Overview

At UCP, the work is so rewarding, most days it doesn’t even feel like work. I get to watch our participants grow, overcome obstacles, excel, and discover new things, who wouldn’t find that rewarding? - Brandy C., Residential Services

We share a passion and a purpose: to empower people to live meaningful lives. Our commitment to the people we support equips them to realize their full potential and live with the greatest degree of independence. We also work to change public perception as we relentlessly pursue a vision of communities that embrace the abilities of every individual.

If you would like to start an exciting career with an organization committed to excellence and innovation, please consider joining the UCP of Central PA team!

When it comes to where you work, we know you’ve got choices. Why not choose the leading edge of working here? As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at UCP, you’ll enjoy:

• Opportunity to make a measurable difference every day!
• Position Type: Full-time / 40 hours per week
  • Schedule: 2nd shift and every other weekend
  • Pay Rate: $17.00/Hour
• $1 shift differential for eligible 2nd shift and weekend hours
• Benefits may include: Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision, 403(b) with Company Match, Life and Disability Insurance, Company Contributions to Your HSA, Paid Time Off, and more!
• Same day pay available with Tapcheck
• Extensive orientation program that will equip you for success
• Employee recognition programs to ensure that you feel valued and appreciated
• Multiple forums for providing feedback to the executive team so that your voice is heard

Responsibilities

When it comes to what you’ll do as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at UCP, here’s what to expect:

• Enhance the ability of the participant to lead a typical life by providing guidance and support to build self-esteem and assertiveness; and to be able to make everyday decisions.
• Apply effective, sensitive communication skills to build rapport and channels of communication by recognizing and adapting to the range of participant communication styles.
• Develop and implement an individualized plan based on participant preferences, needs, and interests.
• Provide and assist the participant with direct care skills such as personal care and hygiene.
• Teach and assist with daily living skills like cooking and light housekeeping.
• Assist with identifying, securing, and using needed equipment (i.e. adaptive equipment) and therapies (i.e. physical, occupational, and communication).
• Explore with the participant his/her vocational interests and assist in preparing for job or school entry.
• Develop and facilitate relationships within the community to establish social connections, community connections and relationships.
• Arrange and supervise activities including shopping trips, social outings, and doctor’s appointments per each individual’s requests.
• A primary responsibility of the position is to fill gaps in service schedules due to staff call offs, requests off, temporary openings created as a result of new participant referrals or staff resignations/terminations. Accordingly, the work schedule will be adjusted to meet operational requirements and the needs of each participant. Position is scheduled a particular shift however schedule may vary to ensure coverage of the complete shift for participant. Must be flexible to work other shifts to meet the required working hours of 40 weekly. Overnight rotation with other floaters approximately every five weeks, however, could be more frequent due to vacancies of floater positions.

Qualifications

What we’re looking for in a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at UCP:

Minimum requirements

• At least 18 years of age
• A valid driver’s license and 6 months of previous driving experience
• Access to vehicle with valid insurance, registration, and inspection
• Flexible to work all assigned shifts as business needs dictate 
• Ability to communicate, read, write, and interpret English
• A sincere commitment to our guiding principles
  • Put the interests of the people we support first
  • Communicate with all stakeholders
  • Connect with each other through our shared commitment to the mission
  • Seek innovative ways to create possibilities
  • Inspire each other to lead
  • Foster collaboration and teamwork through trust, accountability, adaptability, and respect

Preferred, but not required

• A High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) Certificate
• Previous Caregiving Direct Support Professional, or Direct Care Worker experience
• Knowledge of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and/or the aging population

While performing the duties of this position, a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at UCP will:

• Continuously express and exchange ideas
• Communicate with others
• Apply visual acuity less than 20 inches, apply visual acuity greater than 20 feet
• Frequently sit, stand, walk, twist, move 1-10 pounds, move 11-50 pounds
• Occasionally move greater than 50 pounds, bend, stoop, squat, kneel, reach above shoulders, work outdoors
• Rarely climb stairs, walk on uneven surfaces, use a computer, and apply visual depth perception and field of vision (if vehicle driving duties assigned).

UCP Central PA is committed to being an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and offers opportunities to all job seekers, including job seekers with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, please contact us by sending an email to jobs@ucpcentralpa.org.