Direct Support Professional (DSP) Adult Training for Intellectual Disabilities BL FT, Primarily 1st

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!

About the Job

Skills is seeking a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to work in our adult day program. 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. The hours for this position are 8am-4pm, Monday through Friday. There may be an occassional need for the incumbent to work in a different program in the event the individual(s) supported remains at home and needs assistance in a Skills Group Home.

DSPs are the key to the services we provide people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The job is challenging and rewarding. 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!

About You

There are a few things you’ll need to succeed at Skills. If 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.

About the Benefits

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!

Skills of Central PA prohibits hiring and employment discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, race, color, disability, ethnic or national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, pregnancy, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, or any other bases under the law. Skills is an equal opportunity service provider and employer.

About the Requirements

You do not need prior experience or a college degree to become a Direct Support Professional. In fact, we’ll provide all of the training and certification you need to be successful. There are a few simple requirements you’ll need for the position:

• 18 years of age or older
• High School diploma or GED equivalent (documentation must be provided)
• Valid driver’s license
• Eligible to work in the United States
• Post-Offer Physical, Drug Screen, Fitness for Duty and Background Checks