Direct Support Professional: Full-Time

Under the direction of the Supervisor of Adult Programs and Services, the Direct Support Professional provides direct support to adults with disabilities in employment and community settings. The role assists individuals in developing, refining, and generalizing the skills needed for successful employment and community integration.

Responsibilities

• Regular attendance and reliable on‑site presence.
• Provide on‑site employment support to assist the individual in performing their work duties.
• Provide accommodations and adaptations to the work site to facilitate client independence.
• Apply effective, sensitive communication skills to build rapport and adapt to a range of participant communication styles.
• Maintain accurate data regarding individual progress toward goals (hours worked, performance on job).
• Utilize and assess client preferences, skills, aptitudes, and strengths to identify potential employment opportunities.
• Provide practice for employment preparation and job retention skills on the work site.
• Accompany clients on the job search/interview process.
• Offer guidance, support, and collaboration with colleagues and team members as needed to support departmental and organizational goals.

Physical Demands

This position requires regular onsite presence and includes primarily sedentary work with occasional active physical duties. Employees are regularly required to sit, communicate effectively, use hands for computer, telephone, and office equipment operation, and perform repetitive hand and wrist movements associated with typing, filing, and data entry. Frequent activities may include walking, standing, reaching, bending, and moving throughout office, school, or program locations. Occasionally lift, carry, or move office materials, files, supplies, or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds. Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment. Hearing requirements include interpreting verbal communication, phone conversations, alarms, and other environmental sounds related to workplace safety and operations.

Travel

No regular travel is required. Occasional travel to meetings, trainings, conferences, Bucks IU locations, or other work‑related activities may be necessary based on organizational needs.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma required.
• Associate’s degree preferred.
• Two (2) or more years direct work experience with persons with disabilities.
• Successful completion of ODP Orientation Course within the first thirty days of hire.
• Complete ACRE training for supported employment within the first six months.
• Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license required.
• Ability to pass motor vehicle background check.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of disabilities.
• Ability to take initiative and establish/maintain working relationships with community businesses and volunteer work sites.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse educational, socio‑economic, ethnic, and disability backgrounds.
• Ability to impart and obtain information tactfully and accurately.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Maintain accurate records of all activities undertaken with the client.

Work Authorization

Citizenship or work authorization to work in the United States is required.