NJ DDD Supports Program 2026: A Guide for Caregivers and DSP Workers
New Jersey's Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Supports Program is the largest source of DSP employment in NJ. Here is everything caregivers and job seekers need to know.
The New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Supports Program provides community-based support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is one of the largest programs of its kind in the northeast.
What DSP Workers Do
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) work with individuals who have autism, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, and related conditions. The work includes: - Daily living assistance (meals, hygiene, transportation) - Community inclusion activities - Skill-building and behavioral support - Documentation for DDD compliance
Who Is Eligible for Services?
NJ residents 21+ with a diagnosed intellectual or developmental disability who are on the DDD waiting list or currently enrolled. In 2026, New Jersey reduced the average wait time from 3+ years to approximately 14 months through the Supports Program expansion.
Employment in the DDD Sector
NJ DDD-funded positions typically pay $17–22/hr for entry-level DSPs. Senior DSPs with specialized training (PBS, Person-Centered Planning) earn up to $28/hr. Demand is especially high in Essex, Hudson, and Bergen counties.
Requirements to Work as a DSP
- High school diploma or equivalent - Criminal background check (no disqualifying offenses) - DDD-required pre-service orientation (6–8 hours) - CPR/First Aid certification (most employers provide or reimburse)
Priority Group Services NJ is Hiring
PGSNJ is an approved NJ DDD provider actively hiring DSPs across Essex, Hudson, Bergen, and Union counties.