Direct Support Professional/Personal Care - Temporary Full Time

Terrapin House, Inc.; Oreland (PA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Job summary

Terrapin House, Inc. is seeking a warm, engaging caregiver to support daily activities and personal care for an individual in a home setting.

The role requires initiative, patience, and the ability to create meaningful daily interactions through music and community activities. The candidate should be able to adapt activities to sensory needs, assist with personal care tasks, and maintain the individual’s dignity and comfort.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Special Education, or Education or CNA certification required.
• Must have PA State CNA certification or an equivalent credential.

Responsibilities

• Share music and encourage interaction through music and computer activities.
• Initiate conversations and activities, not waiting to be asked.
• Adjust activities for sensory sensitivities to ensure comfort.
• Provide hands-on assistance with personal care (showering, dressing, eating, toileting, transfers).
• Be attentive to needs, preferences, comfort, and dignity.
• Contribute to a day filled with connection and meaningful experiences.
• Work in a home with a medium-sized dog and two cats, and accompany the individual into the community.

Skills

Warm personality

Engaging

Energetic

Patient

Dependable

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology

Bachelor’s degree in Special Education

Bachelor’s degree in Education

Job description

Benefits:

• Competitive salary

Schedule: The position will begin with part-time training hours on weekends and evenings, to learn the individual's routines, personal care needs, and preferred activities. Beginning in December 2026, the position will transition to a temporary full-time schedule for approximately three months, Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:00 PM. Following the temporary full-time assignment, there is potential for ongoing part-time employment, primarily evenings and weekends.

Who We Are Looking For:

We need someone who is warm, engaging, energetic, patient, and dependable. The ideal candidate enjoys interacting with others and knows how to make everyday activities meaningful and enjoyable.

This is not a position for someone who simply sits back and waits to be asked what to do. We are looking for someone who takes initiative, encourages participation, and actively engages the individual in activities they enjoy.

The right person will:

• Enjoy sharing music and encouraging interaction through music and computer activities.
• Initiate conversations and activities rather than waiting for the individual to initiate.
• Recognize and respect sensory sensitivities, adjusting activities and their approach as needed.
• Provide hands‑on assistance with personal care, including showering, dressing, eating, toileting, and pivot transfers.
• Be attentive to the individual's needs, preferences, comfort, and dignity.
• Bring a positive attitude and help create a day filled with connection, engagement, and meaningful experiences.
• Be comfortable working in a home with one medium‑sized dog and two cats as well as taking individual into the community.

We are looking for someone who wants to be involved, build a connection, and make a positive difference every day.

Required Qualifications: must have one of the following

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Special Education, or Education; OR
• Current, Pennsylvania State Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification.