Direct Support Professional

OHI is looking for caring, compassionate individuals to assist our residents in having fulfilling lives and helping them to be as independent as possible. We are looking for people who have a desire to help and a willingness to learn, no experience is required. If you are looking for a career change, returning to the work force, or looking to get experience in the field, we’d love to speak with you!

Qualifications: Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Must want to help others, have a willingness to learn, and be a team player. Must have valid driver's license with good driving record. We provide paid training.

Overview: Trains residents, who are individuals with developmental disabilities, in independent living skills in group homes or apartments, located in the community and operated by Our House Inc.

What You Will Be Doing: Training and supervising residents in the development/enhancement of independent living skills in areas such as nutrition, meal planning and preparation, household skills, personal grooming and hygiene, money skills, recreational and social skills, safety, travel training, sexuality training, self- advocacy and other areas.

• May be responsible for providing a high level of assistance with hygiene, including but not limited to; bathing, toileting, changing of adult disposable underwear, changing catheters, changing colostomy bags, (we provide training on how to do this) etc.
• Responsible for the safety and well-being of the residents.
• Providing adequate supervision for the individuals in the home as outlined in their IHP/ISP.
• Supervising and documenting the administration of medication
• Transporting residents in agency vehicles to medical appointments. shopping, activities, etc.
• Must be able to accompany and supervise residents on appointments, community activities, recreational events and advocate/support them in a community setting.
• Monitoring resident progress towards IHP/ISP goals and documents progress in the Electronic Client Record by completing accurate and detailed Goal Tracking Sheets.
• Maintaining compliance with Medicaid Regulations by completing accurate, factual and detailed accounts of resident's progress when completing Medicaid required documentation.
• Maintaining and completing accurate household documentation during scheduled shifts and completing all necessary documentation prior to leaving.
• Maintaining the safety of the home, property and vehicle by following general safety precautions, maintaining security at all times, immediately correcting unsafe conditions, properly maintaining fire alarm system, conducting emergency evacuation drills as assigned, and promptly removing snow/ice.
• Requirement to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including a mask, as directed by CDC, OSHA, state and local authorities. PPE requirements are subject to change at any time.
• Interacting professionally with community members, volunteers, service and religious organizations, doctors, specialists, neighbors, family /guardians etc.
• Some of our residents have behaviors, which may include, but is not limited to kicking, hitting, biting, pushing, etc. Training in Handle With Care Restraints and Positive Behavioral Supports provided
• Demonstrating respect, cooperation, consideration, tact, and professionalism in dealing with residents, peers, supervisors, families and others.
• Modeling appropriate behavior for residents.
• Attending and participating in monthly staff meetings, Agency staff meetings.
• Advocating for rights of the residents.
• Identifying, and working with managerial staff in meeting special/individual needs of the residents such as, physical, psychological, social, religious, civil, legal and financial needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Essential Physical/Mental Demands:

• Must be able to physically enter group homes/apartments. This is an on-site position, fully awake, and is hands-on.
• Must be able to observe, hear and respond if a resident in the home or in the community is in danger or needs assistance.
• Must possess adequate motor skills to assist residents who are physically disabled, to be able to respond quickly to prevent injury or mishap of residents, create a safe atmosphere, and to be able to redirect residents with behavior problems. (Examples: self-abuse/injury, darting into dangerous situations, injuring other residents or other people)
• Must possess good judgment and problem-solving skills to handle day-to-day situations that may arise during work time.
• Must be able to work alone, while also meeting required staffing ratio.
• Must have sufficient oral communication and comprehension skills to sufficiently understand and respond to other individuals including residents, both in person and on the telephone.
• Must be able to attend off-site trainings.
• Must be able to physically assist residents with meeting hygiene needs which includes, but is not limited to: showering, bathing and toileting.
• Must be able to physically assist individuals utilizing wheelchairs in a residential and community setting (pushing, transporting, etc.)
• Must be able to provide the adequate level of assistance to transfer residents in and out of the bathroom, bed, shower, etc. based on the needs of the residents in the home.

Benefits Available to Full Time Employees:

Health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401k Matching, paid time off (19 day accrued annually), paid sick time, tuition reimbursement, eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness, referral bonuses, flexible spending account,

Key Words:

Direct care, DSP, direct support, counselor, special needs, psychology, Autism, behavior supports, group home, residential, direct care, career changer, career pivot, return to work

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $19.50 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid orientation
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Evening shift
• Night shift
• Overnight shift
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Bridgewater, NJ: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person