Direct Support Professional (DSP)

About Us

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!

We have full-time positions available in St. Michael that we would love to discuss with you! We also have full-time positions available in Cresson, Lilly and Northern Cambria. All positions require a weekend (Saturday and Sunday, every other weekend) rotation and a holiday rotation.

Our full-time positions are as follows:

• St. Michael: Evening position (2p-12a) w/ weekend rotation
• Cresson: Evening position (4p-12a) w/ weekend rotation
• Lilly: Awake Overnight position (11p-9a) w/ weekend rotation
• Northern Cambria: Evening position (3p-11p) w/ weekend rotation
• Northern Cambria: Evening position (4p-12a) w/ weekend rotation

We have several part-time positions available in Salix and Saint Michael with a variety of shifts available. We also have part-time positions available in Cresson, Colver, Lilly, and Northern Cambria. All positions, including part-time positions, require a weekend rotation.

We offer differentials for evening and overnight shifts and weekend hours worked. Pay rate is based on experience ($16.00-$19.60/hr)!!!

******NADSP certified and CNAs are offered a higher rate ($17.00-$20.90)******

We also offer a career track for new hires (and current employees) to become NADSP certified with a $1.00/hr rate increase upon certification!!!!

About the Job

NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! WE WILL TRAIN YOU!! Skills is seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to work in our residential group homes. 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! You can find us at www.SkillsOfCentralPa.org

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 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
• Valid driver’s license
• Eligible to work in the United States

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.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $16.00 - $19.60 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Were you referred by a current Skills employee? If so, who?
• Do you have experience working with individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (not required)?
• Are you looking for a Full-Time or Part-Time position?
• Are you available for the required weekend (every other weekend) rotation and the holiday rotation?
• Please provide three dates/times you are available for a virtual/video interview:

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)
• Night Shift (Preferred)
• Overnight Shift (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16 - $20