Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Montgomery County
About The Position
The Adolphus Group is hiring full-time and part-time Direct Support Professionals for residential programs in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. DSPs provide hands-on, person-centered support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who live in licensed residential homes. Working within Pennsylvania Chapter 6400 and Chapter 6100 requirements and applicable DHS and ODP standards, DSPs promote individuals’ health, safety, dignity, independence, inclusion, rights, and autonomy. The role involves supporting personal goals, structured routines, and meaningful daily living through trauma-informed, equitable care, clear documentation, incident response, and compliance with clinical and regulatory standards. Available shifts are 7:00 AM–3:00 PM, 3:00 PM–11:00 PM, and 11:00 PM–7:00 AM. Work may be scheduled on weekdays, weekends, and holidays according to program needs. Full-time positions are 32 or more hours per week; part-time positions are fewer than 32 hours per week. Specific schedules and hours are discussed during hiring and depend on organizational staffing needs. Applicants must own a reliable personal vehicle to commute to assigned work locations; public transportation and rideshare services do not meet this requirement. This is direct, physical, and emotionally engaged care work in residential settings that may involve complex medical or behavioral needs. DSPs must be prepared to respond to emergencies, follow individualized plans, collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, and maintain a safe, supportive environment while respecting each individual’s dignity and autonomy. Successful completion of all required DHS background checks is required.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- Own a reliable personal vehicle for commuting to assigned work locations.
- Maintain consistent and punctual attendance and reliably report to scheduled shifts.
- Ability to work assigned shifts, including weekends and holidays when scheduled.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to follow individualized support plans and established safety procedures.
- Ability to perform essential physical tasks, including lifting and assisting with mobility, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Complete mandatory onboarding and ongoing training, including fire safety, individual rights, trauma-informed care, and medication administration when applicable.
- Successful completion of all required DHS background checks.
Nice To Haves
- Previous experience working with adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
- Experience in residential services, behavioral health, healthcare, or related human services settings.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Current CPR, First Aid, or Medication Administration certification.
- Familiarity with Pennsylvania ODP regulations and residential service requirements.
Responsibilities
- Assist individuals with activities of daily living, including bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, and mobility.
- Plan and prepare meals and provide nutritional support in accordance with ISP goals and dietary needs.
- Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and respectful living environment.
- Encourage independence, personal choice, and participation in meaningful daily activities.
- Implement Individual Support Plans, Behavior Support Plans, and Risk Mitigation Plans.
- Complete shift notes, data collection, progress tracking, and incident reports accurately.
- Document and monitor community engagement and individual outcomes.
- Report significant changes in individuals’ health, behavior, psychiatric condition, or support needs to appropriate leadership.
- Administer medications when trained and authorized, in accordance with Pennsylvania Medication Administration Program requirements.
- Conduct emergency drills and safety checks, and follow incident management procedures.
- Maintain supervision according to individual support plans and staffing requirements; ensure individuals are not left without appropriate staff coverage.
- Remain at the assigned residence until appropriate relief staff arrive when needed to maintain safe supervision.
- Use de-escalation and redirection consistent with trauma-informed practices and respond professionally to behavioral or emotional crises.
- Follow approved behavioral support strategies and safety protocols while preserving individuals’ dignity, rights, privacy, and choice.
- Attend required training, staff meetings, and supervision sessions.
- Maintain confidentiality, healthy boundaries, and ethical care standards.
- Communicate effectively with coworkers, supervisors, medical professionals, and families.
- Follow organizational policies, attendance procedures, and regulatory requirements; report to assigned shifts on time and prepared.
- Maintain availability for established schedules, review schedules, promptly report discrepancies, communicate scheduling conflicts in advance, and use the designated call-out system at least two hours before a shift when possible.
- Complete mandatory training and maintain required certifications.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
