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Direct Support Professional: Day Program

Access Services, South Bethlehem, NY, United States


About the Role
We are hiring a dedicated and caring Direct Support Professional to join our Day Program team in Bethlehem, PA. As a Direct Support Professional, you will provide personalized supports to adults with developmental disabilities/Autism who attend our life enrichment day programs. Our quality-focused support staff work with the individuals’ goals and help those individuals maintain or increase their independence and live their best lives.

Work Schedule
Weekdays 8:00 AM‑4:00 PM (full‑time role set at program location in Bethlehem).

Key Responsibilities

Implement the Individual Support Plan (ISP) for every participant.

Record daily service notes and other documentation as assigned by Program Specialist/ Team Lead.

Help ensure the highest quality of care to individuals in meeting their needs.

Establish a secure, positive environment that nurtures individuals’ needs, self-expression, and goals (valued outcomes).

Facilitate individuals’ inclusion in the community through experiences and activities.

Promote independence in daily activities, learning, leisure, and volunteer opportunities for individuals.

Requirements and Qualifications
Candidates must meet all qualifying and ongoing job criteria including background checks, physical examination results, and clearances.

High school diploma or GED preferred.

Certifications in First Aid, CPR, and Community Participation Supports for DSP within six months of hire will be paid for and provided by Access Services.

One year of direct care experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities preferred.

Driving

A valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle during work hours.

A U.S. driver’s license for at least two years (not including time with a permit).

Must be listed as a driver on a valid auto insurance policy.

This position requires the ability to travel during a normal workday to carry out expectations. Employees will need to drive their personal vehicle or agency‑owned vehicle. Employees must drive safely, meet eligibility criteria, be available to drive during the work schedule, and pass the agency’s substance abuse screening. Exceptions may be identified with the supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to teach basic daily living skills.

Ability and readiness to provide personal care as needed.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, their families, peers, supports coordinators and the general public.

Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting laws, rules, and policies governing Access Services programs and services.

Ability to express ideas succinctly, both orally and in writing.

Ability to work independently and in group settings, and adapt to different working environments.

Ability to maintain a cooperative and caring attitude with a view of seeing the needs of others as more important than one’s own needs.

Commitment to Individual Rights and individuality of the person being served.

Proficiency in, or ability to learn and use, workplace applications, platforms and technologies including Outlook, the Company Intranet, time and attendance system, electronic healthcare record, and more.

Ability to navigate network drives and basic hardware use and troubleshooting.

Essential Working Conditions/Physical Demands

Work is primarily performed in community settings and/or day program environments. The environment may involve varying noise levels, temperatures, and occasional unpredictable behaviors.

Remain attentive, responsive, and engaged throughout shifts.

Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, climb stairs, and assist individuals with mobility.

Lift, transfer, push, or pull individuals and objects up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance.

Safely push and maneuver individuals in manual or power wheelchairs, including over uneven surfaces and up or down ramps.

Assist individuals in and out of vehicles and securely place them in wheelchair vans using appropriate adaptive equipment and restraints.

Provide hands‑on physical assistance with personal care, positioning, or daily living activities when required.

Maintain sufficient visual and auditory acuity to monitor safety, communicate effectively, and respond promptly to needs or emergencies.

Have reliable transportation and the ability to accompany or transport individuals to community activities.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required depending on specific activities or health and safety guidelines.

Compensation and Benefits
This full‑time position starts at $17 /hour, with adjustments made for education and experience, plus a competitive benefits package.

Our full‑time comprehensive benefits package includes:

Health, vision, Rx, and dental insurance with options for HSA/FSA.

Mileage reimbursement and paid travel time between worksites.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Referral bonuses.

401k match.

Tuition reimbursement and college tuition discounts.

20 days paid off plus additional time with continued service. Paid holiday time. Catastrophic sick leave.

Company‑paid Life Insurance, Long-Term and Short-Term Disability.

Ongoing professional development training.

Discounts on various services. Perks with local credit unions.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Access Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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