Direct Support Specialist

Direct Support Specialist

Dormont - Pittsburgh, PA 15216

Job Description

Chartiers Center is a private, non-profit corporation funded by state, county, third party insurances and private funds. Services include intake, referral, outpatient therapy, psychiatric assessment, service coordination, substance abuse treatment, training and social rehabilitative services, crisis intervention, partial hospitalization, community outreach, day, and recreational services for adults with intellectual disabilities, homeless outreach, and housing program.

Join the team at Chartiers Center's Adult Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Day Program.

As a Direct Support Specialist, you will support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in developing life skills, achieving personal goals, building social connections, and participating in meaningful activities both within the program and throughout the community. You'll play an important role in helping individuals lead fulfilling lives while promoting choice, independence, and inclusion.

At Chartiers Center, this is more than a job. It is an opportunity to create a lasting impact while building a rewarding career in human services.

Job Duties Include:

• Support individuals in achieving goals outlined in their person-centered and support plans.
• Teach and reinforce daily living, social, communication, and community participation skills.
• Help identify individual strengths and abilities through assessments and observation.
• Develop and implement individualized programming with supervisory guidance.
• Document progress and achievements through timely reports and electronic health record documentation.
• Collaborate with families, support coordinators, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Facilitate and support participation in community outings, volunteer opportunities, recreational activities, and educational experiences.
• Assist individuals in developing skills needed for successful community engagement and increased independence.
• Plan and engage individuals during community-based activities and outings.
• Encourage community inclusion by helping individuals build relationships, access local resources, and participate in activities of their choice.

Every day offers new opportunities to support individuals as they learn, grow, build relationships, and participate in meaningful experiences both in the program and throughout the community.

At Chartiers Center we offer the following benefits:

• Competitive hourly pay
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Retirement Plan - 6% employer contribution after one year
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 8 Paid Holidays
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Full-time Monday through Friday daylight hours
• No evening or overnight shifts
• Supportive and team-oriented work environment
• Opportunities to participate in community-based activities and outings throughout the workday

Meaningful Career Growth

Whether you are an experienced professional or looking to grow your career in human services, you will have the opportunity to develop valuable skills, receive ongoing support, and make a meaningful impact every day.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field and three years of IDD experience (including two years post-bachelor's experience) plus one year of general work experience
• OR
• Associate's degree in a Human Services field and four years of related IDD experience.
• Valid Pennsylvania Driver's License Required

Diversity and Inclusion - Each of our clients/individuals is uniquely different and so are we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Not just because it is the right thing to do, but because it makes Chartiers Center Stronger and our clients/individuals healthier. If you share our values and our enthusiasm for our mission, we will be stronger together. EOE