We work hard to create an environment that allows our employees to excel and to recognize the difference they make in the lives of people with disabilities and mental health challenges.

What makes Skills of Central PA a great place to work

If you have the skills to support others, the belief that all people should be treated with compassion, respect, and the ability to understand the needs of others, we provide a culture in which you will thrive.

What is Skills of Central PA's culture like

Founded in 1960, Skills is one of the oldest and largest human service organizations serving people with disabilities in central Pennsylvania. Today, Skills provides residential, community, employment, and behavioral health services to individuals with...

Skills of Central PA is a non-profit human services organization that provides support for people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those recovering from mental health challenges. Skills offers a wide variety of programs, including: residential group homes, day programs, employment services, vocational training, lifesharing support, respite services, behavioral support, site-based and mobile psychiatric rehabilitation programs, peer support programs, and a network of mental health drop-in centers. Skills is one of the largest human service providers in central Pennsylvania, offering services in 17 counties throughout the region and employing over 800 people in a variety of professional, clinical, and direct support roles.

Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Adult Training for Intellectual Disabilities Program CAM FT, Primarily 1st shift

About Skills


 Skills of Central PA (Skills) provides support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health challenges throughout central Pennsylvania. If you're looking for a place where you can grow your career while helping people, give Skills a closer look! We have a Direct Support Professional position available in Johnstown, Pa to discuss with you! The work hours for this position is primarily 1st shift but flexibility is needed due to program needs. This position will be based in our Johnstown Adult Training Program but will fill in as needed for other community-based programs possibly our residential program.


 


 About the Job


 Adult day programs (and older adult day programs for those age sixty and over) provide a variety of activities for people living with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities based on the person's interests, preferences, gifts, and strengths while reflecting their desired outcomes. Adult day programs also include a community participation component that allows people to venture out and experience all the community has to offer.


 DSPs are the key to the services we provide people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The job is challenging and rewarding. As a DSP you will:

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 Use person-centered thinking to thoroughly understand the wants and needs of the people you support and what is important to/for them
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 Plan parties, games, crafts, outings, and other activities based on the interests of people you support
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 Drive people to and from fun community activities and appointments
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 Help the people you support build meaningful relationships in their communities and become a part of their support system at home
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 Support people with their daily living needs, independence skills, and personal care (e.g., grooming, bathing, feeding, cooking, cleaning, etc.)
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 Administer medication(s), after you receive thorough training
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 Complete documentation, as needed
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 Check out the videos on our Career site for more information about what it's like to work at Skills!


 


 About You


 There are a few things you'll need to succeed at Skills. If you've got what it takes, this may be the most rewarding career you'll ever have!

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 You need “grit”. In this line of work, some days are challenging. When the going gets tough, you have to be tougher.
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 You need “heart”. The people we support are vulnerable, so treating them with kindness, compassion, and respect is a must, not an option.
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 You need to advocate. The people we support sometimes have difficulty speaking for themselves, so you need to learn about their needs and support them.
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 You need to mentor. Our day-to-day work involves teaching people the skills they need to succeed. You have to be patient and dedicated to their progress.
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 About the Benefits


 Skills offers a great benefits package and a work environment to match!

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 Competitive Pay
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 Paid Holidays
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 Generous Paid Time Off, Plus Personal Time and Sick Time
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 Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Options
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 Work Vehicle Available While On the Job
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 Flexible Spending Account for Medical and Dependent Care
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 401K Retirement Program (With Employer Matching)
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 Life Insurance and Disability Insurance
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 Tuition Assistance for Higher Education
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 Employee Wellness Program
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 Exceptional Opportunities for Career Growth
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 Great Co-workers and a Team to Support You!
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 Skills of Central PA prohibits hiring and employment discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, race, color, disability, ethnic or national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, pregnancy, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, or any other bases under the law. Skills is an equal opportunity service provider and employer.

Requirements

 About the Requirements


 


 You do not need prior experience or a college degree to become a Direct Support Professional. In fact, we'll provide all of the training and certification you need to be successful. There are a few simple requirements you'll need for the position:

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 18 years of age or older
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 High School diploma or GED equivalent (documentation needed)
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 Valid driver's license
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 Eligible to work in the United States
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Salary Description $16.00/hr - $19.60/hr

Skills of Central PA benefits

What benefits does Skills of Central PA provide to employees?