Creative Expressions Instructor - Direct Support Professional

Via of the Lehigh Valley; Bethlehem (Northampton County); On-site; USD 23,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision and dental benefits

Paid vacation 15 days (3 weeks)

9 paid holidays (+ Birthday)

Floating cultural holiday

Education assistance up to $5,000/year

Mileage reimbursement

NADSP Career Ladder: +$1.75/hr after 3

Job summary

Via of the Lehigh Valley seeks a Creative Expressions Instructor to help participants maintain independence and self-advocacy. You’ll support goals through hands-on programs in our facility and in the community.

Pay starts at $17/hr with a HS diploma, $17.50/hr with an Associate’s degree, or $18/hr with a Bachelor’s degree. Completing the NADSP ladder adds up to $1.75/hr. Benefits include substantial paid time off and education assistance.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Ability to work in a variety of settings and changing environments.
• Valid driver’s license, personal vehicle and insurance, with community travel.
• Experience using Setworks, Paylocity, Microsoft Office and email daily.

Responsibilities

• Implement activities relative to participants' outcomes in facility and community.
• Support participant goals and assist in outcome completion.
• Develop or follow daily routines to engage participants.
• Assist with volunteer and recreational activities in the community.
• Attend participant plan meetings and provide input for ISPs.
• Communicate participant issues to the Program Supervisor.
• Collaborate with team to meet participant and coworker needs.
• Adapt to shifting priorities with a solutions-focused mindset.
• Provide transportation to community resources as needed.

Skills

Flexibility

Travel in community

Ability to adapt

Outside-the-box thinking

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate’s Degree

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Setworks

Paylocity

Microsoft Office

Email

Job description

Join a team that's been recognized as a Top Workplace four years in a row — 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026! Via of the Lehigh Valley is hiring a Creative Expressions Instructors to assist participants in maintaining their independence and self-advocacy skills. In this role, you’ll support participants in achieving their personal goals through engaging, hands-on programs—both within our facility and out in the community. The Creative Instructor position starts at $17/hour for a High School Diploma or equivalent, $17.50/hour for an Associate’s Degree and $18/hour for a Bachelor’s Degree. Additionally, earn up to $1.75 more per hour by completing all three levels of the National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) Career Ladder Program.

You Will ENJOY The Following When Working At VIA

• Consistent Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm schedule with weekends off!
• Medical, vision and dental benefits at a minimal cost to the employee.
• 15 days (3 weeks) of paid vacation during your first year, increasing to 18 days after completing 1 year of employment.
• 9 paid Holidays. Including YOUR Birthday Holiday! Employees also receive a Floating Cultural Holiday! Via is committed to maintaining an inclusive workforce and believes that an atmosphere of mutual respect for each other’s differences adds quality to our services. Eligible employees may choose a paid day off, that is significant to them. 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with discretionary annual contribution.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Education assistance up to $5,000 per year for full-time employees.
• Education incentive: earn MORE when you obtain a degree or certification.
• Paid Training and mileage reimbursement.
• Professional Development Opportunities:
  • NADSP Career Ladder Program – earn an additional $1.75/hour once all three levels have been completed.
• Casual work attire.
• Employee referral-bonus program.
• Special employee events such as raffles, work anniversary celebrations, recognition awards and monthly celebration events.

As a Creative Expressions Instructor You Will

• Implement activities relative to the participants' outcomes within the facility and community.
• Participate in the development of participant goals and assist in outcome completion.
• Develop or follow consistent daily routines with participants and ensure their engagement in the activities.
• Assist in the development of volunteer and recreational activities in the community.
• Attend regular participant plan meetings and provide input for Individual Service Plans.
• Communicate and advocate all participant issues to the appropriate Program Supervisor.
• Work as part of a team maintaining flexibility to meet the needs of participants and coworkers in both community and facility-based settings.
• Adapt to shifting priorities while maintaining a constructive and solutions-focused outlook.
• Work a flexible schedule to support participants in the community and facility per supervision needs.
• Provide transportation to community resources through the use of agency or personal vehicles assigned.

Position Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Ability to work in a variety of settings and function in an ever-changing environment.
• Standing, sitting, lifting, walking is required daily.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds is required.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, personal vehicle and appropriate vehicle insurance.
• Traveling in the community is required.
• Flexibility in work hours is required to meet department demands, including availability for evening.
• Use of technology platforms such as Setworks, Paylocity, Microsoft Office, and email is required daily.
• Ability to adapt to changing schedules while maintaining productivity and efficiency.
• Must be flexible and able to adapt to a variety of environments.

We invest in our team through training, career development and educational assistance. Our team enjoys a supportive work environment that encourages the success of the individuals we serve and our employees. This success comes from living our values: People, Growth, Teamwork, Community, Diversity, Shared Ideas and Advocacy. Join our team and grow a fulfilling career with us!

CHANGE LIVES. WORK FOR VIA.

Via of the Lehigh Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Women, Minorities, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.