Behavioral Health Direct Support Professional – Lehigh Valley
We are hiring for: Behavioral Health Direct Support Professional – Lehigh Valley (Regular).
If you are a positive and personable individual looking for a satisfying and fun opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of people with intellectual, developmental disabilities, and people facing mental health and substance use challenges, join our team at RHA Health Services!
Responsibilities
- Assist the person(s) receiving services in identifying and communicating his or her requests and needs for services and support.
- Promote and support a healthy lifestyle by educating on wellness practices and implementing strategies to prevent illness and accidents.
- Foster self‑advocacy and encourage individual choice and decision‑making aligned with personal goals.
- Accompany and support individuals in community activities such as work, movies, concerts, shopping, and other social outings to promote social engagement.
- Teach and support the development of independent living skills, enhancing self‑sufficiency in daily activities.
- Provide safe and reliable transportation to appointments and community engagements.
- Foster positive relationships and inclusivity within the community, encouraging integration and a sense of belonging.
- Support and guide decision‑making related to living arrangements, employment, and social relationships, respecting individual preferences.
- Assist with personal care tasks, including bathing and hygiene, as well as household chores such as laundry, cleaning, and decorating, to maintain a comfortable living environment.
- Document all services provided to ensure accurate records and effective communication among support teams.
- Understand the unique challenges faced by individuals with mental health and behavioral health challenges and utilize advocacy strategies to address barriers.
- Connect individuals to resources that support career exploration, educational opportunities, volunteerism, and personal growth.
- Promote effective communication, ensuring all interactions are respectful, clear, and supportive of the individual’s needs.
- Administer medications when allowed by state regulations, following all safety and procedural guidelines.
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding personal information, adhering to all legal and ethical standards.
- Perform additional duties as assigned and enhance service quality.
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Minimum Qualifications
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Meet all pre‑employment screening requirements, including criminal background checks, name checks in the OIG exclusions database, Child Abuse Registry, and Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities, drug testing, education verification, and proof of employment history.
- For positions requiring driving, proof of driver’s license, driver’s insurance, and a vehicle if required for providing transportation.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
- Must be able to regularly lift and carry up to 20 lbs. and occasionally pull at least 40 lbs.
- Must be able to squat, kneel, crawl, crouch, climb, and stoop as part of regular job duties.
- Must be able to use hands and fingers to handle or operate objects, tools, or controls.
- Required to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in CPR from floor level, which requires working on hands and knees, bending, standing, and lifting.
- Vision requirements include close, distance, and peripheral vision.
- Must be able to talk and hear.
- Exception – Deaf and Hard of Hearing Programs: For these programs only, employees must be fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). The requirement to talk and hear does not apply.
Benefits
- Payactiv: early access to the money you’ve earned from hours you’ve already worked, before payday!
- Employee perks and discount program to help you save money!
- Paid Time Off (full‑time employees only).
- Health/Insurance (full‑time employees only).
- 401(k) retirement savings program.
- Wellbeing Programs: Physical, Emotional and Financial Chronic Disease management programs for hypertension and diabetes (for qualifying employees).
- Training: Free CPR, first aid, and job‑specific training opportunities.
- Contract/contingent workers and interns do not qualify for any of the above benefits.
EEO Statement
RHA is an equal opportunity employer. RHA prohibits discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex/gender, marital status, civil status, domestic partnership status, familial status, religion, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, or disability. We provide reasonable accommodation to qualified employees with protected disabilities to the extent required by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.