Direct Support Professional

About Home Watch Caregivers

Home Watch Caregivers is a NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)-approved provider supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their homes and communities serving Essex, Union, Passaic & Morris counties.

We're growing, and we're looking for kind, dependable, and dedicated Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team.

The Role

As a Direct Support Professional, you'll work one-on-one with adults with developmental disabilities, supporting them in their day-to-day lives. You'll spend your time in their homes and out in the community — helping with daily living skills, encouraging independence, connecting them with what they love, and making sure they're safe, healthy, and happy.

What You'll Do

• Build a real relationship with each person you support — get to know what matters to them, what they love, and what they want out of life.
• Support daily living activities such as personal care, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and mobility.
• Take individuals out into the community — appointments, errands, recreation, volunteering, classes, and social activities.
• Follow each individual's Person-Centered Planning Tool (PCPT) / Individual Service Plan (ISP) and document services accurately.
• Use Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) — clock in and out of every shift through our app or system.
• Recognize and respond to health and safety concerns, including calling 911 in any life-threatening emergency (Danielle's Law).
• Report any concerns about abuse, neglect, exploitation, or unusual incidents per Stephen Komninos' Law and our agency policies.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with families, support coordinators, and our team.
• Show up on time, every shift, and treat the people we serve and their homes with respect.

Requirements

• 18 years of age or older.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver's license, clean driving record, reliable vehicle, and current auto insurance.
• Ability to pass a NJ State and Federal fingerprint-based criminal background check.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test and agree to ongoing random and reasonable-suspicion testing (Stephen Komninos' Law).
• Ability to clear NJ Central Registry (CRODID), CARI (Child Abuse Record Information), and Sex Offender Registry checks.
• Prior experience as a DSP for atleast 1 year.
• Strong English communication skills — written and verbal — for accurate documentation.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, assist with transfers, and perform the essential physical functions of the role.
• Comfort using a smartphone or tablet for EVV clock-in/out and documentation.
• Current CPR & First Aid certification (American Heart Association or American Red Cross — in-person, hands-on certification only).
• Familiarity with Therap, HHAeXchange, or other DDD/Medicaid documentation systems is a plus.

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly pay — $18/hour
• Health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Reimbursement for mileage when transporting individuals.
• Flexible scheduling — daytime, evening, overnight, and weekend shifts available.
• A supportive team that has your back and respects your time.
• Real career growth — pathways into Lead DSP, Medication-Certified DSP, Supervisor, and beyond, aligned with NJ's DSP Core Competency Career Pathway.