Direct Support Professional - Part-time 1:1

Access-Services; Norristown (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

401(k) match

Paid training

Paid travel time

Mileage reimbursement

Job summary

Access Services is seeking a compassionate and dependable part-time Enhanced Direct Support Professional to make a meaningful impact by supporting one resident with trauma-informed care, behavioral plans, and de-escalation techniques.

Shifts are late afternoon to early evening (4:00–8:00 PM). Benefits include PTO, 401(k) match, and paid training, plus opportunities for scheduling flexibility and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Medication Administration and CPR certification is required within six (6) months of hire, provided by Access Services.
• One (1) year of direct care experience in intellectual/developmental disabilities preferred.
• Experience using de-escalation techniques and supporting individuals with emotional or behavioral challenges.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality personal care and supports, including assistance with personal care as needed (health care, dietary needs, etc.).
• Support residents’ emotional needs by recognizing signs of distress or behavioral escalation and using approved de-escalation techniques to maintain safety.
• Demonstrate patience, empathy, and sound judgment when supporting residents with mental health challenges.
• Develop and refine skills related to responding to emotional outbursts and crisis situations per policies.
• Promote a calm, respectful environment that encourages personal growth and community involvement.
• Document medical concerns and daily progress in a timely manner; read/respond to communications; enter notes in the electronic health record system.
• Encourage and facilitate outside activities and community engagement for residents.
• Perform household tasks such as shopping, meal planning/preparation, cleaning, and laundry.
• Work with residents on ISP outcomes and stay current on updates.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

De-escalation

Emotional support

Documentation

Calm under pressure

Boundary setting

Mental health support

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Outlook

Microsoft Office

EMR systems

Time & attendance

Smartphones/tablets

Job description

At Access Services, we knowgreat workstarts with real support for all employees, includingpart time. At Access Services you have the ability to earn PTO, get a 401kmatchand get paid for training.

We areseekinga compassionate and dependablepart‑time Enhanced Direct Support Professionalwho wants to make a meaningful impactwiththeir work.This role is ideal for someone seeking part‑time or supplemental hours, as shifts are typically scheduled in thelate afternoon to early evening (generally between4:00–8:00 PM), with slight variations.

This is anEnhancedrole due to the individual’s behavioral and mental health needs and requires someone who is comfortable supporting behaviors and using approved support plans and de‑escalation techniques.

The ideal candidate builds trust,maintainshealthy boundaries, and understands that behaviors are often a form of communication. You will support one resident by providing consistent, trauma‑informed care whileremainingcalm and supportive during challenging moments.

Reliability, attention to detail, andstrong communicationskills are essential, as residents rely on staff for structure, stability, and a safe environment. Individuals who are open to training, feedback, and collaborative teamwork will thrive in this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality personal care andsupports, includingassistancewith personal care as needed (health care, dietary needs, etc.).

• Support residents’ emotional needs by recognizing signs of emotional distress or behavioral escalation and using approved de-escalation and intervention techniques tomaintainsafety.

• Demonstrate patience, empathy, and sound judgment when supporting residents experiencing mental health challenges.

• Continuously develop and refine skills related to responding to emotional outbursts and crisis situationsin accordance withcompany policies and procedures.

• Promote a calm, respectful, and supportive environment that encourages personal growth and positive community involvement.

• Communicate clearly inwriting about medical concernsand daily progress.Read and respond to communicationsfrom other staffin a timely manner.Enter required notes in theelectronic health recordsystem.

• Encourage andfacilitateoutside activities and community engagement for residents.

• Perform household and housekeeping duties as needed, including shopping, meal planning and preparation, cleaning, laundry, and other household-related tasks.

• Work with residents on Individual Service Plan (ISP) outcomes and stay current on updates and changes.

• Maintain familiarity with residents’ backgrounds and, when possible, interact with residents’ families.

• Attend and activelyparticipatein staff meetings,requiredtrainings, consultant visits, and team meetings.

Theselected candidate must meet all qualifying and ongoing job criteria including background checks, physicalexamination,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 thatperiod).

• Access to a reliable vehicle during work hours.Vehiclemust 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 equivalent preferred.

Certifications

• Medication Administration and CPR certificationisrequiredwithin six (6) months of hire, provided by AccessServices.

Experience

• One (1) year of direct care experiencein the field ofintellectual/developmental disabilities desired.

• Experience supporting individuals with emotional or behavioral challenges andutilizingde-escalation techniques is highly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to effectively apply habilitation principles and behavior management strategies.

• Strong documentation and observational skills.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for working with individuals with varying needs and communication styles.

• Ability to remain calm, professional, and supportive during emotional or crisis situations.

• Willingness to continually develop skills related to mental health support and de-escalation techniques.

• Proficiencyin, or ability to learn, workplace technologies including Outlook, Microsoft Office Suite,electronic health record systems,time and attendance system,smartphones/tablets, and related systems.

Essential Working Conditions / Physical Demands

Work in program sites and the community routinely providing direct care and support with individual(s). Stand,sitor run by self, orto provideproper care and supervision with an individual. Able to move and stay with an individual to keep them safe, both in home environment and community, both at near and far distances, even when an individual may struggle to meet identified expectations. Able toassistan individual who has fallen, regardless of weight or size. Walk, climb stairs by self, orto providedirect care ensuringindividual’ssafety, or to complete household and community tasks. Perform household tasks or tasks within the community such as laundry, cleaning, completing meal routines,shoppingor dining out and, at the same time, ensuring individual’s safety and proper direct care and compliance with ISP.

Starting at$19/hour, with increases based on education and experience.

There are 7-10 hours/week available with the following schedule:

• Monday 2-8PM OR 5-8PM
• Sunday 4-8PM

We are open to hiring multiple staff to fill these shifts, but all applicants must be able to work a minimum of three consistent shifts per week.Applicants who move forward in the process may share their availability with our team.

Looking for more hours?Additionalhours may be available through other Direct Support Professional roles at Access Services.We will work with you to build a schedule thatbestaligns with your availability!

WhatYou’llGain at Access Services

When you join us,you’renot just stepping into arole,you’rejoining a team that offers real support, opportunities to grow, and meaningful work that makes an impact.

We offer benefits designed to meet you where you are, whetheryou'restarting your career, building new skills, or looking for flexibility:

• Time to Recharge:Part-time employeesaccrueup to10 daysof PTO a year.
• Invest in Your Future:401(k) with company match, tuition reimbursement program, and access to college tuition discounts.
• Built into the Job:Paid travel time, 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,telehealthand 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.