Direct Support Professional (Supported Employment)

Life's Work of Western PA is hiring for a Supported Employment Direct Support Professional. A Supported Employment Direct Support Professional is responsible for providing support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they participate throughout their day while receiving services in our programs. They will work with individuals to acquire, maintain and enhance skills to secure and complete work-related activities and abide by workplace expectations. The Supported Employment Direct Support Professional will work at a variety of work sites in the community with our wide range of businesses and organizational partners. 

This position requires travel to multiple employment sites. You must be able to work weekends, evenings, and holidays when necessary. We do provide mileage reimbursement.

Life’sWork of Western PA is a non-profit organization empowering people to live the life they choose. We partner with people with disabilities, people with other barriers, young adults, children and families to pursue their hopes and dreams through strengthening workplace abilities, building life skills and developing meaningful relationships.

We believe everyone deserves to share in opportunities of meaningful employment. Through employment for all, we envision creating a compassionate, inclusive and equitable community where all individuals have a chance to flourish. A career at Life’sWork means a chance to promote life-altering change in an individual's life.

About Adult Services:

The unemployment rate for people with disabilities is three times higher than that of people without disabilities. Through our Supported Group Employment, Small Group Staffing, and Community Participation Supports, we’re providing adults with disabilities an opportunity to overcome barriers to employment.

A Supported Employment Direct Support Professional is responsible for providing support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they participate throughout their day while receiving services in our programs. They will work with individuals to acquire, maintain, and enhance skills to secure and complete work-related activities and abide by workplace expectations. The Supported Employment Direct Support Professional will work at a variety of work sites in the community with our wide range of businesses and organizational partners. This position requires travel to an employment site, weekends, evenings, and holidays when necessary.

Duties/Responsibilities:

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

Required Skills/Abilities:

• 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.

Education and Experience:

• 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.

Additional Requirements:

• Must obtain First Aid/CPR certification within six (6) months of date of hire (Life’sWork will cover the cost, if needed)
• ACT 153 clearances required prior to start date (PATCH, Child Abuse, FBI Fingerprinting, and Drug Screen).
• May be required to use your personal vehicle to travel to work locations.
• ACRE (Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators) certification is a plus!

Physical Requirements:

• This position requires being able to stand, walk, and/or bend for long periods of time.
• Must be able to lift items weighing up to 25 pounds

Benefits Package:

Health Coverage:

Eligibility: The Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) is available to full-time employees.

What Is an ICHRA? An Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) is an employer-funded benefit that reimburses employees, tax-free, for the cost of individual health insurance premiums. It offers a flexible alternative to traditional group health plans.


Other benefits: (100% paid by employee)

• Dental and Vision
• Aflac
• Legal Shield / Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance

Paid Time Off (PTO):

• Staff will accrue up to 20 days within their first year

Holidays: (Full-time & Part-time)

• Offers 12 - 15 paid holidays per year

Retirement Plan (403(b) Thrift Plan):

• Matches 100% of your contribution, not to exceed 5% after 1 year of service at Life’sWork

Diversity and Inclusion Statement: At Life’sWork of Western PA, we have a clear vision: to create a community where difference is valued. As an organization with a mission that is centered around lifting up some of the most vulnerable members of society, diversity and inclusion are more than just words to us. Here, everyone is welcome. 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’. As an employment organization that is continually evolving to provide the best possible services for our clients, we strive to be as diverse as the individuals that we serve. Life’sWork is fully focused on building and nurturing a workplace where inclusion is part of our everyday culture, not just an initiative; where all employees feel their individual gifts are celebrated and appreciated, and where they are encouraged to be who they are.
There is always more work to be done, and we believe that if the services that are provided by our organization are done through a diverse mix of talents, perspectives, and backgrounds, we can play a role in creating ongoing and lasting change.