Direct Support Professional

Bethlehem, PA

5 DAYS AGO

22930097

Summary

Bethlehem, PA

In-Person

$17.00 - $17.00 per Hour

1 Years Experience

High school graduate or equivalency certificate (GED)

No Commission

37.50 hours per week / Day Shift / Full-Time

Description

• $17.00 per hour starting pay
• 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. work day! No nights or weekends!
• Paid holidays, excellent benefits and generous vacation package!
• Employee Referral Bonuses!

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY- PAID TRAINING IS PROVIDED!

JOB TITLE:

Direct Support Professional

Department Code:

25

Directly Supervises:

No

New or Revised:

New

Exempt:

Non-Exempt

Date Last Revised:

3/2/26

Organizational Tier Level:

5

Department Name:

SPARC Subordinate Title (s): N/A

Supervisor's Name:

Noel Miller / Pauletta Robinson Full time: 37.5 hours a week Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 3:30 pm

Supervisor's Title

Program and Activities Specialists SUMMARY:

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides Community Participation Supports to SPARC participants in our facility and in community-based settings as needed. S/he acts as a representative of The Arc by facilitating relationships with supporters and community partners while assisting participants to develop skills related to health and wellness, leisure interests, inclusion, volunteering, and personal independence. This Direct Support Professional will use a strengths-based approach to plan and implement activities focusing on participants' choices; assists with personal care and activities of daily living while implementing each person's Individualized Support Plan and completing necessary documentation. The Direct Support Professional's schedule will vary based on the needs of the program. For OADLC (Older Adult Daily Living Center), this position acts as a Program Aide.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Includes the following.

Maintains a working knowledge of and adheres to the policies and procedures set forth by The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties.

Maintains a working knowledge of PA state regulations as they apply to programming.

Respects the human dignity and uniqueness of the people supported by The Arc. And recognizes each person as valuable and helps others understand their value.

Supports the emotional, physical, and personal well-being of the individuals receiving support. Encourages growth and recognizes the autonomy of the individuals receiving support while being attentive and energetic in reducing their risk of harm.

Ensures the safety of all participants as per policy and reports any safety issues to supervisors immediately. All employees are considered mandated reporters and must report abuse and neglect suspicions as indicated in the mandated reporting training upon hire.

Assists in the development and planning of the Individual Service Plan (ISP) for each assigned participant throughout all phases and attend Individual Service Plan meetings whenever possible. Keeps apprised of ISP changes by accessing HCSIS.

Interacts positively with families, service coordinators, and other outside providers while assisting individuals served in developing and maintaining relationships. This includes representing the agency in a positive manner.

Advocates with the people you support for justice, inclusion, and full community participation. Assists the people you support to direct the course of their own lives.

Reviews and documents all individual daily progress utilizing the Data Collection System and other forms as instructed/required.

Assists all participants in being actively involved in the daily activities to achieve greater independence using person centered planning and self-determination.

Maintains active communication with all persons directly supporting assigned participants.

Accompanies and transports participants and staff on scheduled community activities.

Drives agency vehicles in a manner that is safe for all passengers. Reports maintenance issues to supervisors immediately. Keeps vehicles clean and gassed.

Assists in providing a safe environment for the individuals served, through timely reporting of facility or equipment maintenance or replacement needs, as well as participating in building evacuation or fire drills. Helps maintain a sanitary environment, by performing cleaning responsibilities, and routine practice of infection control procedures.

Attends and participates in weekly staff meetings and training sessions as scheduled.

Assists in all personal care needs for specific SPARC participants (Toileting, feeding, and lifting).

Maintains the cleanliness of program areas.

Checks supplies and restocks bathrooms, kitchen, program area, and lockers.

Maintains appropriate ratios when providing supervision to individuals in the community and facility.

Develops relationships with community partners and teams. Represents The Arc in a professional manner, striving to meet our mission.

Helps participants with crisis de-escalation and utilizing appropriate coping skills.

Engages in community mapping to help individuals explore preference-based opportunities.

Other duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBLITIES

Complete other duties as assigned at the discretion of management.

Attend and participate in organizational required meetings, as well as represent the organization in community meetings and events if asked.

Be the best role model and champion for our organizational culture and core values.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBLITIES

None

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work is performed in a classroom setting or at various community locations. The noise level is dependent on the setting.

The employee may work with individuals with challenging behaviors.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Employees must be physically capable of transferring, assisting with transfers, and lifting people who require physical assistance up to 50 pounds. Employees must be able to reach and bend while they assist participants with physical activities and secure wheelchairs in vehicles.

TRAVEL:

Some travel outside of the building may be required for various community activities and conferences/seminars depending on the needs of the agency and the desire of the participants.

DESIRED SKILLS

Ability to think critically and problem solve.

Must be able to work independently.

Must be reliable and have a positive attitude.

Must have the ability to represent individuals and The Arc in a professional manner.

Experience or willingness to learn basic computer skills as well as The Arc's electronic record keeping system.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE & OTHER MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

A valid driver's license.

High School Diploma or equivalent

Criminal and/or FBI background checks and other clearances as required by PA Department of Human Services regulations.

Current and ongoing physical if required by PA Department of Human Services regulations.

Fluency and proficiency in speaking, writing, and understanding both English and Spanish is preferred.

COMPETENCIES

Verbal and Written Communication:

Communicates effectively through speaking, writing clearly and informatively, and editing work for spelling and grammar. Able to read and interpret written communication and the ability to vary writing styles to meet needs. Presents numeric data effectively.

Team Player:

Acts as a member of a team by supporting everyone's efforts to succeed. Balances team and individual responsibilities while taking into consideration the agency goals. Contributes to building a positive team spirit and culture. Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views by giving and welcoming feedback.

Quality:

Demonstrates accuracy, thoroughness, and attention to detail at all times. Always look for ways to improve and promote quality. Applies constructive feedback to others on how to improve performance and quality.

Independence:

Capably works independently under the direction of their supervisor. Prioritizes and plans work activities by using effective time management. Takes responsibility for own actions and assumes accountability for self and department. Completes work on time or notifies Supervisor with alternative plan.

Interpersonal Skills:

Capable of comfortably interacting with diverse populations with appropriate sensitivity. Remains open to others' ideas and provides feedback. Always maintain the highest of confidentiality.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

Job performance will be evaluated monthly against an annual plan developed each year by both the Program and Activities Specialist and the Direct Support Professional. This job description is not all inclusive and does not state or imply that these are the only duties/responsibilities to be performed by the employee. The employee signature below constitutes the employee's understanding of the requirements, essential functions, and duties of the position. I agree and understand that nothing in this job description shall confer any right with respect to continuation of my employment by the organization, nor shall it interfere in any way with my right or the organization's right to terminate my employment at any time, with or without cause.

EMPLOYEE

DATE:

Additional Details

Driver's License:

Class C - Standard Drivers License How To Identify Potential Job Scams