Direct Support Professional (DSP) | Community Programming Generalist

Job Title: Direct Support Professional (DSP) / Community Programming Generalist
Pay: $20 hour + Shift Differentials + Up to $1,200 Sign-On & Stay-On Bonus
Location: Community Programs (CPS, HCS, Supported Living, and/or Employment Services)
Schedule: Full-Time, scheduled according to programs' needs

No Experience Needed, All Training is Paid.

Schedule & Pay

• Starting pay: $20 hour
• Up to $1,200 sign-on/stay-on bonus in 2026
• Additional $1/hour shift differentials for nights, weekends, and holidays
• Opportunities to pick up extra shifts and overtime (time-and-a-half)

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Mileage reimbursement when using a personal vehicle for approved transportation
• Agency vehicles provided for residential and CPS outings
• Paid training and ongoing professional development (26 hours training per year)

Required Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older
• High School Diploma or GED
• Valid driver's license
• Able to pass required physical and TB screening
• Able to assist with physical supports including lifting, bending, standing, and transferring as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism (IDD/A)
• Experience in direct care, caregiving, behavioral health, or healthcare

What You'll Do

As a Direct Support Professional, you'll help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities build independence, achieve personal goals, and actively participate in their communities by:

• Assisting with daily living skills, including budgeting, meal planning, household management, and personal wellness goals
• Providing transportation and support for appointments, employment, and community activities
• Building positive relationships while helping individuals lead fulfilling lives

Program Generalists may work with any Community Program:

• Home and Community Services (HCS): Provides individualized support to people in their homes and communities, focusing on independence, daily living skills, community participation, and personal goals.
• Community Participation Support (CPS): Supports individuals in developing social connections, learning new skills, participating in community activities, volunteering, and exploring personal interests.
• Supported Living: Assists individuals who live independently in their own homes or apartments by providing individualized support with daily living, health and safety, budgeting, household management, and community involvement.
• Nittany Employment Services (NES): Supports individuals who are seeking employment or are competitively employed within their communities. Services may include career exploration, job development, workplace skill building, job coaching, employer engagement, and ongoing support to help individuals maintain meaningful employment.

What Makes This Role Unique

The Generalist position offers the opportunity to work across multiple Community Programming services, including HCS, CPS, Supported Living, and NES.

This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy variety, flexibility, and the opportunity to support people in different environments while gaining experience across multiple service models.

No two days are the same. One day you may be supporting someone in learning independent living skills, while the next you may be helping someone participate in a community event, volunteer opportunity, or at work.

Growth Opportunities

• Professional Credentialing: Earn nationally recognized DSP credentials through NADSP and receive an additional $1/hour for each credential level earned, up to $3/hour.
• Cross-Program Experience: Explore opportunities in Community Programming, Residential Services, Employment Services, and other areas across the organization.
• Internal Promotion Culture: Many of our supervisors, directors, and executive leaders began their careers as DSPs.

About the Role

The Arc of Centre County is hiring Full-Time DSPs/Program Generalists to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Centre County.

DSPs/Program Generalists provide flexible support across Community Programming services, helping individuals achieve greater independence, develop meaningful relationships, participate in their communities, and pursue goals that are important to them.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking for entry-level work or a rewarding, purpose-driven career. Paid training is provided, so you can begin a career in human services with the support and confidence to succeed.

Questions? Text Mo at View phone number on click.appcast.io

The Arc of Centre County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a United Way Agency.