Direct Support Professional - Part-time 1:1

Access Services • Norristown, PA

8h • $19

About The Position

We are seeking a compassionate and dependable part‑time Enhanced Direct Support Professional who wants to make a meaningful impact with their work. This role is ideal for someone seeking part‑time or supplemental hours, as shifts are typically scheduled in the late afternoon to early evening (generally between 4:00–8:00 PM), with slight variations. This is an Enhanced role due to the individual’s behavioral and mental health needs and requires someone who is comfortable supporting behaviors and using approved support plans and de‑escalation techniques. The ideal candidate builds trust, maintains healthy boundaries, and understands that behaviors are often a form of communication. You will support one resident by providing consistent, trauma‑informed care while remaining calm and supportive during challenging moments. Reliability, attention to detail, and strong communication skills are essential, as residents rely on staff for structure, stability, and a safe environment. Individuals who are open to training, feedback, and collaborative teamwork will thrive in this role.

Requirements

• Driving Requirement This position requires regular driving during the workday to support individuals in the community, attend offsite meetings, and provide service oversight. To be eligible, candidates must:
• Possess a valid U.S. driver’s license
• Have reliable access to a personal vehicle
• Maintain an acceptable driving record in accordance with Access Services’ Motor Vehicle Policy
• Be willing and able to drive as part of regular job duties
• Successfully pass all motor vehicle record checks
• Education High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Certifications Medication Administration and CPR certification is required within six (6) months of hire, provided by Access Services.
• One (1) year of direct care experience in the field of intellectual/developmental disabilities desired.
• Ability to effectively apply habilitation principles and behavior management strategies
• Strong documentation and observational skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for working with individuals with varying needs and communication styles
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and supportive during emotional or crisis situations
• Willingness to continually develop skills related to mental health support and de-escalation techniques
• Proficiency in, or ability to learn, workplace technologies including Outlook, Microsoft Office Suite, electronic health record systems, time and attendance system, smartphones/tablets, and related systems.
• Work in program sites and the community routinely providing direct care and support with individual(s).
• Stand, sit or run by self, or to provide proper care and supervision with an individual.
• Able to move and stay with an individual to keep them safe, both in home environment and community, both at near and far distances, even when an individual may struggle to meet identified expectations.
• Able to assist an individual who has fallen, regardless of weight or size.
• Walk, climb stairs by self, or to provide direct care ensuring individual’s safety, or to complete household and community tasks.
• Perform household tasks or tasks within the community such as laundry, cleaning, completing meal routines, shopping or dining out and, at the same time, ensuring individual’s safety and proper direct care and compliance with ISP.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting individuals with emotional or behavioral challenges and utilizing de-escalation techniques is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality personal care and supports, including assistance with personal care as needed (health care, dietary needs, etc.).
• Support residents’ emotional needs by recognizing signs of emotional distress or behavioral escalation and using approved de-escalation and intervention techniques to maintain safety.
• Demonstrate patience, empathy, and sound judgment when supporting residents experiencing mental health challenges.
• Continuously develop and refine skills related to responding to emotional outbursts and crisis situations in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Promote a calm, respectful, and supportive environment that encourages personal growth and positive community involvement.
• Communicate clearly in writing about medical concerns and daily progress.
• Read and respond to communications from other staff in a timely manner.
• Enter required notes in the electronic health record system.
• Encourage and facilitate outside activities and community engagement for residents.
• Perform household and housekeeping duties as needed, including shopping, meal planning and preparation, cleaning, laundry, and other household-related tasks.
• Work with residents on Individual Service Plan (ISP) outcomes and stay current on updates and changes.
• Maintain familiarity with residents’ backgrounds and, when possible, interact with residents’ families.
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, required trainings, consultant visits, and team meetings.

Benefits

• Mileage Reimbursement, paid travel time between worksites
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Referral Bonuses
• Ongoing Training
• Discounts on various services, perks with local Credit Unions, college tuition discounts

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED