Direct Support Professional; Supported Employment

Overview

A Supported Employment Direct Support Professional is responsible for providing support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout their day while receiving services in our programs. This role assists participants in acquiring, maintaining, and enhancing skills to secure and complete work-related activities and to abide by workplace expectations. The professional will work at a variety of community work sites in partnership with local businesses and may travel to multiple employment sites.

The position requires availability for weekends, evenings, and holidays as necessary. Mileage reimbursement is provided and personal vehicle may be used.

• Provide direct support to participants at supported employment locations in the community as assigned by the supervisor.
• Work hours may vary based on daily assignments.
• Work weekends, evenings, and holiday hours when necessary, as assigned by your supervisor.
• Ensure the health and safety of participants from the time they arrive at the workplace until they leave.
• Accurately complete daily documentation within assigned time frames.
• Support the achievement of participants’ personal outcomes and goals.
• Collaborate with the program specialist(s) regarding 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-centred 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.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• 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.

• 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.

• Must obtain First Aid/CPR certification within six (6) months of hire (cost covered).
• ACT 153 clearances required prior to start date (patch, child abuse, FBI fingerprinting, and drug screen).
• May be required to use personal vehicle to travel to work locations.
• ACRE certification is a plus.

• Position requires standing, walking, and/or bending for long periods of time.
• Must be able to lift items weighing up to 25 pounds.

Health coverage:
The Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) is available to full-time employees. ICHRA reimburses employees, tax-free, for the cost of individual health insurance premiums.

Other benefits (100% paid by employee):
Dental and vision, Aflac, Legal Shield / Identity Theft Protection, and pet insurance.

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

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

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

Life’s Work of Western PA values diversity and inclusion. 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.