Direct Support Professional: Vocational Day Program chez Access Services

Description

We are hiring a dedicated and caring Direct Support Professional to join our Vocational Day Program team in Colmar, PA!  

In our vocational day program, direct support professionals support the program attendees with developing soft skills that will help them further develop their job skills and move towards competitive employment! Our quality-focused staff support individuals with intellectual disabilities in being active and valued members of the community by building skills, promoting wellbeing and personal growth in a supportive and collaborative environment.   

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:15AM-3:45PM

Functions of the Direct Support Professional 

• Provide reliable, consistent support to individuals in the day program. 

• Support individuals in their daily routines, including personal care and meals. 

• Follow individualized support, behavioral, and health plans to ensure each person’s safety, wellbeing, and personal goals. 

• Encourage independence, skill‑building, and participation in meaningful activities such as learning, recreation, volunteering, and community engagement. 

• Create a positive, respectful, and supportive environment that promotes dignity, self‑expression, and personal choice. 

• Assist with transportation to and from programs and community activities. 

• Work collaboratively with team members to meet individual needs. 

• Observe, document, and communicate important information about progress, behaviors, or incidents in a timely and accurate manner. 

• Communicate professionally with individuals, families, coworkers, and supervisors. 

• Represent the organization’s values through respectful conduct and ethical decision‑making. 

Requirements

Requirements and Qualifications 

Candidates must meet all qualifying and ongoing job criteria including background checks, physical examination results, and clearances. 

Education: High school diploma or GED preferred.  

Experience: One (1) year’s direct care experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities preferred. 

Driving Requirements:  

This position requires regular driving during the workday to support individuals in the community. To be eligible, candidates must:  

• Possess a valid U.S. driver’s license  

• Maintain an acceptable driving record in accordance with Access Services’ Motor Vehicle Policy  

• Be willing and able to drive both their personal vehicle and work vehicles as part of regular job duties  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  

• Ability to teach and support basic daily living skills and provide personal care as needed. 

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with individuals served, families, coworkers, and community partners. 

• Sound judgment and discretion when applying policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. 

• Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills. 

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in team settings, and to adapt to varying work environments and daily assignments. 

• Demonstrated compassion, professionalism, and respect for individual rights, dignity, and personal choice. 

• Willingness and ability to learn and use common workplace technologies, including email, productivity software, learning platforms, scheduling/timekeeping systems, and mobile devices. 

• Basic computer skills, including navigating shared drives, using office equipment, and performing routine troubleshooting or submitting support requests as needed. 

Benefits

Schedule and Compensation:  

This full-time position starts at an hourly rate of $17 per hour, with increases based on education and experience.  

The work schedule is Monday-Friday 8:15AM-3:45PM (full-time shifts set at program location in Colmar, PA) 

Our comprehensive benefits package for all full-time employees includes: 

· Health, Vision, Rx, & Dental Insurances 

· HSA/FSA Account Options 

· Mileage Reimbursement and paid travel time between worksites 

· Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 

· Referral Bonuses 

· 401k Match 

· Tuition reimbursement and college tuition discounts 

· 20 Days Paid Time Off plus additional time with continued service 

· Paid Holiday Time 

· Catastrophic Sick Leave (CSL) 

· Company Paid Life Insurance and Short & Long Term Disability 

· Voluntary Insurance coverage options 

· Ongoing Training 

· Discounts on various services and perks with local Credit Unions 

Essential Working Conditions/Physical Demands:  

Work is primarily performed in community settings, and/or day program environments supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The environment may involve exposure to varying noise levels, temperatures, and occasional unpredictable behaviors. 

• Must be able to remain attentive, responsive, and engaged throughout shifts. 

• Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, climb stairs, and assist individuals with mobility. 

• Must be able to lift, transfer, push, or pull individuals and objects weighing up to 50 pounds with or without assistance. 

• Requires the ability to safely push and maneuver individuals in manual or power wheelchairs, including over uneven surfaces and up or down ramps. 

• Must be able to assist individuals in and out of vehicles and safely secure them in wheelchair vans, using appropriate adaptive equipment and safety restraints. 

• May be required to provide hands-on physical assistance with personal care, positioning, or daily living activities. 

• Requires sufficient visual and auditory acuity to monitor safety, communicate effectively, and respond promptly to needs or emergencies. 

• Must have reliable transportation and the ability to accompany or transport individuals to community activities. 

• Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required depending on specific activities or health and safety guidelines.  

Access Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.