Direct Support Professional: Vocational Day Program

Access Services•Colmar, PA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Access Services is hiring a dedicated and caring Direct Support Professional for its Vocational Day Program in Colmar, Pennsylvania. The program supports attendees in developing soft skills and job skills as they work toward competitive employment. Staff support individuals with intellectual disabilities to be active and valued members of the community by building skills and promoting wellbeing and personal growth in a supportive, collaborative environment. The role provides consistent support with daily routines, including personal care and meals, and follows individualized support, behavioral, and health plans. The Direct Support Professional encourages independence, skill-building, and participation in learning, recreation, volunteering, and community activities. The role also involves transportation, teamwork, documentation, and professional communication with individuals, families, coworkers, and supervisors. This is a full-time position based at the program location in Colmar, PA, with a Monday–Friday schedule from 8:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. The starting rate is $17 per hour, with increases based on education and experience. Work is primarily in community settings and day program environments supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Requirements

Meet qualifying and ongoing job criteria, including background checks, a physical examination, and a driving history record.
Have a valid U.S. driver’s license held for at least two years, excluding time with a learner’s permit.
Have no serious traffic convictions within the past three years; examples include DUI, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, or three or more traffic violations and/or at-fault accidents during that period.
Have access to a reliable vehicle during work hours, with valid registration and inspection stickers, and valid auto insurance; proof of coverage as a driver on the policy is required.
Be able to teach basic daily living skills and provide personal care as needed.
Be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, families, peers, supports coordinators, and the general public.
Exercise good judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting laws, rules, and policies governing Access Services programs and services.
Express ideas succinctly, orally and in writing.
Work independently and in groups, and adapt to different assigned work environments.
Maintain a cooperative and caring attitude and a commitment to individual rights and the individuality of each person served.
Be proficient in or able to learn workplace applications, platforms, and technologies, including Outlook, the company intranet, time and attendance systems, and electronic healthcare records.
Navigate network drives and perform basic hardware use and troubleshooting.
Remain attentive, responsive, and engaged throughout shifts.
Regularly stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, climb stairs, and assist individuals with mobility.
Lift, transfer, push, or pull individuals and objects weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance.
Safely push and maneuver manual or power wheelchairs over uneven surfaces and ramps.
Assist individuals in and out of vehicles and secure them in wheelchair vans using appropriate adaptive equipment and safety restraints.
Have sufficient visual and auditory acuity to monitor safety, communicate effectively, and respond promptly to needs or emergencies.
Have reliable transportation and be able to accompany or transport individuals to community activities.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED preferred.
One year of direct care experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities preferred.
First Aid, CPR, and Community Participation Supports for DSP certifications; these will be provided and paid for by Access Services within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

Provide reliable, consistent support to individuals in the day program.
Support individuals with daily routines, including personal care and meals.
Follow individualized support, behavioral, and health plans to promote safety, wellbeing, and personal goals.
Encourage independence, skill-building, and participation in meaningful activities, including learning, recreation, volunteering, and community engagement.
Create a positive, respectful, and supportive environment that promotes dignity, self-expression, and personal choice.
Assist with transportation to and from programs and community activities.
Work collaboratively with team members to meet individual needs.
Observe, document, and communicate information about progress, behaviors, or incidents accurately and promptly.
Communicate professionally with individuals, families, coworkers, and supervisors.
Represent the organization’s values through respectful conduct and ethical decision-making.
Assist individuals with mobility, including maneuvering wheelchairs and helping them in and out of vehicles as needed.
Provide hands-on physical assistance with personal care, positioning, or daily living activities as needed.