Direct Support Professional: Day Program

Access Services • Lehighton, PA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

We are hiring a dedicated and caring Direct Support Professional to join our Day Program team in Lehighton, PA! As a Direct Support Professional in our Day Program, you will have the opportunity to provide personalized support to adults with developmental disabilities/Autism who attend our day programs. Our quality-focused staff support individuals with intellectual disabilities in being active and valued members of the community by building skills, promoting wellbeing and personal growth in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Requirements

• Candidates must meet all qualifying and ongoing job criteria including background checks, physical examination results, and clearances.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Certifications in First Aid, CPR, and Community Participation Supports for DSP within six months of hire will be paid for and provided by Access Services.
• One (1) year’s direct care experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities preferred.
• Have access to a reliable vehicle during work hours.
• Have had a valid U.S. driver’s license for the last two years (not including time with a permit).
• Be listed as a driver on a valid auto insurance policy.
• Ability to teach basic daily living skills.
• Ability and readiness to provide personal care as needed.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, their families, peers, supports coordinators and the general public.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting laws, rules and policies governing Access Services programs and services.
• Ability to express ideas succinctly, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and in group settings, and ability to adapt to different working environments, as assigned for the day.
• Ability to maintain a cooperative and caring attitude with a view of seeing the needs of others as more important than one’s own needs.
• Commitment to Individual Rights and individuality of the person being served.
• Proficiency in, or ability to learn and use, workplace applications, platforms and technologies including Outlook, the Company Intranet, time and attendance system, the electronic healthcare record, and more.
• Ability to navigate network drives and basic hardware use and troubleshooting.

Nice To Haves

• One (1) year’s direct care experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities preferred.
• Certifications in First Aid, CPR, and Community Participation Supports for DSP within six months of hire will be paid for and provided by Access Services.

Responsibilities

• Work shifts, as assigned by the Program Manager and Team Lead, with the highest degree of dependability.
• Implement the Individual Support Plan (ISP), and Nursing Care Plan when applicable, for every individual participant.
• Implement behavioral support plans and follow therapeutic or medical protocols as directed.
• Support individuals with daily living activities, including personal care, meal preparation, housekeeping, and medication administration (as trained).
• Promote independence in daily activities, learning, leisure, and volunteer opportunities for individuals.
• Establish a secure, positive environment that nurtures individual’s needs, self-expression, and goals (valued outcomes).
• Help facilitate an individual’s inclusion in the community through experiences and activities.
• When applicable, transport individuals to and from program, and to various sites in the community throughout the course of the day, as assigned by Program Manager / Team Lead.
• Ensure a safe, clean, and supportive environment for all individuals served.
• Work with other staff members as required in implementing and carrying out services and activities to meet the needs of individual clients.
• Provide individualized or small group support based on daily assignments and the needs of an individual.
• Maintain accurate documentation and communication regarding individual progress, incidents, and observations.
• Provide accurate and timely communication to program management regarding individuals served.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with individuals, families, coworkers, and supervisors.
• Ensure own proper conduct and fair representation of Access Services and our values.
• Report any operational or staff concerns according to Agency established policies and procedures.
• Complete annual training requirements in a timely manner.

Benefits

• Mileage & toll reimbursement.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage
• company-paid life insurance
• disability protection
• catastrophic sick leave
• Access Services covers up to 88% of health premium with many employees paying less than $150/month.
• up to nearly 6 weeks of paid time off (20+ PTO days plus 9 paid holidays)
• 401(k) with company match
• tuition reimbursement program
• access to college tuition discounts
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free, confidential resources for you and your family, including: Counseling and emotional support through in-person, telehealth and text therapy. Financial and legal guidance
• Paid training
• ongoing professional development
• opportunities to learn and advance across diverse roles and programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED