PT Direct Support Professional

Futures Community Support Services; Athens (Bradford County); On-site; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Futures Community Support Services in Athens, PA seeks a Direct Support Professional to supervise and guide individuals with disabilities in group home settings, performing tasks in personal care, medication management, and crisis response.

The role emphasizes compliance with agency policies, ISPs documentation, required training, and supporting daily living activities while maintaining confidentiality and a positive role model.

Qualifications

• Valid U.S. driver’s license.
• High school diploma, GED equivalent, or relevant field experience.
• No criminal record.
• U.S. citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Have a working knowledge of all agency policies and procedures and ensure compliance.
• Ensure implementation of Individual Service Plans (ISPs) and document outcomes accurately and timely.
• Complete at least 24 hours of training annually, including mandatory training and trainings assigned by a supervisor.
• Assist or perform aspects of personal care such as tooth-brushing, toileting, bathing, clothing, and feeding.
• Provide opportunities for individuals to integrate and support them within their community.
• Perform housekeeping duties such as vacuuming, shopping, laundry, and mopping.

Education

High school diploma, GED equivalent, or relevant field experience

Job description

Job Location: Athens, PA 18810

Salary Range: $18.00 Hourly

Job Classification

• Substitute – An employee who normally works less than 30 hours in any given work week. This position is not guaranteed the same number of hours, shifts, or locations in any given work week. This position is non‑exempt from overtime pay.
• Part Time – An employee who normally works a maximum of 30 hours per week on the same shift and on the same days of the week. This position is non‑exempt from overtime pay.
• Full Time – An employee who normally works a minimum of 36 hours per week on the same shift and on the same days of the week. This position is non‑exempt from overtime pay.

Job Summary

The Direct Support Professional provides supervision and guidance to individuals with disabilities who reside in the group home by performing a variety of tasks in personal care, medication management, and crisis management.

Physical Demands

• Physically lift 40–100 pounds unassisted
• Physically lift 100 pounds or more assisted
• Reach above head and below knees
• Endure repetitive motions with right and left hands
• Reach out to pull and push a wheelchair
• Make twisting and bending motions at the waist
• Have good reaction response to protect personal space

Responsibilities

• Have a working knowledge of all agency policies and procedures and ensure compliance.
• Ensure compliance with 6100 and 6400 regulations along with updated ODP requirements communicated through bulletins and communications.
• Perform all job duties with the Agency’s mission and vision.
• Identify individual’s strengths, needs, and goals.
• Ensure implementation of Individual Service Plans (ISPs) and document outcomes accurately and timely.
• Complete at least 24 hours of training annually, including mandatory training and trainings assigned by a supervisor.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings.
• Willingness to utilize/learn computers for daily documentation, training, etc.
• Assist or perform aspects of personal care such as tooth-brushing, toileting, bathing, clothing, and feeding.
• Be a positive role model for individuals.
• Provide opportunities for individuals to integrate and support them within their community.
• Perform housekeeping duties such as vacuuming, shopping, laundry, and mopping.
• Provide support and problem‑solving techniques to individuals.
• Communicate effectively and timely with immediate supervisor.
• Responsible for medication administration. Must maintain Medication Administration Certification.
• Act as an advocate for individuals in regard to community relationships.
• Identify work safety issues, injuries, and report immediately.
• Maintain and adhere to ethics of confidentiality.
• Encourage individuals to be independent with their daily skills or teach them skills to become independent.
• Encourage and respect choices made by individuals.
• Complete required documentation in agency‑approved electronic health record and ensure compliance with agency policies pertaining to documentation and Futures’ electronic health record.
• Provide assistance with individuals’ emotional issues and provide support, education, and solutions.
• Elevate identified incidents in the Incident Management Bulletin to a point person.
• Use positive and respectful language with your supervisor, co‑workers, and individuals.
• Utilize and model everyday life philosophy in supporting individuals.
• Perform any and all related tasks as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

Medical Requirements

Direct Support Professionals are required to obtain a pre‑employment physical and a physical with a Mantoux TB test every two years.

Working Conditions

Employees may be expected to work evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays. Employees support individuals on a regular basis who have intellectual disabilities and may have co‑occurring mental health disorders presenting with challenging behaviors including physical and verbal aggression, self‑harm, and property destruction. Employees are occasionally exposed to individuals who may carry a communicable disease.

Qualifications

• Valid U.S. driver’s license.
• High school diploma, GED equivalent, or relevant field experience.
• No criminal record.
• U.S. citizenship.