RESPITE GETAWAY DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Who We Are 

Join a Team That’s Making a Difference for Thousands of Families Across New Jersey! 

At the Family Resource Network (FRN), we’re committed to improving the lives of individuals living with epilepsy, autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, and chronic illnesses. With over 30 programs and services, we’ve impacted the health and happiness of thousands of families for over five decades. But our impact doesn’t stop there—our community events, like the “Walk for the ONE” 5k walk/run and the Autism Beach Bash, bring even more people together in support of our mission.

As part of FRN, you’ll be joining a statewide organization that serves over 3,500 through direct service and 80,000 individuals through training and education annually. FRN’s core service areas include: providing community-based programs that meet the evolving needs of individuals and families across New Jersey.

At FRN, our values-driven culture is what sets us apart. We are deeply committed to fostering a positive and inclusive environment, where everyone’s voice is heard, and every contribution matters. Our focus on respect, integrity, and teamwork allows us to create meaningful change for the individuals and families we serve, while ensuring that each team member thrives in a supportive, collaborative workplace.

If you have a genuine passion for helping others and are eager to contribute to meaningful change, we invite you to bring your enthusiasm and lend your talents to advancing our mission. 

TITLE: RESPITE GETAWAY DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

REPORTS TO: ADULT RECREATION COORDINATOR

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Respite Getaway program provides weekend long recreation opportunities for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. This program is designed to give parents and families relief from caregiving responsibilities while providing socially engaging activities in the community. The Direct Support Professional (DSP) shall assist individuals in the Respite Getaway program in participating in activities planned within the community, ensuring socialization, providing proper care, and assisting the individual(s) with working on their independence.

 

The Respite Getaway program occurs Friday evening through Sunday afternoon at a local hotel and requires staff to spend the night with the two program participants they are assigned to. Typical Respite Getaway activities include bowling, movies, water parks, sporting events, malls, swimming, restaurants, etc.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Must be able to work Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon, totaling 48 hours at least once a month

• Is attentive, flexible, and supportive of individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families

• Maintain regular communication with the Family Support Coordinator via agency email

• Provide care (including but not limited to, personal hygiene and daily life skills), and appropriate supervision to assigned individual(s) during program

• Document and administer medication for participants throughout the weekend.

• Is technologically proficient and able to use company implemented platforms to ensure successful programming and documentation

• Responsible for maintaining the comfort, health, safety, and well-being of participants during program events and intervening when necessary

• Ensure that all work is carried out in a manner that is both respectful and empowering to families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

• Encourage and model appropriate social behaviors and interactions

• When necessary, will be required to drive clients to and from the hotel to planned program activities/events in rental cars reserved by the FSS Program Coordinator

• Maintain participant’s confidentiality according to HIPPA

• Complete 6 professional development hours annually

• Attend quarterly DSP/program meetings

• Demonstrate a friendly, courteous, and professional demeanor

• Submit all program documentation by specific deadlines, including attendance sheets, timesheets, progress notes, debit card reconciliation and receipts, etc.

• Follow mandatory reporting procedures according to FRN and state protocols

• Other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or CEO. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to engage in physical activities including:

  • • Walking long distances

    • Lifting, moving, or holding weight of 10-40 pounds may be required

    • Respond immediately and appropriately to ensure participant health and safety needs

    • Maintain mental and physical alertness and an appropriate level of energy to perform essential job requirement

 

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GEO

• Meet agency and state requirements, and maintain credentials for the position, which includes ongoing trainings CPR Certification, TB test, etc.

• Experience with assisting and serving individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities preferred

• If driving for the agency, a valid driver’s license, proper registration, insurance and satisfactory driver’s record required- these credentials must be maintained for initial and continued employment

• Must submit to a criminal history review/ fingerprinting. All employment and continued employment are contingent upon receipt and maintenance of a satisfactory criminal records review/ fingerprint report.

• Drug Testing required upon hire

Why You Should Work for Us: 

• The below are eligible for all part-time roles 

• Competitive hourly rates for opportunities for annual increases 

• Flexible scheduling options 

• Paid sick leave 

• 403(b) employer match and contribution based on years and service and hours worked 

• Technology provided 

• Mileage reimbursement for applicable positions 

• Paid and ongoing training opportunities for all staff, including CPR/First Aid certification 

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