Direct Support Professional Respite Connections (Saturdays)

Title:  Respite Connections Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Reports To: On-Site Program Lead

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 50 programs and services, we’ve impacted the health and happiness of thousands of families for nearly 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 approximately 30,000 individuals annually. We offer a family-focused approach through our network of non-profit organizations, 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.

Position Overview:

Respite Connections is a Saturday respite program for youth ages 3-21 with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program takes place two Saturdays per month from 10:00am to 2:00pm and provides enrichment activities to enhance the social skills and confidence of program participants. Respite Connections is designed to support the development of hobbies, social interaction, and character development.  The Respite Connections DSP assists the Program Lead to ensure safe and appropriate services are delivered and supervises youth enrolled in the program.

Key Responsibilities:

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

• Assists the Program Lead with care and supervision of children attending the Respite Connections program.
• Participates in the program’s wide array of indoor and outdoor activities including arts, crafts, games, music, dance and educational projects, and group activities.
• Assists in ensuring the comfort, health safety, and well-being of all program participants.
• Is attentive, flexible, and supportive of youth enrolled in program.
• Encourages and models social behavior and appropriate self-expression.
• Provides input at staff or family meetings and as needed discussing participant wellbeing, behaviors, and program quality.
• Based on need, may be required to travel to other after-school program locations to fill in if short staffed.
• Maintains CPR/First Aid certification (every two years) and Handle with Care annually, along with other job requirements as necessary.
• Completes 6 professional development hours annually.
• Other duties as assigned by your supervisor and/or Family Support Services Manager.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.  Associate Degree preferred.
•  Must be 18 years old.  Minimum of one-year experience in working directly with individuals with developmental disabilities. Related course work or experience with children with challenging behaviors a plus.