Direct Support Professional (DSP)

The Adolphus Group; Hatboro (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The Adolphus Group in Montgomery County, PA is hiring Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) for Full Time and Part Time roles. DSPs provide hands-on, person-centered support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in licensed residential homes.

Reliable transportation is required, with shifts across days, evenings, and overnight hours. Responsibilities include ADL assistance, ISPs/ BSPs implementation, documentation, medication administration when applicable, and crisis

Qualifications

• Must have strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to follow individualized support plans and safety procedures.
• Must demonstrate reliability in attendance and transportation.
• Ability to work weekends/holidays and multiple shifts as needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs) and mobility.
• Complete shift notes, data collection, and incident reports accurately.
• Administer medications when trained and authorized per program requirements.
• Respond to emergencies using trauma-informed, professional care.

Skills

Strong communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Direct Support Professional (DSP) | Full Time & Part Time

Company: The Adolphus Group

Location: Montgomery County, Pennsylvania

Employment Type: Full Time and Part Time

Available Shifts: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM | 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM | 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM

Schedule: Weekdays, Weekends, and Holidays Based On Program Needs

Position Summary

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) at The Adolphus Group are trusted team members who provide hands‑on, person‑centered support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in licensed residential homes. Working within the scope of Pennsylvania's Chapter 6400 and Chapter 6100 regulatory frameworks, DSPs are responsible for promoting health, safety, dignity, independence, and inclusion.

We are currently accepting applications for Full Time and Part Time positions within our Montgomery County residential programs. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to consistent attendance, professional accountability, and dependable transportation.

This is a professional, frontline role that demands consistency, accountability, emotional regulation, and adherence to clinical and compliance standards. DSPs help individuals achieve their personal goals, follow structured routines, and participate in meaningful daily living while preserving each person's rights and autonomy.

DSPs are expected to deliver trauma‑informed, equitable care while maintaining clear documentation, participating in incident response and reporting, and ensuring compliance with applicable Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) and Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requirements.

Mandatory Transportation Requirement

Applicants must own a reliable personal vehicle to be considered for this position.

The Adolphus Group's Montgomery County residential locations require employees to have dependable transportation to and from their assigned worksite, including early mornings, evenings, overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Due to limited public transportation options and the importance of maintaining consistent staffing, this position is intended for applicants who can independently commute using their own vehicle.

Reliance on public transportation, Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare services does not satisfy the personal vehicle ownership requirement for this position.

Candidates must be able to consistently report to their assigned shifts on time and maintain reliable attendance throughout their employment.

Key Responsibilities

Daily Support & Personal Care

• Assist individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, and mobility.
• Provide meal planning, preparation, and nutritional support based on ISP goals and dietary needs.
• Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and respectful living environment.
• Encourage independence, personal choice, and participation in meaningful daily activities.

Service Implementation & Documentation

• Implement Individual Support Plans (ISPs), Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), and Risk Mitigation Plans.
• Accurately complete shift notes, data collection, progress tracking, and incident reports.
• Support documentation and monitoring related to community engagement and individual outcomes.
• Report significant changes in individual health, behavior, or support needs to appropriate leadership.

Health, Safety & Medication Administration

• Administer medications when appropriately trained and authorized in accordance with Pennsylvania Medication Administration Program requirements.
• Monitor and report changes in health, behavior, or psychiatric condition.
• Conduct emergency drills, safety checks, and follow incident management procedures.
• Maintain appropriate supervision in accordance with individual support plans and staffing requirements.
• Ensure individuals are not left unattended without appropriate staff coverage.
• Remain at the assigned residence until appropriate relief staff arrive when required to maintain safe supervision.

Crisis Prevention & Trauma‑Informed Response

• Use de‑escalation and redirection techniques consistent with trauma‑informed practices.
• Respond to behavioral or emotional crises with professionalism and care.
• Preserve individual dignity, rights, privacy, and choice at all times.
• Follow approved behavioral support strategies and safety protocols.

Professionalism & Team Collaboration

• Attend all required trainings, staff meetings, and supervision sessions.
• Maintain confidentiality, healthy boundaries, and ethical care standards.
• Communicate effectively with coworkers, supervisors, medical professionals, and families.
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and sound judgment.
• Report to assigned shifts on time and prepared to work.
• Follow organizational policies, attendance procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ownership of a reliable personal vehicle for commuting to assigned work locations.
• Ability to maintain consistent and punctual attendance.
• Ability to work assigned shifts, including weekends and holidays when scheduled.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to follow individualized support plans and established safety procedures.
• Ability to perform essential physical tasks, including lifting and assisting with mobility, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Completion of mandatory onboarding and ongoing training requirements, including fire safety, individual rights, trauma‑informed care, and medication administration when applicable.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working with adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
• Experience in residential services, behavioral health, healthcare, or related human services settings.
• Valid driver's license.
• Current CPR, First Aid, or Medication Administration certification.
• Familiarity with Pennsylvania ODP regulations and residential service requirements.

Scheduling & Attendance Expectations

The Adolphus Group provides residential services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Maintaining consistent staffing is essential to ensuring the health, safety, and well‑being of the individuals receiving services.

Full Time and Part Time DSPs are expected to:

• Maintain consistent availability for their established work schedules.
• Report to all scheduled shifts on time and prepared to work.
• Review their schedules regularly and communicate any discrepancies promptly.
• Notify the designated employee call‑out system at least two hours before a scheduled shift whenever possible.
• Communicate changes in availability or scheduling conflicts in advance.
• Remain on duty until appropriate relief coverage is in place when required.
• Complete all mandatory training and maintain required certifications.

Failure to comply with established attendance, scheduling, or safety expectations may result in corrective action, up to and including termination of employment, in accordance with applicable policies and laws.

Work Environment

This role involves direct, physical, and emotionally engaged care work. Shifts may include mornings, evenings, overnights, weekends, or holidays.

The environment may include individuals with complex medical or behavioral needs. Staff must be prepared to respond to emergencies, follow individualized plans with fidelity, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team.

Employees must demonstrate professionalism, adaptability, and the ability to maintain a safe, supportive environment while respecting the dignity and autonomy of each individual.

Employment Opportunities

Full Time DSP {32+ Hours Per Week}

Full Time employees are assigned regularly scheduled shifts based on program needs and established availability. Employees are expected to maintain consistent attendance and fulfill the responsibilities associated with their assigned schedules.

Part Time DSP {Fewer Than 32 Hours Per Week}

Part Time employees work a reduced but recurring schedule based on program needs and established availability. Employees are held to the same professional, safety, training, and attendance expectations as Full Time staff.

Specific schedules and hours will be discussed during the hiring process and are subject to organizational staffing needs.

The Adolphus Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration in accordance with applicable employment laws. Reasonable accommodations will be considered as required by law.

Successful completion of all required DHS background checks is required