Lead Direct Support Professional (ID/A Supported Living)

Access Services is seeking a Lead Direct Support Professional (Lead DSP) to support both individuals and staff within our Supported Living program. Supported Living services are designed for adults with intellectual disabilities and autism who choose to live independently. Through flexible, person-centered support, individuals receive assistance tailored to their unique goals, preferences, and daily living needs. 

 As a Lead DSP, you'll continue providing hands-on support while also taking on leadership responsibilities such as mentoring DSPs, assisting with training and onboarding, supporting coverage needs, and serving as a partner to the supervisor. 

This is a highly mobile role that supports individuals across Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, Carbon, Lehigh, and Northampton Counties. Regular travel throughout the service area is expected, and Access Services provides both paid drive time and mileage reimbursement. Team members are supported through our regional offices in Fort Washington (serving Bucks, Montgomery, and Delaware Counties), Bethlehem (serving Lehigh and Northampton Counties), and Orwigsburg (serving Carbon and Schuylkill Counties). 

Essential Functions 

• Assist the Supervisor with onboarding, training, and client coverage needs. 

• Promote, support, and encourage current trends and/or philosophies within the Human Services field in accordance with Access Services’ philosophies. 

• Assist the Supervisor with ensuring compliance with all local, county, and state regulatory agencies. 

• Collaborate with the Supervisor when coaching other DSPs on their performance. 

• Foster a positive, team-oriented attitude among all fellow coworkers to facilitate work toward the completion of the agency’s goals. 

• Evaluate potential risks in daily operations and develop proactive responses to avoid problems. 

• Communicate effectively with the Supervisor and other staff members and continuously work on improving communication channels. 

• Present a positive and professional image to others including funding sources, parents and families of the individuals served by Access Services, staff members of other agencies, representatives of other professional services, and the community at large. 

• Work shifts to provide direct support, assigned by the Supervisor, with the highest degree of dependability. 

• Facilitate and conduct the implementation of the Plan of Care and the Person-Centered Support Plan to help meet individuals’ needs as outlined. 

• Provide the highest quality of care to individuals in helping them meet their needs and goals. 

• Work cooperatively with the Supervisor in the areas of supervision of other employees and their development. 

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with personnel from other agencies for quality delivery of services to individuals we serve. 

• Report any operational or staff concerns according to Access Services’ established policies and procedures. 

• Provide accurate, timely communication to The Supervisor regarding the individual and family to help ensure appropriate services and solutions. 

• Complete annual training requirements and additional training requirements as needed. 

• Provide personal care and support to individuals served when indicated. 

• This position requires the ability to travel during the course of a normal workday to successfully carry out the expectations of this position 

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: High School diploma or GED required. Bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, special education, counseling, social work or gerontology preferred. 

Certification: Designation/certification as Certified Nursing Assistant (CAN), Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) or Board-Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) is desirable, but not required. 

Experience: Two years of direct care experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities required. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  

• Maintain a working knowledge of current trends and developments in the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) field or Mental Health field.  

• Ability to establish trusting relationships with individuals served.  

• Commitment to consumer choice and empowerment.  

• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting laws, rules, and policies governing the services provided by Access Services.  

• Ability to express ideas succinctly, both orally and in writing. Ability to work independently. Excellent organizational and oral/written communication skills. Ability to effectively interact with all levels of staff. 

• Proficiency in, or ability to learn and use, workplace applications, platforms and technologies including Outlook, Microsoft Office Suite, and the electronic healthcare record system. Ability to navigate computers and work-related systems.   

Essential Working Conditions/Physical Demands: Work in program sites and the community routinely providing direct care and support with individuals we serve. 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. 

Compensation, Schedule, and Pay   

The hourly rate starts at $19/hour, with increases based on education and experience. The schedule is Monday-Friday during regular business hours, with flexibility to meet program needs. 

What You’ll Gain at Access Services  

When you join our team, you’re not just getting a job, you’re stepping into a career with real support, growth, and impact. We offer a benefits package designed to meet you where you are in life.  

• Health & Security: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage, plus company-paid life insurance, disability protection and catastrophic sick leave. Access Services covers up to 88% of health premium with many employees paying less than $150/month.  

• Time to Recharge: Full-time employees start their first year earning up to nearly 6 weeks of paid time off (20+ PTO days plus 9 paid holidays), with even more time added as you grow your career with us.  

• Invest in Your Future: 401(k) with company match, tuition reimbursement program, and access to college tuition discounts.  

• Built into the Job: Mileage & Toll Reimbursement.  

• 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.