The Direct Support Professional provides hands-on personal care and emotional support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They are responsible for implementing support plans, managing medications, documenting services, and ensuring a safe, inclusive environment.
Requirements summary
Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED, with previous experience in direct care or behavioral health preferred. The role requires the ability to perform physical tasks, maintain certifications in CPR/First Aid and medication administration, and adhere to regulatory standards.
high schoolCommunicationDocumentationInterpersonal skillsProblem-solvingInfection controlTeam collaborationPerson-centered careMedication administrationSafety compliancePersonal careObservation skillsTrauma-informed careHealth monitoringCrisis responseBehavior support
Job description
About Us
At Lehigh Valley Companion Care Homes, we are committed to providing high-quality, person-centered care for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). Our mission is to enrich the lives of our individuals by fostering independence, promoting dignity, and encouraging community involvement within a safe and supportive environment. We are seeking compassionate and dedicated Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team and help us uphold the highest standards of care and service.
Job Description
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Lehigh Valley Companion Care Homes is a compassionate and reliable member of the care team who provides hands-on support to adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).
DSPs play a critical role in enhancing residents’ quality of life, promoting independence, ensuring safety, and supporting community inclusion.
This position involves providing personal care, implementing behavior support plans, documenting services accurately, and maintaining compliance with all ODP, DHS, and 55 Pa.
Code Chapter 6400 standards.
DSPs are expected to uphold LVCCH’s values of dignity, accountability, and person-centered care in all aspects of service delivery.
Responsibilities
1. Personal Care & Daily Living Support
Assist individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, and personal hygiene.
Support residents in maintaining cleanliness, comfort, and personal dignity.
Encourage independence and self-care skills to promote confidence and autonomy.
Ensure that the living environment is safe, clean, and organized in accordance with health and safety standards.
2. Medication Management
Administer medications according to established medication administration protocols and residents’ physician orders.
Immediately report medication errors, refusals, or concerns to the House Manager or Nurse.
Maintain awareness of individual health needs and side effects, reporting observations promptly.
Benefits
Flexible scheduling
Paid training
Professional development opportunities
Supportive work environment
Competitive pay rates
3. Emotional and Social Support
Foster positive, supportive relationships with residents, encouraging participation in activities and decision-making.
Provide emotional encouragement and companionship, helping individuals manage stress and daily challenges.
Facilitate recreational, social, and community-integration activities to enhance engagement and inclusion.
Uphold trauma-informed care practices that emphasize safety, empowerment, and respect.
4. Individualized Care & Documentation
Implement each individual’s Individual Support Plan (ISP) and follow daily support instructions.
Accurately document daily notes, progress, outcomes, and behavioral observations.
Ensure timely completion of all required records, including incident reports, ABC charts, and activity logs.
Communicate any changes in condition, mood, or behavior to the House Manager or Team Lead immediately.
5. Behavioral Support & Crisis Response
Implement Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and positive behavioral interventions as trained.
Use appropriate de-escalation and redirection techniques in challenging situations.
Immediately report all behavioral incidents or safety concerns in accordance with EIM (Enterprise Incident Management) requirements.
6. Health Monitoring & Safety
Observe and document residents’ physical and emotional health, noting changes such as appetite, mood, or medical needs.
Take and record vital signs as directed by nursing staff or the House Manager.
Follow all infection control and universal precaution protocols.
Report and respond to emergencies, hazards, or accidents immediately to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
7. Communication & Collaboration
Maintain clear, respectful, and professional communication with residents, families, and interdisciplinary team members.
Attend staff meetings, trainings, and ISP reviews as required.
Collaborate with direct supervisor to ensure continuity of care and consistency in service delivery.
Support a culture of teamwork, trust, and open communication across all homes and programs.
8. Training & Professional Development
Complete all required ODP-mandated trainings, including orientation, annual refreshers, medication administration, and incident management.
Participate in additional LVCCH trainings including but not limited to CPR/First Aid.
Seek opportunities for continued learning and professional growth within the organization.
Maintain active certification status and compliance with all annual training requirements.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
High school diploma or GED required; additional certifications in Human Services or Health Care preferred.
Previous experience in direct care, IDD, behavioral health, or senior care preferred (training provided for entry-level candidates).
Skills & Abilities
Understanding of person-centered and trauma-informed care principles.
Ability to follow individualized plans and medical protocols accurately.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills for supporting diverse individuals.
Reliable, compassionate, and patient approach to care.
Effective problem-solving and observation skills.
Ability to lift 20–50 lbs., assist with transfers, and perform physical tasks safely.
Flexibility to work varied shifts, weekends, holidays, and emergencies as needed.
Certifications (Preferred or Required Within 90 Days)
Paid training and opportunities for professional development.
A supportive and collaborative work environment.
Flexible scheduling options after completing three weeks of employment.
Lehigh Valley Companion Care Homes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to sex, race, color, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, military status, or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds and marginalized communities
(PRN 8: 00am-8:00pm Sundays)
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