Therapeutic Program Worker - Direct Support Professional
About The Position
The Therapeutic Program Worker (TPW) is a direct care worker at the Mt. Vernon Developmental Center who supports residents with daily living skills and helps them become more independent and achieve their goals. Support varies according to each person’s needs and capabilities. The position is permanent, full time, and classified, with variable work hours. Developmental centers operate 24 hours a day, year-round, and mandatory overtime is required. The role includes assisting residents with personal care, communication, money management, etiquette, and social skills; implementing active treatment activities; supporting planning and shopping activities; completing routine documentation; performing light housekeeping; and redirecting unsafe actions toward positive outcomes. The position may involve exposure to unpredictable resident behavior and requires the ability to bend, stoop, stand, lift, and run. Starting pay is $23.28 per hour, with a raise after four months and additional pay increases over the first 3.5 years. Shift differential pay is available for second and third shifts. Medical coverage is available beginning the first of the month following the start date. Free dental and vision coverage is available after one year, alongside vacation, sick, holiday, and personal leave. The final candidate must complete a pre-appointment urinalysis and criminal background check.
Requirements
- Formal education in arithmetic including addition and subtraction, and in reading, writing, and speaking common English vocabulary.
- A high school diploma or certificate of high school equivalence, as required for positions in the Department of Developmental Disabilities.
- A valid driver's license is required for positions that require operating a motor vehicle to transport consumers to recreational, educational, or occupational activities.
- Ability to bend, stoop, stand, lift, and run.
- Must complete a pre-appointment urinalysis for illegal drug use and a criminal background check; disqualifying offenses may preclude employment.
Responsibilities
- Assist residents with eating, bathing, toileting, personal hygiene, oral hygiene, dressing, and grooming.
- Assist residents with communication, money management, etiquette, and social skills.
- Implement active treatment activities, including activities in the gym, pavilion, activity room, and pool.
- Assist with planning and shopping activities, including shopping, vocational skills, and hair appointments.
- Complete daily and monthly documentation, including documentation of unusual incidents and reactions to medication.
- Perform light housekeeping duties in living areas.
- Redirect unsafe actions to bring about positive outcomes.
Benefits
- Starting pay of $23.28 per hour, with a raise after four months and multiple pay increases over the first 3.5 years.
- Shift differential pay for second and third shifts.
- Tuition reimbursement through the Employee Development Program.
- Medical coverage available the first of the month following the start date.
- Free dental and vision coverage after one year.
- Vacation, sick, holiday, and personal leave.
- 11 paid holidays per year.
- Childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave.
- Education and development opportunities, including Employee Development Funds and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
- Public retirement systems and optional deferred compensation.
- Basic life insurance premiums free after completion of the eligibility period.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
