appointments, behavioral health services, and community-based supports as needed.
• Monitor medication administration practices to ensure compliance with agency procedures and state regulations.
• Ensure individuals have access to appropriate clothing, personal care supplies, recreational opportunities, and community activities.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and home-like environment that promotes choice, dignity, and inclusion.

• Follow all agency policies, licensing standards, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Conduct and document required safety inspections, emergency drills, and environmental reviews.
• Report incidents, injuries, safety concerns, maintenance needs, vehicle issues, and compliance risks promptly.
• Safely transport individuals to appointments, activities, and community events as assigned.
• Support audits, inspections, investigations, and quality…