Direct Support Professional; Job Coaching - Altoona

Job Title: Direct Support Professional; Job Coach, Supportive Employment

Location: Altoona
Employment Type: Part Time, opportunity for full time

Schedule: 20 hours/week

Pay Rate: 35/hr

About Us

At Applied Counseling Consulting Services, we provide high-quality, person-centered services to adults with Autism and other Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Our mission is rooted in our core values: being Committed, Compassionate, Responsive, and in the Pursuit of Excellence and Growth. We strive to empower the individuals we serve to live meaningful, independent, and fulfilling lives.

Our Mission and Vision

ACCS exists to support individuals in building more independent lives through person-centered services at home and in the community

ACCS educates and trains highly motivated staff to develop and carry out individualized support plans that foster meaningful community integration. Through this work, we empower the individuals we support to live confident, meaningful lives

ACCS envisions a future in which individuals are supported from early adulthood onward to build meaningful career and personal pathways and evolve as confident, effective self-advocates. Through innovative, data driven, and person-first practices, ACCS strives to remain at the vanguard of advancing high quality clinical practices across Pennsylvania

What is Job Coaching?

The Supportive Employment Specialist serves as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to our individuals with Autism and other Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities while out in the community as they pursue goals for sustained employment. As a DSP, the Supportive Employment Specialist plays a vital role in supporting individuals with time management, skill development, and successful engagement to achieve a greater sense of independence and autonomy. Furthermore, as a DSP, you’ll work closely with trained clinical staff to help encourage, prompt and guide members of our community in line with behavioral health and skills building plans. Some examples of your duties may include

• Supporting clients with completing tasks expected of employees at their place of employment
• Supporting clients with time management skills, behavior management, and social skills while at their place of employment
• Supporting clients with getting to work and back home on time and without incident
• Compiling the clients performance at work in Monthly and Quarterly Reports
• Supporting clients with communication and skill development to further their independence
• Supporting clients with job finding, resume building and interview practice.

What Our Values Look Like in This Role

• Committed: You show reliability, accountability, and dedication to the individuals you support and your team
• Compassionate: You approach every interaction with empathy, respect, and genuine care
• Responsive: You adapt quickly to individual needs and communicate effectively in dynamic situations
• Pursuit of Excellence and Growth: You seek continuous improvement, welcome feedback, and strive to provide the highest quality support

Why Join Us?

At ACCS, you’ll be part of a supportive team that values your contributions and invests in your growth while making a lasting impact in the lives of others. At ACCS we believe that our DSP’s are the frontline of all progress and should be treated with the respect and dignity they deserve! We believe that being a DSP isn’t just a job, but a career, and want to set you up for greater success. We offer numerous opportunities for advancement to include:

• NADSP Certification: Get Certified by the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals with EBadge Training, and get compensated with a $1 per Hour raise for every level you obtain in levels 1-3!
• Administrative Roles: Looking to get more involved with the organization? Find opportunities with our own Tech Coaching Team, Note Review Team, or any one of our Employee Lead Committees
• Career Advancement: ACCS is proud to adhere to an internal first hiring process. When other roles or opportunities for more clients open up, we always seek to recruit and promote from within. Everyone on our administrative team has experience doing what you do!

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and support tailored to each individual’s needs and goals
• Assist with activities of daily living (e.g., personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication reminders)
• Support individuals in developing life skills, social skills, and community participation
• Implement individualized support plans and behavior support strategies
• Maintain accurate documentation and progress notes
• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all individuals served
• Communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, and families
• Respond promptly and professionally to changing needs or situations

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Experience working with individuals with autism or intellectual disabilities preferred
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Ability to pass background checks and required (Residents from outside PA, or those who have moved here outside the last 2 years, will need to pass an FBI Background Check as well)

Full Time Benefits Available at 25+ Hours

• Mileage Reimbursement
• Paid Training
• Flexible Schedule
• Insurance (Medical/Dental/Vision)
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• 401K- company match