Behavioral Health Direct Support Professional Lehigh Valley

Behavioral Health Direct Support Professional Lehigh Valley

Type: Regular

If you are a positive and personable individual looking for a satisfying and fun opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of people with intellectual, developmental disabilities, and people facing mental health, and substance use challenges, join our team at RHA Health Services!

The Behavioral Health Direct Support Professional (DSP) plays a vital role in supporting individuals with mental health and/or behavioral health challenges in the home and community. Working closely with each person, the DSP implements tailored services that align with the individual's goals and desired outcomes. In this role, the DSP takes the time to understand each person's unique background, including personal history, family, social connections, and future aspirations. Guided by supervision and direction, the DSP fosters a respectful and empowering environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assists the person(s) receiving services in identifying and communicating his or her requests and needs for services and support.
• Promote and support a healthy lifestyle by educating on wellness practices and implementing strategies to prevent illness and accidents.
• Foster self-advocacy and encourage individual choice and decision-making aligned with personal goals.
• Accompany and support individuals in community activities such as work, movies, concerts, shopping, and other social outings to promote social engagement.
• Teach and support the development of independent living skills, enhancing self-sufficiency in daily activities.
• Provide safe and reliable transportation to appointments and community engagements.
• Foster positive relationships and inclusivity within the community, encouraging integration and a sense of belonging.
• Support and guide decision-making related to living arrangements, employment, and social relationships, respecting individual preferences.
• Assist with personal care tasks, including bathing and hygiene, as well as household chores like laundry, cleaning, and decorating, to maintain a comfortable living environment.
• Document all services provided to ensure accurate records and effective communication among support teams.
• Understand the unique challenges faced by individuals with mental health and behavioral health challenges and utilize advocacy strategies to address barriers.
• Connect individuals to resources that support career exploration, educational opportunities, volunteerism, and personal growth.
• Promote effective communication, ensuring all interactions are respectful, clear, and supportive of the individual's needs.
• Administer medications when allowed by state regulations, following all safety and procedural guidelines.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding personal information, adhering to all legal and ethical standards.
• Perform additional duties as assigned and enhance service quality.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Meet all pre-employment screening
• Valid driver's license

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Must be able to regularly lift and carry up to 20 lbs. and occasionally pull at least 40 lbs.
• Must be able to squat, kneel, crawl, crouch, climb, and stoop as part of regular job duties.
• Must be able to use hands and fingers to handle or operate objects, tools, or controls.
• Required to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in CPR from floor level, which requires working on hands and knees, bending, standing, and lifting.
• Vision requirements include close, distance, and peripheral vision.
• Must be able to talk and hear.
• Exception Deaf and Hard of Hearing Programs: For these programs only, employees must be fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). The requirement to talk and hear does not apply.

RHA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, prohibits discrimination based on the following protected categories: race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex/gender, marital status, civil status, domestic partnership status, familial status, religion, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, or disability.

Pre-employment screening:

• Complete criminal background
• Name checked in the registries. (OIG exclusions database, Child Abuse Registry, and Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities)
• Drug testing
• Education verification and other credentialing based on position requirements.
• Proof of employment history or references (if required)
• Positions that require driving Proof of driver's license, driver's insurance, and vehicle, IF required for providing transportation for individuals.

We offer the following benefits to employees:

• Payactiv: early access to the money you've earned from hours you've already worked, before payday!
• Employee perks and discount program: to help you save money!
• Paid Time Off (full-time employees only)
• Health/Insurance (full-time employees only)
• 401(k) retirement savings program
• Wellbeing Programs: Physical, Emotional and Financial
• Chronic Disease management programs for hypertension and diabetes (for qualifying employees)
• Training: Free CPR, first aid, and job-specific training opportunities

*contract/contingent workers and interns do not qualify for any of the above benefits

EEO Statement RHA is an equal opportunity employer. In addition, we provide reasonable accommodation to qualified employees who have protected disabilities to the extent required by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact our solutions center.

About RHA:

At RHA Health Services, we help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health and/or substance use needs live their best lives. Our mission is to provide a safe and healthy environment while creating opportunities for personal outcomes.

For over 30 years, the people we serve and support have remained at the very center of everything we do. RHA currently provides services in North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and New Jersey.

If you are ready to make a difference in the lives of people we serve and support apply to join the team today.