Direct Support Professional
Access Services
Direct Support Professional
Access Services
Provides personalized, community-based support services
Access Services · Norristown, United States · Part-time · Posted 2026-09-30
Workplace: on_site
Department: Intellectual Disability & Autism
At Access Services, we know great work starts with real support for all employees, including part time. At Access Services you have the ability to earn PTO, get a 401k match and get paid for training.
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. The available shifts are on Mondays, with options of 2PM-8PM or 5PM-8PM.
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.
Key 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.
The selected candidate must meet all qualifying and ongoing job criteria including background checks, physical examination, and a driving history record.
Driving Requirements:
A valid US driver’s license for at least two years, not including time with permit.
No serious traffic convictions within the past three years. (Serious convictions include, but are not limited to, DUI, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, or three or more traffic violations and/or at-fault accidents within that period).
Access to a reliable vehicle during work hours. Vehicle must have valid registration and inspection stickers.
Valid auto insurance. You will be asked to provide proof that you are a covered driver on the policy.
Education
Certifications
Experience
One (1) year of direct care experience in the field of intellectual/developmental disabilities desired.
Experience supporting individuals with emotional or behavioral challenges and utilizing de-escalation techniques is highly preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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.
Essential Working Conditions / Physical Demands: 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.
Starting at $19/hour, with increases based on education and experience.
There are 6 hours/week available with the following schedule:
Looking for more hours? Additional hours may be available through other Direct Support Professional roles at Access Services. We will work with you to build a schedule that best aligns with your availability!
What You’ll Gain at Access Services
When you join us, you’re not just stepping into a role, you’re joining a team that offers real support, opportunities to grow, and meaningful work that makes an impact.
We offer benefits designed to meet you where you are, whether you're starting your career, building new skills, or looking for flexibility:
Support beyond Work: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free, confidential resources for you and your family, including:
Counseling and emotional support through in-person, telehealth and text therapy.
Financial and legal guidance
Grow With Us: Paid training, ongoing professional development, and opportunities to learn and advance across diverse roles and programs.
Access Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Provides personalized, community-based support services
Access Services provides personalized support across five divisions—behavioral health, intellectual disability and autism, children and family services, housing and homelessness, and faith and mental health—for communities in Eastern Pennsylvania. The organization works by a diverse team that gets to know each person and family, then delivers tailored services to help them overcome challenges and live fulfilling lives in the community. What sets Access Services apart is its long-standing presence since 1976, a broad regional footprint (14 counties), and a coordinated approach across multiple behavioral health and social services areas designed to meet a wide range of needs. The firm’s goal is to empower individuals and families by offering services that improve their ability to live in and engage with their communities.
Explore more opportunities at Access Services