Direct Support Professional (Full-Time)

Life'sWork of Western PA; Monessen (Westmoreland County); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Coverage

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Retirement Plan (403(b) Thrift Plan)

13+ paid holidays per year

Job summary

Life'sWork of Western PA is hiring a full-time Direct Support Professional to support individuals with disabilities in securing meaningful employment. Responsibilities include job coaching, transportation assistance, and maintaining daily records. Candidates should have at least a high school diploma or GED, preferably with a secondary degree in psychology or social services. We value teamwork, strong communication, and time management skills. A good driving record is preferred. Benefits include health coverage, paid time off, retirement plan, and more.

Qualifications

• A valid PA driver’s license and a good driving record is highly preferred.
• Must have a reliable form of transportation to and from work.

Responsibilities

• Provide job coaching across all program areas.
• Transport participants to and from the worksite using company vehicles.
• Complete daily documentation based on the care plan.
• Support the achievement of the participant’s personal outcomes and goals.

Skills

Team player

Strong verbal communication

Time management

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or GED

Secondary degree in psychology or social services

Job description

Job Summary

Life'sWork of Western PA is currently hiring a full-time Direct Support Professional to join our team. A Direct Support Professional at Life’sWork is responsible for supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or individuals facing other barriers to employment. A Direct Support Professional will assist our clients to acquire, maintain, and enhance skills required to secure and carry out work-related activities. The Direct Support Professional will work at a variety of work sites, including Life’sWork own production facility as well as in a wide range of businesses and organizations through our small group staffing program. Direct Support Professionals are responsible for learning and applying the Individual Support Plan (ISP) and maintaining confidentiality.

Organizational Summary

Life’sWork of Western PA is a non-profit organization empowering people to live the life they choose. We partner with people with disabilities, people with other barriers, young adults, children, and families to pursue their hopes and dreams through strengthening workplace abilities, building life skills, and developing meaningful relationships.

We believe everyone deserves to share in opportunities for meaningful employment. Through employment for all, we envision creating a compassionate, inclusive, and equitable community where all individuals have a chance to flourish. A career at Life’sWork means a chance to promote life-altering change in an individual\'s life.

About Adult Services

The unemployment rate for people with disabilities is three times higher than that of people without disabilities. Through our Supported Group Employment, Small Group Staffing, and Community Participation Supports, we’re providing adults with disabilities an opportunity to overcome barriers to employment.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide job coaching across all of our program areas: facility, community, and in small group staffing locations
• May transport participants to and from the worksite using company vehicles
• Complete daily documentation of implementation and progress toward the participant’s goals and activities based on the care plan
• Support the achievement of the participant’s personal outcomes and goals
• Demonstrate knowledge of and implementation of the participant’s support plan
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment
• Contribute information regarding the participant’s progress for support team meetings when requested
• Engage with participants on a daily basis to facilitate growth for learning and opportunities
• Identify and provide reasonable accommodation to assist the needs of participants; for example, assisting them with the vending machine or walking them to the bathroom
• Provide a person-centered environment that fosters advancement and transition
• Act as a role model for appropriate workplace behavior
• Engage with all participants in a positive, respectful, and productive manner on a regular basis
• Complete and maintain annual staff qualifications, including 24 credit hours of training per year
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or GED is required. A secondary degree in psychology, social services, or a related field is preferred.
• A valid PA driver’s license and a good driving record is highly preferred.
• Must have a reliable form of transportation to and from work

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to multitask, and be a team player with the confidence to take the lead
• Basic comfort with PC operation and data entry skills is required
• Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Well-organized with a customer-oriented approach
• Leadership and supervision experience are a plus
• Attention to detail and observation skills
• Time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines

Physical Requirements

• This position requires being able to stand, walk, and/or bend for long periods of time
• Able to lift items weighing up to 20 pounds

Additional Requirements

• Must obtain First Aid/CPR certification within six (6) months of date of hire (Life’sWork will cover the cost, if needed).
• Act 153 clearances are required prior to hire (PATCH, Child Abuse, FBI Fingerprinting, and Drug Screen)
• ACRE (Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators) certification is a plus!

Benefits Package

• Health Coverage: Eligibility - The Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) is available to full-time employees.
• What Is an ICHRA? An Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) is an employer-funded benefit that reimburses employees, tax-free, for the cost of individual health insurance premiums. It offers a flexible alternative to traditional group health plans.
• Other benefits: (100% paid by employee) Dental and Vision, Aflac, Legal Shield / Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Staff will accrue up to 20 days within their first year
• Holidays: Offers 12 - 15 paid holidays per year
• Retirement Plan (403(b) Thrift Plan): Matches 100% of your contribution, not to exceed 5% after 1 year of service at Life’sWork

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At Life’sWork of Western PA, we have a clear vision: to create a community where difference is valued. Diversity and inclusion are integral to our culture. Life’sWork is committed to building and nurturing a workplace where inclusion is part of our everyday culture, and where all employees feel their gifts are celebrated. We strive to be diverse in our services and team as we serve our clients.