Behavior Support Direct Support Professional

Access Services; Malvern (Chester County); Hybrid; USD 23,419 - 30,307; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Mileage Reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Referral Bonuses

Ongoing Training

Job summary

A community support organization is seeking a Behavior Support Direct Support Professional to assist adults with developmental disabilities in Chester County. The role involves providing creative support and maintaining care plans. Candidates should hold a relevant degree or have substantial experience. This position offers flexible part-time shifts and an hourly wage that starts at $17/hour, increasing based on qualifications. Benefits include paid travel time, training opportunities, and healthcare for those working over 30 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Candidates must meet all job criteria including background checks.
• Enhanced DSP candidates require specific degree or certifications.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals with developmental disabilities in the community.
• Provide support as per the individual's plan of care.
• Maintain case notes for individuals served.

Skills

Creative problem-solving

Strong interpersonal skills

Ability to teach basic daily living skills

Knowledge of basic family dynamics

Familiarity with autism spectrum disorders

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology or related field

High School Diploma/GED with relevant experience

Job description

Behavior Support Direct Support Professional

Access Services is seeking a Behavior Support “Enhanced” DSP (Direct Support Professional) to join our Home and Community Supports team in Malvern, PA. This enhanced case has a schedule of Monday‑Friday 9:00 AM‑4:00 PM and will be worked primarily in the community. The ideal candidate will be confident and comfortable with behaviors. The individual being served can be hands‑on and responds well to support professionals who demonstrate a consistent, predictable, and strong presence, so they feel safe.

If you are not qualified for our “Enhanced” DSP role, we have DSP openings throughout the surrounding areas you may be qualified for.

As a Direct Support Professional, you will have the opportunity to provide supports to adults with developmental disabilities/Autism who desire to continue living in a home environment for as long as possible. Your daily actions will enable each individual to flourish, maintain or increase independence, and live their best lives. Your goal is to provide the highest quality care.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist individuals with developmental intellectual disabilities in the region where you serve. Provide creative support through a variety of tasks and activities in the community.
• Provide support as outlined in the individual’s plan of care utilizing approved interventions. This includes safe crisis management techniques, emotional support, and positive reinforcement.
• Maintain appropriate case notes for the individuals served.
• Engage in supervision, training, and professional development.

Requirements

Candidates must meet all qualifying and ongoing job criteria including background checks, physical examination results, and clearances. Enhanced DSP candidates must meet one of the following criteria:

• A Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Education, Special Education, Counseling, Social Work or Gerontology.
• High School Diploma/GED equivalency with at least one year (≈1,000 hours) of experience as a Direct Support Professional. Candidates will then be required to complete NADD Certification with the support of Access Services. This will require two letters of reference: one from a client or family and one from a supervisor.
• Other accepted degree/certifications (current or active):
  • NADD Competency Based Clinical Certification, NADD Competency‑Based Dual Diagnosis Certification, or NADD Competency‑Based Direct‑Support Professional Certification.
  • Registered Behavior Technician.
  • Certified Nursing Assistant.
  • Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst.

Driving Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle during work hours.
• A U.S. driver’s license for at least two years (not including time with a permit).
• Must be listed as a driver on a valid auto insurance policy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Creative problem‑solving and strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to teach basic daily living skills.
• Ability and willingness to provide personal care.
• Knowledge of basic family dynamics.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with individuals, their families, case managers, and the general public.
• Ability to express ideas clearly with the individual and family.
• Ability to express ideas verbally and document clear and precise outcomes as documented in the PSP.
• Demonstrated commitment and sensitivity to the family atmosphere.
• Commitment to Resident Rights and individuality of the person being served.
• Ability to manage time and work independently within provided guidelines.
• Skills acquired from training on autism spectrum disorders, experience in managing medical needs, or behavior management.
• Proficiency in, or ability to learn and use, workplace applications, platforms and technologies.

Essential Working Conditions / Physical Demands

Work in program sites and the community, routinely providing direct care and support with individual(s). Tasks include standing, sitting, running, moving and staying with an individual to keep them safe in both home environment and community. Able to assist an individual who has fallen, irrespective of weight or size. Walk, climb stairs, perform household tasks or community tasks such as laundry, cleaning, meal routines, shopping or dining out while ensuring safety and compliance with ISP.

Benefits

Compensation and schedule:

• The base rate for the Enhanced Direct Support Professional position starts at $17/hour with an additional $5/hour incentive for a starting rate of $22/hour for enhanced case shifts. Increases to the base rate are based on education and experience.
• Position availability on Monday‑Friday 9:00 AM‑4:00 PM. We are open to full or part‑time staff filling the above shifts.

All Employees Receive The Following Benefits:

• Mileage Reimbursement, paid travel time between worksites
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Referral Bonuses
• Ongoing Training
• Discounts on various services, perks with local Credit Unions, college tuition discounts

• If working 20 hours or more, benefits also include: Paid Time Off, Tuition Reimbursement, 401k match.

If working 30+ hours per week, benefits also include:

• Health, Vision, Rx, & Dental insurances
• 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, Short & Long Term Disability

Access Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be constructed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required and do not restrict management's rights to assign or re‑assign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Seniority Level

Entry level

Employment Type

Part‑time

Job Function

Health Care Provider

Industries

Individual and Family Services