Direct Support Professional/PAHrtners Deaf Services

RHA Health Services, LLC; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PayActiv wage access

Discount program

Paid Time Off

Health insurance

401(k)

Wellbeing programs

Training: CPR/First aid

Job summary

RHA Health Services, LLC is hiring a Direct Support Professional (DSP) for our Deaf Services program. The DSP provides personalized support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health, and substance use challenges, helping them engage in their communities and achieve personal goals.

In this role, you will advocate for rights, promote health and safety, and empower individuals to make their own choices.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Completed pre-employment screening.
• Compassionate, patient, and dedicated to person-centered support.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of disability rights, self-advocacy, and community integration principles.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and follow regulatory guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for individuals’ rights and promote health and safety.
• Support independence and self-advocacy.
• Facilitate community engagement and accompany individuals to activities.
• Teach and support independent living skills and daily tasks.
• Provide transportation for appointments and activities.
• Maintain accurate documentation of services and support provided.
• Connect individuals with community resources for development and education.

Skills

Compassionate

Patient

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Disability rights knowledge

Community integration

Record-keeping

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

We are hiring for a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in our Deaf Services program. The DSP provides personalized support to individuals with intellectual, developmental disabilities, mental health, and substance use challenges, helping them engage in their communities and achieve personal goals.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Advocate for individuals’ human, legal, and civil rights.
• Promote health and safety by supporting wellness initiatives and accident prevention.
• Encourage self‑advocacy and empower individuals to make their own choices.
• Facilitate community engagement by accompanying individuals to work, recreational activities, and social events.
• Teach and support independent living skills, including household management and personal care.
• Provide transportation for appointments, errands, and community activities.
• Foster social connections by supporting relationship‑building within the community.
• Support informed decision‑making regarding living arrangements, employment, and social activities.
• Assist with personal care tasks such as hygiene, bathing, dressing, and household chores (laundry, cleaning, decorating).
• Maintain accurate documentation of services and support provided.
• Use effective advocacy strategies to address challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.
• Connect individuals with community resources for career development, education, and volunteer opportunities.
• Encourage effective communication, adapting to individual needs and preferences.
• Assist with medication administration in accordance with state laws and regulations.
• Ensure confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in all aspects of care.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Completed pre‑employment screening.
• Compassionate, patient, and dedicated to person‑centered support.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to foster independence while providing necessary support.
• Knowledge of disability rights, self‑advocacy, and community integration principles.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and follow regulatory guidelines.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Regularly lift and carry up to 20 lbs.; occasionally pull at least 40 lbs.
• Squat, kneel, crawl, crouch, climb, and stoop as part of duties.
• Use hands and fingers to handle objects, tools, and controls.
• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Demonstrate proficiency in CPR at floor level.
• Vision requirements include close, distance, and peripheral vision.
• Ability to talk and hear. For Deaf and Hard of Hearing programs, fluency in ASL is required; the talk and hear requirement does not apply.

Benefits

• PayActiv: early access to earned wages before payday.
• Employee perks and discount program.
• Paid Time Off (full‑time employees only).
• Health and insurance (full‑time employees only).
• 401(k) retirement savings program.
• Wellbeing programs: physical, emotional and financial chronic disease management for hypertension and diabetes (for qualifying employees).
• Training: free CPR, first aid, and job‑specific training opportunities.

EEO Statement

RHA is an equal‑opportunity employer. RHA prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, civil status, disability, and other protected categories. RHA provides reasonable accommodation to qualified employees with protected disabilities to the extent required by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.