Community Participation Supports Lead DSP (IDD/Autism Service)

About the Role

Access Services is hiring a Community Participation Supports Lead Direct Support Professional to work with a team that supports adults with intellectual disabilities and autism to build meaningful, connected lives in their communities. Community Participation Supports (CPS) is a person‑centered service designed to help individuals develop interpersonal, communication, daily living, and work‑related skills while exploring community connections, volunteer opportunities, educational experiences, and pathways to greater independence. As a Lead DSP, you will serve as both a direct support professional and a key resource for your team, providing direct support in homes and throughout the community while assisting the Supervisor with onboarding, training, coaching, staff support, and program compliance.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Supervisor with onboarding, training, and client coverage needs.
• Promote, support, and encourage current trends and/or philosophies within the Human Services field in accordance with Access Services' philosophies.
• Assist the Supervisor with ensuring compliance with all local, county, and state regulatory agencies.
• Collaborate with the Supervisor when coaching other DSPs on their performance.
• Foster a positive, team‑oriented attitude among all fellow coworkers to facilitate work toward the completion of the agency's goals.
• Evaluate potential risks in daily operations and develop proactive responses to avoid problems.
• Communicate effectively with the Supervisor and other staff members and continuously work on improving communication channels.
• Present a positive and professional image to funding sources, families, staff of other agencies, professional service representatives, and the community at large.
• Work assigned shifts to provide direct support with the highest degree of dependability.
• Provide personal care and support to individuals served when indicated.
• Facilitate and conduct the implementation of the Plan of Care and the Person‑Centered Support Plan to meet individuals' needs.
• Provide the highest quality of care to individuals in helping them meet their needs and goals.
• Work cooperatively with the Supervisor in supervising other employees and their development.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with personnel from other agencies for quality service delivery.
• Provide accurate, timely communication to the Supervisor regarding the individual and family to ensure appropriate services and solutions.
• Travel during the course of a normal workday to successfully carry out the expectations of this position.

Requirements

• Valid US driver’s license for at least two years (excluding permit time) with no serious traffic convictions in the past three years.
• Access to a reliable personal vehicle during work hours, with valid registration, inspection stickers, and auto insurance; proof of coverage as a listed driver is required.
• High School diploma or GED (required); Bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, special education, counseling, social work, or gerontology (preferred).
• Certification not required; CNA, RBT, or BCABA designation desirable.
• Minimum two years of direct‑care experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Maintain a working knowledge of current trends and developments in the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) or Mental Health fields.
• Ability to establish trusting relationships with individuals served.
• Commitment to consumer choice and empowerment.
• Judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting laws, rules, and policies governing services.
• Clear oral and written communication; ability to express ideas succinctly.
• Ability to work independently and exercise strong organizational skills.
• Excellent oral/written communication and ability to interact effectively with all staff levels.
• Proficiency in, or ability to learn, workplace applications such as Outlook, Microsoft Office Suite, and electronic health record systems.
• Ability to navigate computers and work‑related systems.

Essential Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• Work in program sites and the community routinely providing direct care and support.
• Stand, sit, run, or move independently to provide proper care and supervision.
• Stay with individuals to keep them safe in home and community settings, even when they may struggle to meet expectations.
• Assist individuals who have fallen, regardless of weight or size.
• Walk and climb stairs as needed to ensure safety and complete household or community tasks.
• Perform household and community tasks (laundry, cleaning, meal preparation, shopping, dining out) while maintaining safety and compliance with the Individualized Service Plan.

Compensation and Schedule

This hourly rate starts at $19/hour, with increases based on education and experience. The schedule is Monday‑Friday during regular business hours, with flexibility to meet program needs. The position is highly mobile, serving Schuylkill, Carbon, and Monroe counties, and may utilize the Bethlehem or Orwigsburg offices as needed.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage; company‑paid life insurance, disability protection, and catastrophic sick leave (Access Services covers up to 88% of health premiums, many employees pay less than $150/month).
• Paid time off: up to nearly 6 weeks in the first year (20+ PTO days plus 9 paid holidays), with additional time as tenure grows.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Tuition reimbursement program and college tuition discounts.
• Mileage and toll reimbursement for work‑related travel.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering free, confidential counseling, telehealth, text therapy, and financial/legal guidance for employees and their families.
• Paid training, ongoing professional