Direct Support Professional (Supported Employment)

Life’sWork of Western PA; Monessen (Westmoreland County); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Dental and Vision

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Retirement Plan (403(b) matching)

Job summary

Life’sWork of Western PA is seeking a Supported Employment Direct Support Professional to provide essential support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at various community work sites. The role involves ensuring the health and safety of participants while assisting them in job-related activities. Candidates should possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, a high school diploma, and reliable transportation. Training in First Aid/CPR will be provided. A comprehensive benefits package is included.

Qualifications

• Must have reliable transportation to and from work.
• Must obtain First Aid/CPR certification within six months of hire.
• ACT 153 clearances required prior to start date.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to participants at supported employment locations.
• Ensure health and safety of participants during work hours.
• Engage with participants to facilitate growth.

Skills

PC operation

Interpersonal skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Time management

Microsoft Office Suite

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Degree in psychology or social services (preferred)

Job description

Description

Life's Work of Western PA is hiring for a Supported Employment Direct Support Professional, a role that provides support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across a variety of community work sites. The professional helps participants acquire, maintain, and enhance the skills needed to secure and complete work‑related activities while abiding by workplace expectations.

This position requires travel to multiple employment sites and may necessitate work on weekends, evenings, and holidays. Mileage reimbursement is provided.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to participants at supported employment locations in the community as assigned by the supervisor.
• Working hours may vary based on daily assignments by the supervisor.
• Weekends, evenings, and holiday hours when necessary, as assigned by your supervisor.
• Responsible for the health and safety of participants from the time they arrive at the workplace until the time they leave from the workplace.
• Accurately complete daily documentation within assigned time frames.
• Support the achievement of the participants’ personal outcomes and goals.
• Collaborate with the program specialist(s) regarding the participants’ strengths, interests, and areas for development on a regular basis.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and implementation of the participants’ individualized support plan.
• Demonstrate organizational values of Compassion, Awareness, Respect, and Engagement.
• Engage with participants to facilitate growth and learning opportunities.
• Act as a role model for appropriate workplace behavior.
• Provide a person‑centered approach that fosters advancement and transition.
• Demonstrate the ability to work as part of a team to support the organizational values.
• Identify and provide reasonable accommodation to assist the needs of the participants.
• Contribute information regarding the participants’ progress for support team meetings.
• Engage with all participants and team members in a positive, respectful, productive manner.
• Complete and maintain annual staff qualifications/trainings.
• Complete daily tasks as assigned (arrival, dismissal, setup, clean‑up, inventory, etc.).
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Basic comfort with PC operation and data entry skills is required.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Good time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to function well in a high‑paced and at times stressful environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent. A secondary degree in psychology, social services, or a related field is preferred.
• Must have reliable transportation to and from work.

Additional Requirements

• Must obtain First Aid/CPR certification within six (6) months of date of hire (cost covered by Life’sWork if needed).
• ACT 153 clearances required prior to start date (PATCH, Child Abuse, FBI Fingerprinting, and Drug Screen).
• May be required to use your personal vehicle to travel to work locations.
• ACRE (Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators) certification is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and/or bend for long periods of time.
• Must be able to lift items weighing up to 25 pounds.

Benefits Package

Health coverage: Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) is available to full‑time employees.

Other benefits: Dental and Vision, Aflac, Legal Shield / Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance.

Paid Time Off (PTO): Staff accrue up to 20 days within their first year.

Holidays: 12‑15 paid holidays per year (full‑time & part‑time).

Retirement Plan (403(b) Thrift Plan): Matches 100% of your contribution, not to exceed 5% after 1 year of service at Life’sWork.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At Life’sWork of Western PA, we have a clear vision: to create a community where difference is valued. We employ, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, age, sex, religion, color, national origin, language, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity, handicap or disability, and other protected status. Life’sWork is fully focused on building and nurturing a workplace where inclusion is part of our everyday culture, not just an initiative; where all employees feel their individual gifts are celebrated and appreciated, and where they are encouraged to be who they are. There is always more work to be done, and we believe that if the services that are provided by our organization are done through a diverse mix of talents, perspectives, and backgrounds, we can play a role in creating ongoing and lasting change.