Community Coach - Direct Support Professional

VIA of the Lehigh Valley•Bethlehem, PA

About The Position

Via is hiring a Community Coach who supports individuals with disabilities in achieving greater independence, confidence, and connection. The role involves working with participants in community and facility settings, helping them pursue their goals through meaningful activities and consistent daily routines. Success in the role comes from a genuine interest or passion for working with individuals with disabilities. The position starts at $17.00 per hour for candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent, $17.50 per hour for those with an associate’s degree, and $18.00 per hour for those with a bachelor’s degree. Employees can earn up to an additional $1.75 per hour by completing all three levels of the National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) Career Ladder Program. Via provides paid training, mileage reimbursement, career development, and educational assistance. The position requires community travel, a valid driver’s license, a personal vehicle, and appropriate vehicle insurance. Work hours must be flexible to meet department needs, including evening availability.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Genuine interest or passion for working with individuals with disabilities.
Ability to work in a variety of settings and function in an ever-changing environment.
Daily ability to stand, sit, lift, and walk; ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Valid driver’s license, personal vehicle, and appropriate vehicle insurance.
Ability to travel in the community.
Flexible work hours to meet department demands, including evening availability.
Daily use of technology platforms such as Setworks, Paylocity, Microsoft Office, and email.
Ability to adapt to changing schedules while maintaining productivity and efficiency.
Flexibility and ability to adapt to a variety of environments.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree, which qualifies for a higher starting hourly rate than a high school diploma or equivalent.
Completion of the three-level NADSP Career Ladder Program, which provides an additional $1.75 per hour.

Responsibilities

Work a flexible schedule to support participants in the community and facility, according to supervision needs.
Implement community activities related to participants’ goals.
Participate in developing participant outcomes and reinforce participants’ goals daily.
Assist in developing new volunteer sites.
Develop or follow consistent daily routines with participants and provide a meaningful day through varied activities.
Complete participant documentation daily according to ODP regulations.
Adapt to shifting priorities while maintaining a constructive, solutions-focused outlook.

Benefits

Medical, vision, and dental benefits at minimal cost to the employee.
15 days of paid vacation during the first year, increasing to 18 days after one year of employment.
9 paid holidays, including a birthday holiday.
Floating Cultural Holiday as a paid day off for eligible employees.
403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with discretionary annual contribution.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
Education assistance up to $5,000 per year for full-time employees.
Education incentive for obtaining a degree or certification.
Paid training and mileage reimbursement.
Professional development opportunities through the NADSP Career Ladder Program, with an additional $1.75 per hour after completing all three levels.
Employee Assistance Program for full-time employees beginning on their first date of hire, including counseling and employee/family financial, legal, and work-life services.
Casual work attire.
Employee referral-bonus program.
Employee events, including raffles, work anniversary celebrations, recognition awards, and monthly celebration events.