Employment Support Professional (Full-Time and Part-Time)

Life'sWork of Western PA • Pittsburgh, PA

34d • Hybrid

About The Position

Life'sWork of Western PA is currently hiring both full-time and part-time Direct Support Professionals. A Direct Support Professional at Life’sWork is responsible for supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or individuals facing other barriers to employment. A Direct Support Professional will assist our clients to acquire, maintain, and enhance skills required to secure and carry out work-related activities. The Direct Support Professional will work at a variety of work sites, including Life’sWork’s own production facility as well as in a wide range of businesses and organizations through our small group staffing program. Direct Support Professionals are responsible for learning and applying the Individual Support Plan (ISP) and maintaining confidentiality.

Life’sWork of Western PA is a non-profit organization empowering people to live the life they choose. We partner with people with disabilities, people with other barriers, young adults, children, and families to pursue their hopes and dreams through strengthening workplace abilities, building life skills, and developing meaningful relationships.
We believe everyone deserves to share in opportunities of meaningful employment. Through employment for all, we envision creating a compassionate, inclusive, and equitable community where all individuals have a chance to flourish. A career at Life’sWork means a chance to promote life-altering change in an individual's life.

The unemployment rate for people with disabilities is three times higher than that of people without disabilities. Through our Supported Group Employment, Small Group Staffing, and Community Participation Supports, we’re providing adults with disabilities an opportunity to overcome barriers to employment.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or GED is required.
• A valid PA driver’s license, a good driving record, and current car insurance are required.
• Must have a reliable form of transportation to and from work
• Ability to multi-task, and be a team player with the confidence to take the lead
• Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Well-organized with a customer-oriented approach
• Good attention to detail and observation skills
• Proficient in computer technical understanding and can pick up on new systems easily
• Working knowledge of computer systems to complete documentation
• This position requires being able to stand, walk, and/or bend for long periods of time.
• Able to lift items weighing up to 20 pounds
• Must obtain First Aid/CPR certification within six months of date of hire (Life’sWork will cover the cost, if needed).
• Will be required to complete Act 153 clearances prior to hire (PATCH, Child Abuse, FBI Fingerprinting, and Drug Screen)
• Life’sWork is a Drug-Free Workplace and staff are expected to refrain from any illegal drug use while employed with Life’sWork. Employees may be drug tested prior to employment.
• May be required to use your personal vehicle to travel to work locations.

Nice To Haves

• A secondary degree in psychology, social services, or a related field is preferred.
• Leadership and supervision experience are a plus

Responsibilities

• Provide job coaching across all of our program areas: facility, community, and in small group staffing locations
• May transport participants to and from the worksite using company vehicles
• Complete daily documentation of implementation and progress towards the participant’s goals and activities based on the care plan
• Support the achievement of the participant’s personal outcomes and goals
• Demonstrate knowledge of and implementation of the participant’s support plan
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment
• Contribute information regarding the participant’s progress for support team meetings when requested
• Engage with participants on a daily basis to facilitate growth for learning and opportunities
• Identify and provide reasonable accommodation to assist the needs of participants; for example, assisting them with the vending machine or walking them to the bathroom
• Provide a person–centered environment that fosters advancement and transition
• Act as a role model for appropriate workplace behavior
• Engage with all participants in a positive, respectful, and productive manner on a regular basis
• Complete and maintain annual staff qualifications, including 24 credit hours of training per year
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Benefits

• Health Coverage: Eligibility: The Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) is available to full-time employees.
• Dental and Vision (100% paid by employee)
• Aflac (100% paid by employee)
• Legal Shield / Identity Theft Protection (100% paid by employee)
• Pet Insurance (100% paid by employee)
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Staff will accrue up to 20 days within their first year
• Holidays: (Full-time & Part-time) Offers 12 - 15 paid holidays per year
• Retirement Plan (403(b) Thrift Plan): Matches 100% of your contribution, not to exceed 5% after 1 year of service at Life’sWork

What This Job Offers

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