Here at The Arc Gloucester, we offer the unique opportunity to combine your professional experience with your passion to help individuals with intellectual or development disabilities
For more than 60 years The Arc Gloucester has provided innovative programs and services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We have made a difference in the lives of many people and are very proud of that. But it's the individuals we service who bring our programs to life with their creativity, excitement, humor, talent, and so much more!
Direct Support Professionals (DSP) provide direct care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities served by The Arc Gloucester and help these individuals reach their fullest potential in accordance with their ISPs by creating a nurturing environment and maintaining programmatic needs in compliance.
Position
Non-exempt. Flexible hours. Must be available for emergency coverage beyond regularly scheduled hours and at least 1 weekend shift. Locations available throughout Gloucester County. This position is supervised by a Residential Manager.
Essential
Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide direct care to individuals and empower them to reach their fullest potential in accordance with their ISPs
- Assist individuals into and out of bed, van or wheelchair, up / downstairs, and with activities of daily living (ADLs) e.g. dressing, bathing, toileting that may include incontinent support, hygiene, and grooming, while using proper body mechanics, adaptive equipment, and ensuring the safety of all concerned
- Perform instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) as needed, e.g. housecleaning and home maintenance, managing communication, safeguarding finance, managing transportation.
- Accompany individuals served in the community, as a guide, companion, advocate, and aide (e.g. shopping, religious activities, medical appointments, ER and/or urgent care visits, community events, friends and family gatherings, etc.)
- Transporting individuals served and driving agency vehicle in a safe, lawful manner
- Administer and document prescribed medications, using the approved medication administration policies and procedures
- Assist with purchasing, preparing, and serving food for individuals while following any special prescribed diets
- Provide a supportive program environment for the individual by maintaining and engaging in a clean, positive, healthy, and stimulating environment while ensuring adequate supervision at all times
- Work collaboratively with the internal and external team, including but not limited to co-workers, supervisors, family members, guardians, provider agencies
- Comply with supervisory directives, relevant internal and external policies and procedures, and applicable Federal, State, and local regulations, in a timely and comprehensive manner
- Maintain daily electronic and/or written records of billable services performed, accurately and timely
- Conduct required safety drills as directed
- Effectively plan and manage recreational activities based on the individual’s interest level and at the individual’s pace, including organizing, implementing, and participating in community activities
- Primary department, work location and schedule may vary
- Maintain confidentiality
- Comply with the applicable DDD Manual(s) and standards, The Arc Gloucester’s policies and procedures, as well as all state, local and federal regulations, including any vaccination mandates & policies
- Must cooperate and participate in reviews, investigations, and inspections, including but not limited to with the licensee and Department of Human Services staff in any inspection, inquiry or investigation
- Occasional management responsibilities, including assisting with trainings, planning, workflow, administrative tasks, communicating with providers, making appointments (medical and other),problem solving, and responsibilities delegated from a supervisor
- Additional responsibilities as required
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent, and must be 18 years of age or older
- Knowledge or experience with supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is preferred.
- Must have a current, non-probationary driver’s license with 5 points or less, and deemed acceptable to drive by The Arc Gloucester’s liability insurance company, valid in the state of New Jersey
- Proficient in basic computer, math, reading comprehension and verbal and written communication skills
- Successfully pass initial and ongoing Federal & State Criminal Background checks, Fingerprinting, Central Registry, Motor Vehicle Record (MVR), Child Abuse Record Information (CARI), Health Screenings, Employment Verifications & References & Drug testing/ All employees must submit to a criminal background check, and be determined to be not disqualified by the Department of Human Services prior to working with individuals served, agree to have their name checked against the Central Registry of Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities, shall complete an application to have their name checked against the Child Abuse Registry Information (CARI), shall submit to drug testing conducted randomly and for cause. All employees hired after 6/15/18 shall submit to drug testing prior to employment
- Certified in CPR/First Aid
- Successfully complete and demonstrate proficiency in all areas of required training
Physical Requirements
- While performing the essential functions of this position, the following are required, with or without reasonable accommodation:
- Ability to sit, drive, stand and walk for extended periods of time
- Ability to operate computers, phone, and other relevant technology
- Physical duties, including but not limited to carrying, driving, general lifting (at least 50 lbs., occasionally up to 100 lbs.), assisting with transferring and lifting of individuals, pushing and pulling (resistance of at least 25 lbs.), bending, twisting, squatting, climbing stairs, and cleaning
