Direct Support Professional: Day Program

About the Role

Join our Day Program team in Lehighton, PA as a Direct Support Professional. You will provide personalized support to adults with developmental disabilities/Autism, helping them build skills, promote wellbeing, and achieve personal growth in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Schedule

Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM at our program location in Lehighton, PA.

Responsibilities

• Work shifts as assigned by the Program Manager and Team Lead with a high degree of dependability.
• Implement the Individual Support Plan (ISP) and Nursing Care Plan when applicable for each participant.
• Follow behavioral support plans and therapeutic or medical protocols as directed.
• Support individuals with daily living activities, including personal care, meal preparation, housekeeping, and medication administration (as trained).
• Promote independence in daily activities, learning, leisure, and volunteer opportunities.
• Establish a secure, positive environment that nurtures individuals' needs, self-expression, and goals.
• Facilitate community inclusion through experiences and activities.
• Transport individuals to and from the program and various community sites as assigned.
• Ensure a safe, clean, and supportive environment for all individuals served.
• Collaborate with staff to implement services and activities meeting individual client needs.
• Provide individualized or small group support based on daily assignments.
• Maintain accurate documentation and communication regarding individual progress, incidents, and observations.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with individuals, families, coworkers, and supervisors.
• Uphold the values and proper conduct of Access Services.
• Report operational or staff concerns according to agency policies.
• Complete annual training requirements in a timely manner.

Requirements

• Meet all qualifying and ongoing job criteria, including background checks, physical examination results, and clearances.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Certifications in First Aid, CPR, and Community Participation Supports for DSP (provided and paid for by Access Services within six months of hire).
• One year of direct care experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities preferred.
• Access to a reliable vehicle during work hours.
• Valid U.S. driver's license for the last two years (excluding permit time).
• Listed as a driver on a valid auto insurance policy.
• Ability to travel during the workday, driving a personal or agency-owned vehicle safely and meeting eligibility criteria outlined in the Motor Vehicle Policy.
• Pass the Agency's substance abuse screening at any time during employment.

Skills and Abilities

• Teach basic daily living skills.
• Provide personal care as needed.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, families, peers, and the public.
• Exercise good judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting laws, rules, and policies.
• Express ideas clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Work independently and in group settings, adapting to different environments.
• Maintain a cooperative and caring attitude.
• Commitment to Individual Rights and the individuality of those served.
• Proficiency in workplace applications, platforms, and technologies (e.g., Outlook, electronic healthcare records, time and attendance systems).
• Navigate network drives and perform basic hardware troubleshooting.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• Work primarily in community settings and/or day program environments supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Exposure to varying noise levels, temperatures, and occasional unpredictable behaviors.
• Must 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 pounds with or without assistance.
• Safely push and maneuver individuals in manual or power wheelchairs, including over uneven surfaces and ramps.
• Assist individuals in and out of vehicles and secure them in wheelchair vans using adaptive equipment and safety restraints.
• Provide hands-on physical assistance with personal care, positioning, or daily living activities.
• Sufficient visual and auditory acuity to monitor safety, communicate effectively, and respond to emergencies.
• Reliable transportation to accompany or transport individuals to community activities.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.

Pay

This full-time position starts at $17/hour, with adjustments made for education and experience.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage, with up to 88% of health premiums covered by Access Services (many employees pay less than $150/month).
• Company-paid life insurance and disability protection.
• Catastrophic sick leave.
• Up to nearly 6 weeks of paid time off in the first year (20+ PTO days plus 9 paid holidays), with more time added as tenure increases.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Tuition reimbursement program and access to college tuition discounts.
• Mileage and toll reimbursement.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free, confidential resources, including:
  • Counseling and emotional support (in-person, telehealth, and text therapy).
  • Financial and legal guidance.
• Paid training and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Opportunities to learn and advance across diverse roles and programs.