Direct Support Professional: Part-Time

About the Role

Under the direction of the Supervisor of Adult Programs and Services, this position provides direct support to adults with disabilities in varied settings related to employment and community participation. The role focuses on developing, refining, and generalizing skills necessary for successful employment and community integration. Remote work, telecommuting, or off‑site arrangements are not available.

Responsibilities

• Provide on‑site employment support or community access support to assist individuals in performing work duties and achieving community goals.
• Provide accommodations and adaptations to work sites 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 or community opportunities.
• Provide practice for employment preparation and job‑retention skills on the work site.
• Collaborate with colleagues and team members as needed to support departmental and organizational goals (no direct supervisory responsibilities).

Physical Demands

The position is primarily sedentary with occasional active duties in office or educational support environments. Employees are regularly required to sit, communicate effectively, use hands for computer, telephone, and office equipment, 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, employees may lift, carry, or move materials, files, supplies, or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds. The role requires full range of vision (close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception) and the ability to hear and interpret verbal communication, phone conversations, alarms, and other environmental sounds. Work is performed in environments with moderate noise levels and frequent interruptions while managing multiple responsibilities and deadlines.

Schedule

This is a full‑time, 260‑day calendar position. Days and hours may be variable and flexible, not to exceed 28 hours per week. Occasional evening and/or weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Travel

The position may require operation of a Bucks IU vehicle. Employees who drive must possess a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license, maintain an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) per Bucks IU guidelines, and comply with all Bucks IU vehicle operation policies and procedures.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma (required).
• Associate’s degree (preferred).
• Two (2) or more years of direct work experience with persons with disabilities.
• Successful completion of the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) orientation course.
• Completion of Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (CRE) training for supported employment within the first six (6) months of hire.
• Participation in continued education requirements of at least 24 hours per week.
• Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and ability to pass a motor vehicle background check.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience working with students or adults with disabilities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of disabilities and related support strategies.
• 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.
• Skill in imparting and obtaining information tactfully and accurately.
• Strong organizational abilities and accurate record‑keeping of client activities.

Work Authorization

U.S. citizenship or work authorization to work in the United States is required.