Advanced Direct Support Professional — Behavioral Care

BrightPath Human Services; Mount Pleasant (Westmoreland County); On-site; USD 23,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

BrightPath Human Services is seeking an experienced Direct Support Professional to provide day-to-day direct care and specialized behavioral support for individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, and complex behavioral needs. You will implement Behavioral Support Plans and work with a multidisciplinary team to ensure safety and quality of life.

The role requires crisis prevention, de-escalation, and the ability to respond to emergencies while promoting dignity and community inclusion.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least one year of direct support experience with individuals who have intellectual disabilities, autism, or complex behavioral needs.
• Experience implementing Behavioral Support Plans and collecting behavioral data.
• Competency in crisis prevention, verbal de-escalation, and approved physical restraint techniques.
• Ability to stay calm and decide appropriately during behavioral emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day direct care based on assessed needs.
• Assist with personal hygiene, meal prep, housekeeping, medication administration, and transportation.
• Promote dignity, independence, privacy, and community inclusion.
• Provide supervision per individual plans and identified risks.
• Maintain professional boundaries and therapeutic relationships.
• Recognize mood/health/behavior changes and respond accordingly.
• Accurately administer medications following training.
• Review and implement Behavioral Support Plans as written.
• Follow prevention strategies, coping strategies, and safety protocols.
• Collect and document behavioral data and report observations promptly.
• Identify triggers or environmental concerns and communicate with the team.
• Support individuals in using coping skills and communication strategies.
• Immediately report concerns about plan effectiveness or safety.

Skills

Direct care

Crisis prevention

De-escalation

Behavioral data collection

Behavioral plan implementation

Education

High school diploma

Job description

BrightPath Human Services is seeking an experienced Direct Support Professional to provide day-to-day direct care and specialized behavioral support for individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, and complex behavioral needs. You will implement Behavioral Support Plans and work with a multidisciplinary team to ensure safety and quality of life.

The role requires crisis prevention, de-escalation, and the ability to respond to emergencies while promoting dignity and community inclusion.