Direct Support Professional (Full-Time and Part-Time)

Life’sWork of Western PA; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance plans for full-time employees

Employee paid dental and vision coverage

Legal Shield / Identity Theft Protection

Retirement plan matching contributions

Job summary

A nonprofit organization in Pittsburgh is seeking Direct Support Professionals for full-time and part-time positions. The role focuses on assisting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in acquiring and enhancing work-related skills. Candidates should possess a high school diploma, valid driver’s license, and strong interpersonal skills, among other qualifications. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for personal growth.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; secondary degree in related field preferred.
• Valid PA driver's license and clean driving record required.
• Reliable transportation to and from work necessary.

Responsibilities

• Provide job coaching across all program areas.
• Complete daily documentation of participant progress.
• Support participants in achieving personal outcomes and goals.

Skills

Ability to multitask and lead within a team setting

Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills

Organized with a customer-oriented approach

Attention to detail and observational skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Secondary degree in psychology, social services, or related field

Tools

Computer systems proficiency

Job description

Direct Support Professional (Full-Time and Part-Time)

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Life'sWork of Western PA is currently hiring full‑time and part‑time Direct Support Professionals. The role supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or other barriers to employment, helping them acquire, maintain, and enhance work‑related skills. The position is based across several sites including Life’sWork’s production facility and a variety of community organizations.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide job coaching across all program areas: facility, community, and small‑group staffing locations.
• Transport participants to and from the worksite using company vehicles when required.
• Complete daily documentation of participant progress and care plan implementation.
• Support participants in achieving personal outcomes and goals.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and implementation of the individual support plan.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment.
• Provide information on support team meetings when requested.
• Engage daily with participants to facilitate learning and opportunity growth.
• Identify and provide reasonable accommodations for participant needs.
• Create a person‑centered environment that fosters advancement and transition.
• Act as a role model for appropriate workplace behavior.
• Maintain a respectful and productive tone with all participants.
• Complete and maintain annual staff qualifications, including 24 credit hours of training per year.
• Perform 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 clean driving record are required.
• Must have reliable transportation to and from work.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to multitask and lead within a team setting.
• Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Organized with a customer‑oriented approach.
• Leadership and supervision experience is a plus.
• Attention to detail and observational skills.
• Proficiency in computer systems and quick to learn new technologies.
• Knowledge of documentation procedures.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand, walk, and/or bend for long periods.
• Able to lift up to 20 pounds.

Additional Requirements

• Obtain First Aid/CPR certification within six months of hire.
• Successfully complete Act 153 clearances (patch, child abuse, FBI fingerprinting, drug screen).
• Maintain a drug‑free workplace; employees may be drug‑tested.
• Use personal vehicle for travel to work locations, if required.

Benefits Package

Health & Coverage

• Full‑time employees receive high‑mark insurance plans.
• Matches up to $700 towards a health savings account (HSA).

Other Benefits (employee paid)

• Dental and vision coverage.
• Aflac insurance.
• Legal Shield / Identity Theft Protection.
• Pet insurance.

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Up to 20 days accrued within the first year.

Holidays

• 12 paid holidays per year.

Retirement Plan (403(b) Thrift Plan)

• Matches 100% of contribution up to 5% after 1 year of service.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At Life’sWork of Western PA we are committed to building an inclusive community where difference is valued. We employ, train, compensate, and promote employees regardless of race, age, sex, religion, color, national origin, language, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity, disability, and other protected status.

Positions Information

• Seniority level: Entry Level
• Employment type: Part‑time
• Job function: Other
• Industries: Individual and Family Services