Support Professional; DSP Adult Training CEN , Primarily daylight M-F

About Skills

Skills of Central PA (Skills) provides support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health challenges throughout central Pennsylvania. If you’re looking for a place where you can grow your career while helping people, give Skills a closer look!

**** NADSP or CNA receives a higher rate*****

Skills is seeking a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to work in our adult day program in State College. Adult day programs (and older adult day programs for those age sixty and over) provide a variety of activities for people living with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities based on the person’s interests, preferences, gifts, and strengths while reflecting their desired outcomes. Adult day programs also include a community participation component that allows people to venture out and experience all the community has to offer.

DSPs are the key to the services we provide people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The job is challenging and rewarding. The hours for this position is 8am-4pm, Monday - Friday. However, you must be flexible to work in residential homes if census becomes low in the day program.

As a DSP you will:

• Use person-centered thinking to thoroughly understand the wants and needs of the people you support and what is important to/for them
• Plan parties, games, crafts, outings, and other activities based on the interests of people you support
• Drive people to and from fun community activities and appointments
• Help the people you support build meaningful relationships in their communities and become a part of their support system at home
• Support people with their daily living needs, independence skills, and personal care (e.g., grooming, bathing, feeding, cooking, cleaning, etc.)
• Administer medication(s), after you receive thorough training
• Complete documentation, as needed

Check out the videos on our Career site for more information about what it’s like to work at Skills!

There are a few things you’ll need to succeed  you’ve got what it takes, this may be the most rewarding career you’ll ever have!

• You need “grit”. In this line of work, some days are challenging. When the going gets tough, you have to be tougher.
• You need “heart”. The people we support are vulnerable, so treating them with kindness, compassion, and respect is a must, not an option.
• You need to advocate
  . The people we support sometimes have difficulty speaking for themselves, so you need to learn about their needs and support them.
• You need to mentor
  . Our day-to-day work involves teaching people the skills they need to succeed. You have to be patient and dedicated to their progress.

Skills offers a great benefits package and a work environment to match!

• Competitive Pay
• Paid Holidays
• Generous Paid Time Off, Plus Personal Time and Sick Time
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Options
• Work Vehicle Available While On the Job
• Flexible Spending Account for Medical and Dependent Care
• 401K Retirement Program (With Employer Matching)
• Life Insurance and Disability Insurance
• Tuition Assistance for Higher Education
• Employee Wellness Program
• Exceptional Opportunities for Career Growth
• Great Co-workers and a Team to Support You!

• 18 years of age or older
• High School diploma or GED equivalent
• Valid driver’s license
• Eligible to work in the United States
• Post-Offer background checks, physical, fitness-for-duty, drug screen and TB