Bridge Community Based Direct Support Professional

Supportive Living Services; Erie (Erie County); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Starting pay $18/hr

Paid training

Flexible scheduling

Part-time opportunities

401(k) retirement plan

Mileage reimbursement

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Supportive Living Services, Inc. (SLS) is hiring Community-Based Direct Support Professionals for its Autism & Bridge Program in Erie County, PA. You will support individuals with ID and autism in building independence, daily living skills, and community participation, using a person-centered approach.

No experience? We provide paid training and orientation, with flexible daytime and evening hours and part-time opportunities. Mileage reimbursement is available to eligible employees.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Current automobile insurance, vehicle registration, and PA vehicle inspection.
• Ability to pass background clearance.

Responsibilities

• Build positive, respectful relationships with individuals supported.
• Assist with daily living skills: meal prep, groceries, housekeeping, laundry, hygiene.
• Encourage community participation and meaningful relationships.
• Support ISP goals through guidance and hands-on assistance.
• Maintain documentation of services and progress.
• Participate in assessments and coordinate with program leadership.
• Assist with medical appointments and relay health information.
• Encourage self-advocacy and decision-making.
• Provide transportation using a personal vehicle per policy.
• Attend training sessions and team meetings; follow safety procedures.

Skills

Effective communication

Dependable

Compassionate

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Valid driver's license

Reliable vehicle

Vehicle insurance

Job description

Direct Support Professional (Community Based) – Bridge Program

Starting Pay: $18.00 per hour

Paid Training | Flexible Scheduling | Mileage Reimbursement | Meaningful Career Opportunities

Join Our Team at Supportive Living Services!

At Supportive Living Services, Inc. (SLS), we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live their best life. Through our Autism & Bridge Program, we support individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) and autism in developing independence, building life skills, and becoming active members of their communities.

Our Bridge Program provides individualized services to people living in their own homes throughout Erie, North East, Edinboro, Girard, and Albion.

We are seeking compassionate, dependable, and motivated individuals to join our team as Community-Based Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).

As a DSP, you will work directly with the individuals we support, providing guidance, encouragement, and hands‑on assistance with everyday activities. Our goal is to help each person achieve greater independence while promoting dignity, choice, and self‑determination.

No experience? That's okay! We provide paid training to help you succeed in your new role.

What We Offer

• Starting pay of $18.00 per hour
• Paid training and orientation
• Flexible scheduling with daytime and evening hours available
• Part‑time employment opportunities
• 401(k) retirement plan available to eligible part‑time and full‑time employees
• Mileage reimbursement for authorized use of personal vehicles
• A supportive team environment and meaningful work

Qualifications

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Possess a high school diploma or GED
• Have a valid driver's license
• Have their own reliable vehicle available to transport individuals receiving services
• Maintain current automobile insurance, vehicle registration, and a valid Pennsylvania vehicle inspection
• Meet applicable background clearance requirements

Important: This position requires employees to use their personal vehicles to transport individuals to appointments, community activities, and other approved destinations. Vehicle registration and insurance in the employee's name are preferred. Mileage reimbursement is provided for authorized travel.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

As a Community‑Based Direct Support Professional, your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Build positive, respectful relationships with the individuals we support through meaningful communication and interaction.
• Assist individuals in developing daily living skills, including meal preparation, grocery shopping, housekeeping, laundry, personal hygiene, and other activities that promote independence.
• Encourage community participation, social interaction, and opportunities to develop meaningful relationships.
• Support individuals in achieving their Individual Support Plan (ISP) goals through guidance, coaching, and hands‑on assistance.
• Maintain accurate documentation of services provided, individual progress, and ISP outcomes.
• Participate in individual assessments and collaborate with program leadership to identify needs and goals.
• Assist individuals with medical appointments and communicate important health‑related information to appropriate team members.
• Encourage individuals to develop self‑advocacy, decision‑making, and problem‑solving skills.
• Provide transportation to appointments, community activities, and other approved destinations using a personal vehicle while following agency transportation policies.
• Maintain positive, professional communication with individuals, families, coworkers, supervisors, and other support team members.
• Attend required training sessions, staff meetings, and professional development activities.
• Follow agency policies, safety procedures, and applicable program requirements.

Physical Requirements

This position involves standing, walking, climbing stairs, squatting, bending, and the ability to lift 50 pounds or more while performing job‑related duties. Reasonable accommodations will be considered in accordance with applicable laws.

Make a Difference in Your Community!

If you enjoy helping others, building meaningful relationships, and encouraging individuals to reach their personal goals, we invite you to apply!

Join the SLS Bridge Program and help individuals build independence, achieve their goals, and live their best lives!

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Supportive Living Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.