Day Program Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Full-Time

Description

Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Full Time |Paid Training | IDD Day Services

Required Schedule

Full-Time: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

About Our House, Inc.

At Our House, Inc., our mission is to provide healthy, stimulating, and inclusive environments for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Through innovative day programs, employment services, and community-based opportunities, we support individuals in building skills, independence, and meaningful connections.

This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy active, hands-on work, community engagement, and supporting adults in a structured daytime program setting.

Our Interview Process

We believe in transparency and respect for your time.

Once an application is fully completed and meets the minimum requirements, our recruitment team will respond within 48 business hours via email with an invitation to attend a group interview.

While conducted in a group format, the interview is still an individual evaluation. During the session, we review:

• Program expectations and daily responsibilities
• Available program sites and participant needs
• Pre-employment requirements and training schedule
• Background check process
• Benefits, compensation, and next steps

Our goal is to ensure you understand the role clearly—while also giving us the opportunity to determine if the program and position are a good mutual fit.

Position Summary (Day Program DSP | IDD Services | Community-Based Support)

The Day Program Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides supervision, instruction, and support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a structured day program and community-based settings. DSPs engage participants in meaningful activities while ensuring safety, dignity, and compliance with individual service plans.

Great Fit If You’ve Worked In…

This role is a great match for candidates with experience in:

• Schools or Special Education settings (paraprofessionals, aides, classroom support)
  
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) roles, including behavior technicians or assistants
  
• Childcare, daycare, or early childhood education
  
• Recreation or camp programs, including fitness, aquatics, outdoor or adaptive recreation
  
• Youth programs, after-school programs, or community programs
  
• Human services or social services supporting individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities (IDD)
  

If you enjoy staying active, working hands-on with people, and supporting skill-building in both facility-based and community settings, this position may be a great fit.

Requirements

Essential Skills & Responsibilities

• Supervise program participants in accordance with individual service plan supervision guidelines, including line-of-sight supervision when required
• Actively engage in all scheduled activities with participants, including but not limited to:
  
  • Swimming and fitness activities
  • Exercise and skill-building programs
  • Gardening, farming, and outdoor activities
  • Fishing and community-based recreation
  • Domestic skill development (laundry, dishwashing, cleaning tasks)
• Maintain required staff-to-participant ratios at all times in facility-based and community settings
• Safely transport individuals to volunteer sites, activities, and appointments using agency vehicles, including highway and long-distance driving, in compliance with the Our House, Inc. Safe Driving Policy
• Ensure cleanliness, safety, and security of the program site, including performing general cleaning duties as needed
• Assist participants with toileting and hygiene needs, including use of adult incontinence products and post-accident clean-up when necessary
• Demonstrate flexibility by supporting various participants and working across different program sites as assigned
• Attend and actively participate in monthly staff meetings and quarterly all-agency meetings

Physical & Mental Demands

• Ability to write and type legibly using a computer, laptop, or other company-provided device
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply charts, diagrams, and written instructions
• Ability to enter and navigate program sites and community locations safely
• Ability to observe, hear, and respond promptly if a participant requires assistance or is in danger
• Ability to physically demonstrate tasks and activities to participants
• Adequate motor skills to assist participants with physical disabilities and to respond quickly to prevent injury or unsafe situations
• Ability to redirect participants exhibiting behavioral challenges (e.g., self-injury, elopement, aggression)
• Strong judgment and problem-solving skills to manage daily situations independently
• Ability to work independently while maintaining required staffing ratios
• Ability to accompany and supervise participants during appointments, community activities, and recreational events
• Strong verbal communication and comprehension skills for interaction with participants, staff, and community members
• Ability to attend off-site trainings as required
• Ability to assist participants with hygiene needs, including bathing, showering, and toileting
• Ability to assist individuals using wheelchairs in program and community settings
• Ability to safely transfer participants in and out of bathrooms, vehicles, beds, or other equipment as needed
• Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including masks when required
• Ability to drive agency vehicles regularly to transport participants and complete business errands

Lift / Force Requirements

• Constant: 10 lbs
• Frequent: 25 lbs
• Occasional: 50 lbs

Qualifications

• Experience with Behavioral Support plans is preferred
• Previous experience working with DD/ID individuals in a Day Program or Group Home setting is preferred. 
• Valid driver’s license with an insurable driving record and ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check
• Must be comfortable driving agency vehicles on a regular basis, including highway driving
• Must have reliable transportation to and from work
• At minimum, a high school diploma, GED, or foreign equivalent
• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Ability to attend and successfully complete required paid training and maintain annual recertifications
• Comfortable using computers and electronic systems for documentation, email communication, and data entry
• Ability to provide professional references during the application process

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive full-time pay and benefits, including:

• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Tuition assistance
• Matching 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off (vacation, personal, and sick time)

Equal Opportunity Employer

Our House, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected characteristics.

If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact HRdepartment@ourhousenj.org.

Employment Disclosure

This job description does not constitute a contract. Duties and requirements may change at the discretion of Our House, Inc. Employment is at-will.