Part-Time Direct Support Professional: Vocational Day Program

Job Description

Job Description

We are hiring a dedicated and caring part-time 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: 25 hours per week Monday-Friday 9:30AM-2:30PM

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 and a driving history record.

Education: High school diploma or GED required.

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

Driving Requirements:

• A valid US driver’s license for at least two years, not including time with permit.

• No serious traffic convictions within the past three years. (Serious convictions include, but are not limited to, DUI, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, or three or more traffic violations and/or at-fault accidents within that period).

• Access to a reliable vehicle during work hours. Vehicle must have valid registration and inspection stickers.
• Valid auto insurance. You will be asked to provide proof that you are a covered driver on the policy

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

The part-time DSP work schedule is 25 hours per week Monday-Friday 9:30AM-2:30PM.

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

• Paid Time Off, 401K match

• Mileage Reimbursement, Paid travel time between worksites 

• Tuition reimbursement, College tuition discounts 

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 

• Referral Bonuses 

• Ongoing Training 

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.