Direct Support Professional: Vocational Day Program

Access Services • Hatfield Township, PA

10d • Onsite

About The Position

Access Services is hiring a dedicated and caring Direct Support Professional for its Vocational Day Program in Colmar, Pennsylvania. The role supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they build soft skills, develop job skills, and move toward competitive employment. Staff help program attendees become active and valued community members by building skills and promoting wellbeing and personal growth in a supportive, collaborative environment.

The position provides consistent support with daily routines, personal care, meals, individualized plans, meaningful activities, and community participation. It also involves documenting and communicating information about progress, behaviors, and incidents; collaborating with coworkers and communicating professionally with individuals, families, and supervisors; and accompanying or transporting individuals to program and community activities.

This is a full-time position with a Monday–Friday schedule of 8:15 a.m.–3:45 p.m. at the program location in Colmar, PA. Starting pay is $17 per hour, with increases based on education and experience. Selected candidates must meet qualifying and ongoing job criteria, including background checks, a physical examination, and a driving history record.

Requirements

• Meet qualifying and ongoing job criteria, including background checks, a physical examination, and a driving history record.
• Hold a valid U.S. driver’s license 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.
• Maintain valid auto insurance and provide proof of coverage as a driver on the policy.
• Complete First Aid, CPR, and Community Participation Supports for DSP certifications within six months of hire; the employer will provide and pay for them.
• Ability to teach basic daily living skills and readiness to provide personal care as needed.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, families, peers, supports coordinators, and the public.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion when applying and interpreting laws, rules, and policies governing the organization’s programs and services.
• Ability to express ideas succinctly, orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and in groups, and adapt to different assigned work environments.
• Ability to maintain a cooperative and caring attitude and prioritize the needs of others.
• Commitment to the rights and individuality of the people served.
• Proficiency in, or ability to learn and use, workplace applications and technologies, including Outlook, the company intranet, time and attendance systems, and electronic health records.
• Ability to navigate network drives and perform basic hardware use and troubleshooting.
• Ability to remain attentive, responsive, and engaged throughout shifts.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, climb stairs, and assist individuals with mobility.
• Ability to lift, transfer, push, or pull individuals and objects weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance.
• Ability to safely maneuver individuals in manual or power wheelchairs, including over uneven surfaces and ramps.
• Sufficient visual and auditory acuity to monitor safety, communicate effectively, and respond promptly to needs or emergencies.
• Reliable transportation and ability 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.

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 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.
• Provide hands-on assistance with personal care, positioning, mobility, and daily living activities as needed.
• Safely assist individuals in and out of vehicles and secure them in wheelchair vans using appropriate adaptive equipment and safety restraints.

Benefits

• Health, vision, prescription, and dental insurance.
• HSA/FSA account options.
• Mileage reimbursement and paid travel time between worksites.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Referral bonuses.
• 401(k) match.
• Tuition reimbursement and college tuition discounts.
• 20 days of paid time off, with additional time based on continued service.
• Paid holiday time.
• Catastrophic Sick Leave (CSL).
• Company-paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Voluntary insurance coverage options.
• Ongoing training.
• Discounts on various services and perks with local credit unions.

What This Job Offers

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