Lead Direct Support Professional

The Lead Direct Support Professional (LDSP) provides approximately 30 weekly billable field hours and 10 administrative hours while supporting day-to-day team operations. This role reports to the Program Specialist and works collaboratively with DSPs, administration, support coordination entities, and families to ensure services are delivered in accordance with each participant’s Individualized Service Plan (ISP).

The LDSP provides operational support to the team but does not serve as the direct supervisor of DSPs. The LDSP works directly with individuals with intellectual disabilities to support skill development in functional, social, and daily living areas, promoting independence, interdependence, and community integration. In addition to direct service delivery, this role supports team coordination by facilitating meet-and-greets between DSPs and new individuals, assisting with DSP orientation and shadowing, supporting scheduling and coverage needs, monitoring documentation in SETWorks, and attending ISP and participant-related meetings.

The LDSP supports strong program operations in alignment with VOAPA policies, procedures, and Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requirements. Scope of Duties: Participant-Centered Schedule and facilitate introductions between DSPs, participants, and participants’ support systems as requested by the Program Specialist.

Support participants in maintaining independence in their home and community in alignment with their Individualized Support Plans (ISPs). Ensure all services provided align with participants’ ISPs, including service type, frequency, and required staffing ratios. Attend participant-related meetings, including annual Individualized Support Plan (ISP) meetings and other individual-specific meetings as requested by Program Specialist.

Conduct monthly check-ins, preferably in-person, with participants and their support system. Address participant and support system questions promptly and elevate concerns to the Program Specialist. Staff Support & Coordination Provide support to DSPs by addressing questions related to online system navigation (SETWorks, Relias, Microsoft, etc).

Facilitate DSP shadowing for new hires in collaboration with the Program Specialist. Assist with scheduling and coordination of DSP coverage to support service delivery. Provide emergency coverage and support call-offs in alignment with participant backup plans. Documentation & Compliance Provide DSPs assistance with documentation completion as requested by the Program Specialist.

Support the Program Specialist with program compliance by collecting and preparing staff and participant documentation for upload and recordkeeping. General Demonstrate professionalism while interacting with participants in their home and community. Promote participant choice, dignity, and respect in all interactions.

Work cooperatively with peer leadership and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and community partners. Clock in and out daily in accordance with ODP timekeeping requirements and complete documentation for all field hours worked. Complete a minimum of 24 hours of ODP-approved training annually.

Follow all organizational policies and procedures and escalate concerns or emergencies to the Program Specialist. Promote Volunteers of America’s mission, values, and philosophy through actions and behaviors. Report program needs and operational concerns to the Program Specialist. Fulfill assigned field and administrative hours.

Perform other duties as needed. Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. This role also involves driving to and entering participants’ homes, then walking or driving around the community together.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Skills

• Integrity, discretion, and respect for confidentiality and privacy
• Excellent oral communication skills and the ability to resolve misunderstandings and errors in a diplomatic manner
• Typing, computing, and data entry skills
• Good communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills
• Analytical skills
• Ability to prioritize and work under pressure
• Time management
• Organizational skills
• Attention to detail
• Strong spelling, math, and financial skills
• Documentation skills ADA Essential Functions: Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, talk, hear, and smell. Must be able to withstand being outside in all weather conditions Regularly lift and move up to 25 lbs. Ability to identify and/or distinguish people, places and things. . Ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while remaining fixed on a given point. Must have a Pennsylvania driver’s license. Credentials/Abilities: The employee in this position must possess a High School Diploma and/or a combination of 2 years of experience in a similar social service setting and/or experience with ODP regulations. A valid Pennsylvania driver’s license, valid insurance on a personal vehicle and a positive driving record is required as this position requires frequent travel. Pennsylvania State Police Clearances are required annually. The employee must possess a strong ability to make immediate decisions when faced with crisis or unusual situations. The employee must have working knowledge of computer software, specifically the agency’s online system navigation sites such as Relias, SETWorks, Microsoft Office; including Outlook, Excel, and Word, as well as effective written and verbal communication skills. EEO of "Participants with Disabilities" and "Veteran Status"/AA