Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional (DSP) / Caregiver

Position Type: Substitute to Full-Time (read About Us for more details)
Location: Varies by client, throughout the state of New Jersey

Company Description

At Haven Human Services, Inc., we create an environment of opportunity for individuals living with disabilities. By providing comprehensive support, we strive to empower those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to emphasize self-advocacy and support independence. Our person-centered care approach ensures that all individuals can thrive and find opportunities for empowerment. Join us in our mission to be the organization of choice in supporting individuals with IDD.

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.

Core Functions:

• 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 and vehicle 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

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities is preferred, however, 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, you will be considered. 

Work Schedule:
We serve at clients' residences and will serve a 24-hour residential group home, 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!

We are newly founded in 2023 and are in the process of beginning service to individuals with IDD by forming relationships with support coordination agencies and gaining loyal clientele. Looking for candidates that are flexible about working with founding members and as founding members of a brand-new organization. We are hoping the right candidates are excited to bring their experience to the table and work with us to make imperative decisions for the benefit of individuals in our community. 

Haven Human Services Inc. is a national 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that helps individuals with disabilities and specific special needs in New Jersey and will receive services via many of our offered programs. We believe everyone has right to realize their potential and live their life as they envision it and should be 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 Mission Statement: Create an environment of opportunity for individuals living with disabilities. We empower individuals through comprehensive and equitable support, fostering self-advocacy and independence with a person-centered approach, enhancing the well-being of those we serve.

Haven Human Services Inc. Is An Equal Opportunity Employer

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.