Direct Support Professional

Aveanna Healthcare; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Aveanna Healthcare is seeking a Direct Support Professional in Pittsburgh, PA. This role involves working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, providing essential support and companionship in daily activities.

The successful candidate will have a high school diploma, a strong desire to assist others, and the ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries. Responsibilities include implementing strategies to achieve individual outcomes and maintaining documentation as required.

Qualifications

• Strong desire to assist individuals in living their lives to the fullest.
• Active driver’s license and current auto insurance.
• Eligibility for State Police Criminal Record Check.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
• Implement strategies to achieve outcomes outlined in the ISP.
• Complete documentation in accordance with regulations.

Skills

Empathy

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Time management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position Overview

Working in the home and/or a community environment, the Direct Support Professional is responsible for delivering quality one‑on‑one services to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and working toward their outcomes as outlined in their Individual Support Plan (ISP). Care may also involve activities of daily living and communication with members of the individual’s multidisciplinary team.

Schedule
Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Essential Job Functions

• Professionally support adults or pediatric individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in community settings to promote their emotional, physical, and personal well‑being.
• Implement strategies to help the individual achieve outcomes stated in the ISP.
• Complete all required documentation (EVV, daily service notes) in accordance with state and program regulations, Avanna HealthCare policies, and accreditation standards.
• Assist the individual and their interdisciplinary team in developing and maintaining the ISP.
• Immediately report any changes or problems in the individual’s condition to manager.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries at all times.
• Guide, instruct, and role‑model to help individuals become more independent.
• Actively seek opportunities for individuals to experience life in their homes and communities based on hobbies and interests.
• Support the individual’s preferences and honor their interests.
• Assist with the development of life‑skills including interaction with others, cooking, housekeeping, budgeting, and personal hygiene.
• Help individuals navigate everyday life and ensure their health and safety.

Requirements

• Strong desire to assist individuals in living their lives to the fullest.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Active driver’s license, current auto insurance, registration, and inspection if transporting.
• Willingness to accompany individuals into the community, providing support while respecting their civil rights and dignity.
• Minimum age 18.
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed.
• Eligibility for State Police Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse History Clearance.
• FBI clearance required for those who do not meet PA residency requirements.

Other Skills and Abilities

• Adherence to confidentiality standards and professional boundaries.
• Recognition of incidents and prompt reporting.
• Calm and professional behavior 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.

Physical Demands

• Speaking, writing, reading, and understanding English.
• Occasional lifting, caring, pushing, and pulling of up to 25 pounds.
• Prolonged walking, standing, bending, kneeling, reaching, and twisting.
• Ability to sit and climb stairs.
• Visual and hearing acuity.
• Function within diverse environments, including exposure to allergens.

Health and Compliance

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