Direct Support Professional: Day Program

Access Services; Tamaqua (Schuylkill County); On-site; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Security: medical, dental,  &

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Mileage & Toll Reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Access Services is looking for a dedicated Direct Support Professional to join our Day Program team in Tamaqua, PA. You will provide personalized supports to adults with developmental disabilities or Autism, helping them maintain or increase independence and live their best life in a daytime setting.

The role includes following the Individual Support Plan, documenting notes, and promoting inclusive community participation. Flexible weekday schedule is provided at our Tamaqua site.

Qualifications

• Background checks, physical exam, and driving history required.
• Valid US driver’s license for at least two years.
• Access to reliable vehicle with valid registration and insurance.
• One year Direct Care experience preferred.
• Certifications (First Aid, CPR, Community Participation Supports) within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Implement ISP for every participant.
• Record daily service notes and other documentation.
• Maintain a secure, positive environment supporting individuals’ needs and goals.
• Foster community inclusion through activities and experiences.
• Promote independence in daily living, learning, leisure, and volunteering.

Skills

Direct care experience

Communication skills

Relationship building

Judgement & discretion

Written communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

First Aid/CPR/Community Participation Supports certs

Tools

Outlook

Company Intranet

Electronic Health Record

Time & Attendance system

Job description

We are hiring a dedicated and caring Direct Support Professional to join our Day Program team in Tamaqua, PA!
As a Direct Support Professional in our Day Program, you will have the opportunity to provide personalized supports to adults with developmental disabilities/Autism who attend our life enrichment day programs. Our quality-focused support staff work with the individuals' goals and help those individuals maintain or increase their independence and live their best lives.
Work Schedule: Weekdays 8:00AM-4:00PM (full-time role set at program location in Tamaqua, PA)

Key Responsibilities

• Caregivers and Direct Support Professionals will implement the Individual Support Plan (ISP) for every individual participant
• Caregivers and Direct Support Professionals will record daily service note and other documentation as assigned by Program Specialist/ Team Lead
• Caregivers and Direct Support Professionals will help ensure the highest quality of care to individuals in helping them meet their needs
• Caregivers and Direct Support Professionals will establish a secure, positive environment that nurtures individual's needs, self-expression, and goals (valued outcomes)
• Caregivers and Direct Support Professionals will help facilitate an individual's inclusion in the community through experiences and activities
• Caregivers and Direct Support Professionals will promote independence in daily activities, learning, leisure, and volunteer opportunities for individuals

Requirements

The selected candidate must meet all qualifying and ongoing job criteria including background checks, physical examination, and a driving history record.

Driving Requirements

• A valid US driver's license for at least two years, not including time with permit.
• No serious traffic convictions within the past three years. (Serious convictions include, but are not limited to, DUI, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, or three or more traffic violations and/or at-fault accidents within that period).
• Access to a reliable vehicle during work hours. Vehicle must have valid registration and inspection stickers.
• Valid auto insurance. You will be asked to provide proof that you are a covered driver on the policy.

Education

High school diploma or GED preferred.

Certification

Certifications in First Aid, CPR, and Community Participation Supports for DSP within six months of hire will be paid for and provided by Access Services.

Experience

One (1) year's direct care experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Ability to teach basic daily living skills.
• Ability and readiness to provide personal care as needed.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, their families, peers, supports coordinators and the general public.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting laws, rules and policies governing Access Services programs and services.
• Ability to express ideas succinctly, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and in group settings, and ability to adapt to different working environments, as assigned for the day.
• Ability to maintain a cooperative and caring attitude with a view of seeing the needs of others as more important than one's own needs.
• Commitment to Individual Rights and individuality of the person being served.
• Proficiency in, or ability to learn and use, workplace applications, platforms and technologies including Outlook, the Company Intranet, time and attendance system, the electronic healthcare record, and more.
• Ability to navigate network drives and basic hardware use and troubleshooting.

Essential Working Conditions/Physical Demands

• Work is primarily performed in community settings, and/or day program environments supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The environment may involve exposure to varying noise levels, temperatures, and occasional unpredictable behaviors.
• Must be able to remain attentive, responsive, and engaged throughout shifts.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, climb stairs, and assist individuals with mobility.
• Must be able to lift, transfer, push, or pull individuals and objects weighing up to 50 pounds with or without assistance.
• Requires the ability to safely push and maneuver individuals in manual or power wheelchairs, including over uneven surfaces and up or down ramps.
• Must be able to assist individuals in and out of vehicles and safely secure them in wheelchair vans, using appropriate adaptive equipment and safety restraints.
• May be required to provide hands-on physical assistance with personal care, positioning, or daily living activities.
• Requires sufficient visual and auditory acuity to monitor safety, communicate effectively, and respond promptly to needs or emergencies.
• Must have reliable transportation and the ability to accompany or transport individuals to community activities.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required depending on specific activities or health and safety guidelines

Benefits

This full-time position starts at $17/hour, with adjustments made for education and experience, plus a competitive benefits package.

What You'll Gain At Access Services

When you join our team, you're not just getting a job, you're stepping into a career with real support, growth, and impact. We offer a benefits package designed to meet you where you are in life.

• Health & Security: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage, plus company-paid life insurance, disability protection and catastrophic sick leave. Access Services covers up to 88% of health premium with many employees paying less than $150/month
• Time to Recharge: Full-time employees start their first year earning up to nearly 6 weeks of paid time off (20+ PTO days plus 9 paid holidays), with even more time added as you grow your career with us.
• Invest in Your Future: 401(k) with company match, tuition reimbursement program, and access to college tuition discounts
• Built into the Job: Mileage & Toll Reimbursement
• Support Beyond Work: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free, confidential resources for you and your family, including:
• Counseling and emotional support through in-person, telehealth and text therapy.
• Financial and legal guidance
• Grow With Us: Paid training, ongoing professional development, and opportunities to learn and advance across diverse roles and programs.

Access Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.