Direct Support Professional: Day Program

Access Services • Lehighton, PA

5d • 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.
• 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.
• This position requires the ability to travel during a normal workday to successfully carry out the expectations of this position. Therefore, employees will need to drive their personal vehicle and/or an agency-owned vehicle to meet these expectations.
• Employee is expected to always drive in a safe manner, meet eligibility criteria outlined in our Motor Vehicle Policy, be available and willing to drive during work schedule, and successfully pass the Agency’s substance abuse screening at any time during employment.
• 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

• 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.

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

• 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
• Mileage & toll reimbursement
• 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