Therapeutic Program Worker - Direct Support Professional

Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities; Mount Vernon (OH); On-site; USD 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition Reimbursement

Medical Coverage

Dental & Vision

Paid Leave

Total Rewards

Job summary

Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities is seeking a Therapeutic Program Worker for Mt. Vernon, OH. The role supports residents with daily living activities, personal care, and skill-building in a direct care capacity, with opportunities for growth and structured raises.

Starting hourly pay is $22.60 with increases over the first 3.5 years and shift differentials. Benefits include medical coverage, dental/vision, paid leave, and tuition reimbursement.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license with 5 or fewer points.
• No experience required.

Responsibilities

• Assists with eating, bathing, toileting, personal hygiene, oral hygiene, dressing, grooming, and social skills.
• Implements active treatment activities such as gym, pavilion, activity room and pool.
• Assists with planning and shopping activities (e.g., shopping, vocational skills, hair appointments).
• Completes daily and monthly documentation, including unusual incidents or medication reactions.
• Performs light housekeeping in living areas.
• Assists with redirecting unsafe actions to bring about positive outcomes.

Skills

Direct Support/Direct Care

Vehicle Operators

Customer Service

Behavioral Health

Basic Documentation

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Job description

Organization

Developmental Disabilities - Mt. Vernon Developmental Center

Work Location

Mt. Vernon Developmental Cente

The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) mission is to partner with people and communities to support Ohioans with developmental disabilities and their families in realizing their version of a good life. Ohio is the heart of opportunity, and we envision Ohio as the best place in the nation for people with developmental disabilities to thrive. Our core values reflect our focus on the experience of each person we support:

• Inclusion
• Partnership
• Respect

Join Our Team!

Accepting applications for a Therapeutic Program Worker

Starting Hourly Pay: $22.60 per hour

• 1st Raise in 4 Months (increase to $22.96 per hour)
• Multiple pay increases over your first 3.5 years of service, with an end salary of $25.69 per hour for first shift employees. This does not include overtime opportunities or shift differential pay!
• Shift differential pay for 2nd & 3rd shift
• Tuition Reimbursement (Employee Development Program)
• Medical Coverage Available the 1st of the Month Following Start Date
• Free Dental & Vision After 1 Year
• Generous Benefits Package Including Vacation, Sick, Holiday, and Personal Leave
• View our full benefits package on our Total Rewards website!

What does a Therapeutic Program Worker do?

A Therapeutic Program Worker (TPW) is a direct care worker that helps residents with daily living skills and assists them with becoming more independent, to achieve their goals. Support given to the individual will vary based on each person’s needs and capabilities.

Key TPW Tasks

• Assists with eating, bathing, toileting, personal hygiene, oral hygiene, dressing, grooming, communication, money management, etiquette, and social skills
• Implements active treatment activities such as gym, pavilion, activity room and pool
• Assists with planning and shopping activities (e.g., shopping, vocational skills, hair appointments)
• Complete various daily, monthly documentation
  • Including documentation any unusual incidents or reporting any reaction to medication
• Perform light housekeeping duties in the living areas
• Assists with redirecting unsafe actions to bring about positive outcomes

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver’s license with 5 or fewer points
• No experience required

Job Skills:

Direct Support/Direct Care

Agency Contact Name and Information

Trina Kolakowski

Unposting Date

Oct 16, 2026, 11:59:00 PM

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Knox County-Mount Vernon

Compensation

23.28-26.54/hour

Schedule

Full-time

Work Hours

Varies

Classified Indicator

Classified

Union

OCSEA

Technical Skills

Basic Documentation, Behavioral Health, Customer Service, Direct Support/Direct Care, Vehicle Operators

Professional Skills

Conflict Management, Emotional Intelligence, Listening, Responsiveness, Teamwork