Direct Support Professional

Aveanna Healthcare; Lancaster (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Aveanna HealthCare is seeking a Direct Support Professional to provide one-on-one services to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in home and community settings. You will assist with daily living activities, transportation, and participation in ISP outcomes.

The role requires compassionate communication, reliability, and the ability to document services, follow policies, and maintain confidentiality while promoting the client’s independence.

Qualifications

• Willingness to assist individuals in living life to its fullest.
• Active driver’s license and auto insurance to transport clients.
• Ability to follow ISP plans and document services accurately.
• Eligibility for background checks and clearances as required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with showering, cleaning, and taking clients out in the community.
• Transfer clients into and out of wheelchairs and transport them as needed.
• Complete required documentation (EVV, daily service notes).
• Support ISP development and ensure health and safety of clients.
• Report changes or problems to the manager and maintain confidentiality.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Time management

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Assist with showering, cleaning, and taking clients out in the community.

Ability to transfer client into and out of wheelchair.

Transport clients in personal vehicle and get reimbursed for mileage.

Position Overview

Working in the home and/or a community environment, the Direct Support Professional is responsible for the delivery of quality one‑on‑one services to intellectually and/or developmentally disabled individuals, working towards their outcome statement as outlined in the Individual Support Plan. Care may also involve activities of daily living and communication with other members of the individual’s multidisciplinary team.

Essential Job Functions

• Support adult or pediatric individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in the settings where they live, work, or engage in community activities to promote their emotional, physical, and personal well‑being.
• Implement strategies to assist the individual in achieving outcomes as stated in the Individual Support Plan (ISP).
• Complete required documentation (EVV, daily service notes) to substantiate services delivered.
• Assist the individual and the interdisciplinary team in developing and maintaining the ISP.
• Immediately report any changes or problems in the individual’s condition to the manager.
• Complete all documentation in accordance with state and program regulations, Aveanna HealthCare policies and procedures, and applicable accreditation standards.
• Adhere to confidentiality standards and professional boundaries at all times.
• Help individuals reach goals for greater independence through guidance, instruction, and role modeling.
• Actively seek opportunities for those served to experience life in their homes and communities based on hobbies and interests.
• Support individuals’ preferences and ensure their interests are honored.
• Assist individuals in developing life skills necessary to reach their highest potential, including interactions with others, cooking, housekeeping, budgeting, and personal hygiene.
• Assist individuals in living a daily life.
• Ensure the health and safety of the individual.

Requirements

• Desire to assist individuals in living life to its fullest.
• High school diploma or equivalency.
• Active driver’s license, current automobile insurance, current car registration, and current car inspection if transporting clients.
• Willingness to accompany clients into the community, providing support and assistance while maintaining sensitivity to the civil and human rights and dignity of the individual.
• Must be 18 or older.
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed.
• Eligibility for State Police Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse History Clearance.
• FBI clearance required for individuals who do not meet PA residency requirements.

Other Skills / Abilities

• Adherence to confidentiality standards and professional boundaries.
• Recognition and reporting of incidents.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in stressful situations.
• Attention to detail.
• Time management.
• Strong commitment to excellence.
• Effective problem‑solving and conflict resolution.
• Excellent organization and communication skills.
• Quick‑thinking and astute decision‑making skills.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to speak, write, read, and understand English.
• Occasional lifting, caring, pushing, and pulling of up to 25 pounds.
• Prolonged walking, standing, bending, kneeling, reaching, and twisting.
• Must be able to sit and climb stairs.
• Must have visual and hearing acuity.
• Must be able to function in a wide variety of environments that may involve exposure to allergens and other environmental conditions.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

As an employer accepting Medicare and Medicaid funds, employees must comply with all health‑related requirements in all relevant jurisdictions, including required vaccinations and testing, subject to exemptions for medical or religious reasons as appropriate.