Respite Support Staff

Respite / Direct Support Staff

Tender Heart Supportive Services, LLC
Locations: Essex, Ocean, Sussex, Warren, Bergen, Mercer, Middlesex Counties, NJ (Multiple Openings)
Job Type: Part-Time, Per Diem
Schedule: Flexible (Weekdays, Evenings, and Weekends Available)
Pay: Competitive hourly rate

Join Our Team!

Tender Heart Supportive Services is a New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) approved provider dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live meaningful, independent, and fulfilling lives within their communities.

Due to continued growth, we are seeking compassionate, dependable, and motivated Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team throughout New Jersey. Whether you are looking for full-time, part-time, or supplemental hours, we offer flexible scheduling to fit your availability.

Position Summary

As a Direct Support Professional, you will provide person-centered support to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their homes and communities. You will assist individuals in developing independent living skills, increasing community participation, achieving ISP goals, promoting safety, and enhancing their overall quality of life.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate, respectful, and person-centered care.
• Assist individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs) as needed.
• Support community integration by accompanying individuals to recreational activities, appointments, shopping, volunteer opportunities, and community events.
• Encourage independence while promoting dignity and choice.
• Implement Individual Service Plan (ISP) goals and document progress accurately.
• Support the development of communication, social, and daily living skills.
• Utilize positive behavior support strategies and follow Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) when applicable.
• Redirect challenging behaviors using approved interventions.
• Ensure the individual's health, safety, and well-being at all times.
• Provide transportation when required.
• Complete electronic documentation and daily progress notes accurately and on time.
• Report incidents, concerns, and changes in condition promptly.
• Communicate professionally with supervisors, families, support coordinators, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and agency policies.
• Attend required trainings and staff meetings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Experience working with children and/or adults with autism spectrum disorder or behavioral challenges.
• Knowledge of positive behavior supports.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Dependable, compassionate, and patient.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation preferred.
• Ability to pass required criminal background checks.
• Eligible to work in the United States.
• Ability to complete all required DDD onboarding and agency training.
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds when necessary.

Available Schedules

We offer flexible scheduling based on your availability.

Current openings include:

• Morning shifts
• Afternoon shifts
• Evening shifts
• Weekend shifts
• Community-based support
• In-home support

Example schedule for one current case:

• Monday–Sunday
• 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM
• 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Additional schedules become available weekly throughout New Jersey.

Why Work With Tender Heart Supportive Services?

• Competitive pay
• Flexible scheduling
• Full-time and part-time opportunities
• Paid training (where applicable)
• Supportive leadership team
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Rewarding work that makes a meaningful difference
• Ongoing referrals and consistent case availability
• Positive, team-oriented work environment

How to Apply

If you are passionate about helping others and making a positive impact in your community, we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your resume through Indeed. Qualified applicants will be contacted by a member of our Human Resources team within 24 hours for the next steps in the hiring process.

Tender Heart Supportive Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance

Experience:

• working with individuals with developmental disabilities: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: In person