Direct Support Professional - Part-time 1:1

Access Services; Norristown (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 21,593 - 30,754; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Mileage Reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Referral Bonuses

Ongoing Training

College tuition discounts

Job summary

Access Services seeks a compassionate part-time Enhanced Direct Support Professional in Norristown. This role focuses on providing personal care and emotional support to residents, encouraging growth and community engagement.

The ideal candidate will provide trauma-informed care, maintain calm in challenging situations, and assist residents with daily activities. Employees can expect flexible scheduling, competitive pay starting at $19/hour, and numerous benefits including mileage reimbursement and ongoing training.

Qualifications

• Valid U.S. driver's license is required.
• Experience with individuals having emotional or behavioral challenges.
• Ability to effectively apply behavior management strategies.

Responsibilities

• Provide personal care and support.
• Support emotional needs and manage crises.
• Document medical concerns and daily progress.

Skills

Compassion

Communication

Attention to detail

Patience

Empathy

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Outlook

Microsoft Office Suite

Electronic health record systems

Job description

We are seeking a compassionate and dependable part‑time Enhanced Direct Support Professional who wants to make a meaningful impact with their work. This role is ideal for someone seeking part‑time or supplemental hours, as shifts are typically scheduled in the late afternoon to early evening (generally between 4:00-8:00 PM), with slight variations.

This is an Enhanced role 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, maintains healthy boundaries, and understands that behaviors are often a form of communication. You will support one resident by providing consistent, trauma‑informed care while remaining calm and supportive during challenging moments.

Reliability, attention to detail, and strong communication skills 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 and supports, including assistance with 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 to maintain safety.
• 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 situations in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Promote a calm, respectful, and supportive environment that encourages personal growth and positive community involvement.
• Communicate clearly in writing about medical concerns and daily progress. Read and respond to communications from other staff in a timely manner. Enter required notes in the electronic health record system.
• Encourage and facilitate outside 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 actively participate in staff meetings, required trainings, consultant visits, and team meetings.

Driving Requirement

This position requires regular driving during the workday to support individuals in the community, attend offsite meetings, and provide service oversight.

To Be Eligible, Candidates Must

• Possess a valid U.S. driver's license
• Have reliable access to a personal vehicle
• Maintain an acceptable driving record in accordance with Access Services' Motor Vehicle Policy
• Be willing and able to drive as part of regular job duties
• Successfully pass all motor vehicle record checks

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred

Certifications

• Medication Administration and CPR certification is required within six (6) months of hire, provided by Access Services.

Experience

• One (1) year of direct care experience in the field of intellectual/developmental disabilities desired.
• Experience supporting individuals with emotional or behavioral challenges and utilizing de‑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
• Proficiency in, 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, sit or run by self, or to provide proper 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 to assist an individual who has fallen, regardless of weight or size. Walk, climb stairs by self, or to provide direct care ensuring individual's safety, or to complete household and community tasks. Perform household tasks or tasks within the community such as laundry, cleaning, completing meal routines, shopping or dining out and, at the same time, ensuring individual's safety and proper direct care and compliance with ISP.

Benefits

Schedule and Compensation

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

There are up to 17 hours/week available with the following schedule:

• Monday 5‑8PM
• Tuesday 5‑8PM
• Wednesday 6‑8PM
• Thursday 5‑8PM
• Friday 6‑8PM
• Saturday week A 6‑8PM
• Saturday week B 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? Additional hours may be available through other Direct Support Professional roles at Access Services. We will work with you to build a schedule that best aligns with your availability!

All Employees Receive The Following Benefits

• Mileage Reimbursement, paid travel time between worksites
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Referral Bonuses
• Ongoing Training
• Discounts on various services, perks with local Credit Unions, college tuition discounts

Access Services is an equal opportunity employer.