Direct Support Professional: Day Program

About the Role

We are hiring a dedicated and caring Direct Support Professional to join our Day Program team in Orwigsburg, PA! As a Direct Support Professional in our Day Program, you will have the opportunity to provide personalized supports to adults with developmental disabilities/Autism who attend our life enrichment day programs. Our quality‑focused support staff work with the individuals' goals and help those individuals maintain or increase their independence and live their best lives.

Responsibilities

• Implement the Individual Support Plan (ISP) for every individual participant.
• Record daily service notes and other documentation as assigned by the Program Specialist/Team Lead.
• Help ensure the highest quality of care to individuals in meeting their needs.
• Establish a secure, positive environment that nurtures individuals' needs, self‑expression, and goals (valued outcomes).
• Facilitate individuals' inclusion in the community through experiences and activities.
• Promote independence in daily activities, learning, leisure, and volunteer opportunities for individuals.

Requirements

• Successful completion of background checks, physical examination, and driving‑history verification.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license for at least two years (no serious traffic convictions within the past three years).
• Access to a reliable vehicle with current registration, inspection stickers, and valid auto insurance; proof of coverage required.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Certifications in First Aid, CPR, and Community Participation Supports for DSP (provided within six months of hire).
• One (1) year of direct‑care experience with individuals with intellectual disabilities (preferred).
• Ability to travel during the workday using a personal or agency‑owned vehicle and meet the agency’s Motor Vehicle Policy.
• Pass the agency’s substance‑abuse screening at any time during employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to teach basic daily living skills.
• Readiness to provide personal care as needed.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, families, peers, support coordinators, and the public.
• Good judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting laws, rules, and policies governing Access Services programs.
• Clear oral and written communication skills.
• Capability to work independently and in group settings, adapting to varied environments.
• Cooperative and caring attitude, prioritizing others’ needs.
• Commitment to individual rights and individuality of the person served.
• Proficiency with workplace applications (Outlook, intranet, time‑and‑attendance system, electronic health record) and basic hardware troubleshooting.

Essential Working Conditions / Physical Demands

• Work primarily in community settings and day‑program environments supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities; exposure to varying noise levels, temperatures, and occasional unpredictable behaviors.
• Remain attentive, responsive, and engaged throughout shifts.
• Regularly stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, climb stairs, and assist individuals with mobility.
• Lift, transfer, push, or pull individuals and objects weighing up to 50 lb (with or without assistance).
• Safely push and maneuver individuals in manual or power wheelchairs over uneven surfaces and ramps.
• Assist individuals in and out of vehicles and securely seat them in wheelchair vans using adaptive equipment and safety restraints.
• Provide hands‑on physical assistance with personal care, positioning, or daily living activities as needed.
• Maintain sufficient visual and auditory acuity to monitor safety, communicate effectively, and respond promptly to emergencies.
• Reliable transportation required to accompany or transport individuals to community activities.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required depending on specific activities or health‑safety guidelines.

Pay

This full‑time position starts at $17 per hour, with adjustments made for education and experience, plus a competitive benefits package.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage; company‑paid life insurance, disability protection, and catastrophic sick leave (up to 88 % of health premium covered).
• Nearly six weeks of paid time off in the first year (20+ PTO days plus 9 paid holidays), increasing with tenure.
• 401(k) plan 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.

Schedule

Weekdays 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (full‑time role at the program location in Orwigsburg).