Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional – Residential Services

Location:

Essex County

Job Type: Part-Time

Saturday and Sunday 7am-3pm

Salary: $18.50

Pillar Care Continuum is dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities and other special needs by supporting personal growth, independence and participation in the community. Founded in 1953 to meet the needs of children with cerebral palsy and their families, Pillar Care has steadily grown and now delivers life-affirming services to infants, children, adults and their families throughout northern New Jersey through 27 program locations.

Pillar Care provides specialized programs to meet a wide range of educational, therapeutic, and social needs of people with various disabilities. The agency serves over 1,650 families each year and employs 700 full‑ and part‑time employees.

Join our team and make a difference in the lives of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a Residential Care Assistant/Direct Support Specialist, you’ll provide compassionate support to help residents live their best lives. Your role includes assisting with daily activities such as hygiene, meals, and medication, creating a comfortable home environment, and fostering meaningful family and community connections.

• Engages residents in activities of daily living to the extent of their ability and supports individual needs in areas of shopping, meal preparation, cleaning, bathing, dressing, toileting, feeding, grooming and hygiene.
• Supports individual health and service plans (HSP/ISP) or other goals and objectives; regularly observes, identifies, documents and reports changes in health and behavior.
• Performs household chores as needed and assists residents in determining social, recreational, or educational activities of choice.
• Adheres to standard health precautions, ensuring the well‑being of residents by monitoring health, administering medication as prescribed.
• Inspects individual equipment and furnishings for proper functioning and reports malfunctions to supervisor.
• Ensures that safe and reliable transportation is available to residents. Drives van or other vehicle; escorts residents to scheduled programs or other activities, recreational opportunities, or medical appointments as assigned by supervisor.
• Prepares and communicates written progress notes relating to medication administration, daily activities, medical emergencies and other related areas as required.
• Interacts with residents’ family members and friends, facilitates communication and engagement within the community.
• Attends staff meetings and assists residents in participating in house meetings.
• Performs other related tasks as required by Group Home Manager.
• Maintains a clean and safe working environment; rotates household chores and adheres to standard health precautions.
• Adheres to all Pillar policies and procedures.

• At least 18 years of age (Insurance Purposes)
• HS Diploma or GED
• 1‑2 Years of successful employment with the same establishment or agency
• 1 year experience supporting adults/children with developmental disabilities preferred
• Successful completion of criminal background history and fingerprint examination
• Valid driver’s license with fewer than 4 points.

To be considered for the role, applicants must be willing to undergo the following terms before employment:

• Successfully complete a criminal background check and receive clearance from the Department of Human Services.
• Consent to having their name checked against the Central Registry of Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities.
• Submit to drug testing prior to start date.
• Complete an application for a name check against the Child Abuse Registry Information (CARI).

Pillar Care Continuum is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

If you would like to learn more about our Residential Services:
Pillar Care | Residential Services