Lead Direct Support Professional- Residential

Looking for a career that makes a real difference? If you’re passionate about helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, or autism, COMHAR welcomes you to begin your journey with us.

Full-Time | Philadelphia, PA Area and Montgomery County Area

Rate: $19.00/HR

Job Summary

COMHAR is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Lead Direct Support Professional (DSP) to join our team. The Lead DSP provides direct services and residential support to individuals with intellectual, developmental, and/or behavioral health needs. The role assists the Site Manager in the daily operations of the ID Residential programs. This role plays a vital part in promoting each consumer’s dignity, privacy, and independence while assisting with daily living activities, personal care, and community engagement.

The Lead Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides compassionate, person-centered support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a residential setting. This role includes assisting with daily living activities, personal hygiene, household tasks, and community engagement while ensuring each individual's dignity, privacy, and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide respectful, person-centered support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a residential setting.
• Assist with daily living activities, including personal hygiene, household tasks, and healthy routines.
• Support meal preparation, encourage proper nutrition, serve meals, and complete cleanup.
• Administer approved medications according to guidelines.
• Safely operate COMHAR vehicles to transport consumers as needed.
• Complete accurate and timely documentation for all assigned duties.
• Report any crises, unusual incidents, or concerns to the Site Manager immediately.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, required training, and quality improvement activities.
• Maintain confidentiality of all consumer information and follow organizational policies.
• Provide crisis intervention using approved techniques and assist at other sites when cross trained.
• Assist with the monitoring and completion of CLA documentation and check daily logs, van logs, or progress notes.
• Monitor sites for maintenance issues, report and issues/concerns, and assist with addressing said concerns.
• Assist with medication checks, provide transportation and assistance with scheduling and attending appointments, act as the sites’ Trained Practicum Observer.
• Assist with Site Specific and other relevant and/or on-going training as needed.

Employees are eligible for generous benefit options including but not limited to

Full-time and Part-time employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, and dental insurance, life and disability coverage, a 403(b) retirement plan, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, an employee assistance program, and additional voluntary options such as disability, accident, and pet insurance. This is based on employment status

Requirements

Required Qualifications and Experience

• High School Diploma (or GED)
• Current PA Driver's License; satisfactory driving record; eligible to operate program vehicles.
• Six months of related experience in an IDD Residential facility or related environment
• Able to maintain confidentiality and privacy of all consumer records and information.
• Able to acquire working knowledge of COMHAR policies and other applicable regulations
• Attention to details to ensure safety for residents and for safely operating program vehicles
• Able to work well with individuals with varying emotional and cognitive challenges .
• Able to successfully manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Able to complete assignments in a timely manner while adhering to COMHAR procedures.
• Medication Administration Certification (must complete training within 90 days of hire).

About COMHAR:

COMHAR is a nonprofit human-services organization dedicated to empowering individuals, families, and communities to live healthier, self-determined lives. Our mission is: “To provide health and human services that empower individuals, families and communities to live healthier, self-determined lives.” Serving the Philadelphia region since 1975, COMHAR provides a wide continuum of behavioral health, intellectual and developmental disability, substance use, and social support services. With programs that include outpatient treatment, residential services, community-based recovery centers, supportive housing, and specialized services for children, families, and diverse populations, COMHAR delivers person-centered care rooted in dignity, respect, and community integration. Today, COMHAR’s team supports more than 5,500 people each month, helping individuals build stability, independence, and meaningful connections in their communities. COMHAR strictly follows a zero-tolerance policy for abuse.

COMHAR is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We maintain a drug-free workplace. COMHAR, Inc. is a not-for-profit community-based health and human service organization founded in 1975. We do not discriminate in services or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, past or present receipt of disability-related services or supports, marital status, veteran status, or any other class of persons protected by federal, state or local law.