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 and 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 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 coworkers to facilitate agency 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 improve communication channels.
• Present a positive and professional image to funding sources, families, staff of other agencies, professional service representatives, and the community.
• Work shifts to provide direct support, assigned by the Supervisor, 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 (not including time with a permit) and no serious traffic convictions within the past three years.
• Access to a reliable personal vehicle 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.
• Two years of direct care experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification or designation as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), or Board‑Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCABA) is desirable.

Skills and Abilities

• Maintain a 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 governing services.
• Ability to express ideas succinctly, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently.
• Excellent organizational and oral/written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively interact with all levels of staff.
• Proficiency with Outlook, Microsoft Office Suite, electronic healthcare record systems, and ability to learn additional workplace applications.
• Ability to navigate computers and work‑related systems.

Working Conditions

Work in program sites and the community routinely providing direct care and support. Must stand, sit, run, move, and assist individuals to keep them safe in home and community settings, including assisting individuals who have fallen regardless of weight or size. Requires walking, climbing stairs, performing household tasks (laundry, cleaning, meal preparation) and community tasks (shopping, dining out) while ensuring safety and compliance with the Individualized Service Plan.

Pay

Hourly rate 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, community‑based leadership position serving Schuylkill, Carbon, and Monroe counties. May utilize 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), increasing with tenure.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Tuition reimbursement program and college tuition discounts.
• Mileage and toll reimbursement.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering counseling, telehealth, text therapy, and financial/legal guidance.
• Paid training, ongoing professional development, and opportunities for advancement across diverse roles and programs.