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 in building 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. You will provide direct support in homes and throughout the community, assist with onboarding, training, coaching, staff support, and program compliance, and help ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality, person-centered services. This position offers a dynamic combination of community-based work, leadership responsibilities, and meaningful relationship-building. Regular travel is essential, with primary service areas including Lehighton, Pottsville, and Bartonsville.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Supervisor with onboarding, training, and client coverage needs.
• Promote, support, and encourage current trends and philosophies within the Human Services field in accordance with Access Services' philosophies.
• Ensure 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 coworkers to facilitate 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 to improve communication channels.
• Present a positive and professional image to funding sources, families, staff members of other agencies, and the community.
• Work shifts to provide direct support with a high 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.
• Provide the highest quality of care to help individuals meet their needs and goals.
• Work cooperatively with the Supervisor in the supervision and development of other employees.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with personnel from other agencies.
• Provide accurate, timely communication to the Supervisor regarding individuals and families to ensure appropriate services and solutions.
• Travel during the workday to carry out the expectations of the position.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree in psychology, education, special education, counseling, social work, or gerontology preferred.
• Two years of direct care experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities required.
• Valid US driver's license for at least two years (excluding permit time).
• No serious traffic convictions within the past three years (e.g., DUI, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, or three or more traffic violations/at-fault accidents).
• Access to a reliable vehicle during work hours with valid registration, inspection, and auto insurance.
• Must meet all qualifying and ongoing job criteria, including background checks and a physical examination.

Skills

• Working knowledge of current trends and developments in the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) or Mental Health field.
• Ability to establish trusting relationships with individuals served.
• Commitment to consumer choice and empowerment.
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting laws, rules, and policies.
• Excellent organizational and oral/written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively interact with all levels of staff.
• Proficiency in workplace applications, platforms, and technologies (e.g., Outlook, Microsoft Office Suite, electronic healthcare record systems).

Working Conditions

• Work in program sites and the community, providing direct care and support.
• Able to stand, sit, or run to provide proper care and supervision.
• Able to move and stay with an individual to keep them safe, even if they struggle to meet expectations.
• Able to assist an individual who has fallen, regardless of weight or size.
• Able to walk, climb stairs, and perform household tasks (e.g., laundry, cleaning, meal routines, shopping) while ensuring individual safety.

Pay

This hourly position starts at $19/hour, with increases based on education and experience.

Schedule

Monday-Friday during regular business hours, with flexibility to meet program needs. This is a highly mobile and community-based leadership position with primary service areas in Lehighton, Pottsville, and Bartonsville.

Benefits

• Health & Security: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage, plus company-paid life insurance, disability protection, and catastrophic sick leave. Access Services covers up to 88% of health premiums, with many employees paying less than $150/month.
• Time to Recharge: Full-time employees earn up to nearly 6 weeks of paid time off in their first year (20+ PTO days plus 9 paid holidays), with additional time added over the course of their career.
• Invest in Your Future: 401(k) with company match, tuition reimbursement program, and access to college tuition discounts.
• Built into the Job: Mileage and toll reimbursement.
• Support Beyond Work: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free, confidential resources for you and your family, including:
  • Counseling and emotional support (in-person, telehealth, and text therapy).
  • Financial and legal guidance.
• Grow With Us: Paid training, ongoing professional development, and opportunities to learn and advance across diverse roles and programs.