Direct Support Professional, 7am-3pm (Saturdays and Sundays Required)

As a Direct Support Professional at The Arc of Ocean County, your key responsibilities will include providing direct care and support to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. This includes assisting with personal hygiene, medication administration, meal preparation, and ensuring their safety and well-being. You'll also engage with individuals to encourage social interaction and independence, making a lasting impact on their lives.

To qualify for the Direct Support Professional position at The Arc of Ocean County, candidates must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid NJ Driver’s License with no more than five points. A high school diploma or GED is required, alongside at least one year of experience in a similar role or with a previous employer. Passion for helping individuals with disabilities is essential!

The Arc of Ocean County provides its employees with an attractive benefits package, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, all with low deductibles and $0 copays. Additional benefits include a 401k with agency matching, paid time off (PTO), holiday pay, a referral bonus program, and tuition reimbursement to support your career development.

The working hours for a Direct Support Professional at The Arc of Ocean County are quite flexible. The standard shift is from 7 am to 3 pm, with weekends required. However, the agency also offers part-time and full-time positions with the possibility of overtime, making it easier to fit into your lifestyle.

Yes, for the Direct Support Professional position at The Arc of Ocean County, prior experience is preferred, specifically at least one year of longevity with a previous employer. However, if you are passionate about helping others and willing to learn, your application may still be considered.

When answering this question, focus on your passion for helping individuals with disabilities, your values alignment with The Arc of Ocean County's mission, and any personal experiences that have inspired your career path in support services.

Choose a specific scenario where your actions led to a positive outcome for the individual. Explain your approach, how you assessed their needs, and a brief overview of the skills you utilized to support them effectively.

Discuss your strategies for maintaining calm and focused while working with individuals exhibiting challenging behaviors. Emphasize the importance of understanding triggers, utilizing de-escalation techniques, and building rapport.

Demonstrate your understanding of the role by detailing core responsibilities such as providing personal care, assisting with daily living tasks, medication administration, and the need for proper documentation. Show that you comprehend the importance of fostering independence and social skills.

Explain your approach to time management and task prioritization based on individuals' varying needs. Discuss how you assess immediate requirements while also considering long-term goals for the individuals you support.

Focus on how collaboration among staff, families, and the community enhances the quality of care provided. Explain how working as a team can lead to better outcomes for individuals and ensure that best practices are consistently followed.

Discuss the significance of clear and effective communication with both the individuals you support and your colleagues. Emphasize how good communication can help build trust, ensure safety, and support the delivery of personalized care.

Highlight your commitment to following safety protocols, conducting regular assessments, and continually monitoring the environment. Discuss also the importance of training and awareness of potential risks associated with disabilities.

Talk about your familiarity with electronic documentation systems, the importance of accuracy, and your experience in maintaining comprehensive records. Provide an example of how proper documentation contributed to effective care.

Explain your commitment to teamwork and the ethical responsibility to advocate for the individuals being supported. Discuss the importance of addressing such situations promptly and professionally to ensure the best care.