Direct Support Professional Autism Support Role

Terrapin House, Inc.; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 19,286 - 24,796; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training & development

Competitive salary

Flexible schedule

Paid time off

Bonus based on performance

Job summary

Terrapin House, Inc. is seeking a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to provide compassionate, person-centered support to individuals with IDD, autism, behavioral health needs, and physical disabilities.

You will help participants achieve independence, maintain health and safety, and engage in community activities as outlined in Individual Support Plans. Promote dignity, choice, and inclusion while following state regulations, agency policies, and person-centered practices.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum age 18+.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
• Ability to pass drug screening (if required).

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals with bathing, grooming, dressing, and other ADLs while promoting independence.
• Administer medications as prescribed and document accurately.
• Monitor health and safety; follow emergency plans and report changes immediately.
• Complete all required documentation at shift end, maintaining HIPAA confidentiality.
• Support individuals in community activities, appointments, and social events; transport when authorized.
• Implement behavior support plans and de-escalation techniques; collect data as required.
• Maintain household cleanliness and assist with chores, laundry, and food safety.
• Communicate professionally with families, healthcare providers, and supervisors; participate in trainings.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Benefits

• Training & development
• Competitive salary
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Bonus based on performance

Employment Status

Full-Time / Part-Time / PRN

Shift Availability

• First Shift: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Second Shift: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Third Shift (Awake Overnight): 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM

About the Role

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides compassionate, person-centered support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), autism spectrum disorder, behavioral health needs, and/or physical disabilities. DSPs assist individuals in achieving independence, maintaining health and safety, participating in their communities, and meeting goals identified in their Individual Support Plans (ISP).

DSPs are responsible for promoting dignity, choice, respect, and community inclusion while ensuring compliance with state regulations, agency policies, and person-centered practices.

Responsibilities

Personal Care

• Assist individuals with bathing, dressing, grooming, oral hygiene, toileting, and other Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
• Encourage independence by providing assistance only as needed.
• Maintain individuals' dignity and privacy during personal care.

Medication Administration

• Administer medications as certified and according to physician orders and agency policy.
• Document medication administration accurately.
• Report medication errors immediately.

Health & Safety

• Monitor individuals for changes in physical or mental health.
• Report illnesses, injuries, or unusual observations immediately.
• Follow emergency procedures and crisis intervention plans.
• Ensure a clean, safe, and hazard-free home environment.

Documentation

• Complete all required documentation before the end of each shift.
• Record progress notes, medication documentation, incident reports, behavior tracking, and communication logs.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA.

Community Participation

• Support individuals in community outings.
• Assist with appointments, shopping, recreation, employment, volunteer activities, and social events.
• Transport individuals safely using agency vehicles when authorized.

Behavioral Support

• Implement Positive Behavior Support Plans.
• Use approved de-escalation techniques.
• Collect behavior data as required.
• Report behavioral incidents promptly.

Household Responsibilities

• Maintain the cleanliness of the residence.
• Complete assigned household chores.
• Assist with laundry and linen changes.
• Maintain food safety and sanitation standards.

Communication

• Communicate professionally with coworkers, families, guardians, healthcare providers, and supervisors.
• Participate in team meetings and required trainings.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum age of 18 years.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
• Ability to pass drug screening (if required).

Additional Requirements

• Experience supporting adults with Autism
• PA background checks and drug screening
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

You are responsible to completeand pay for your physical

Equal Opportunity

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value diversity and inclusion.