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Didlake, Inc.·Manassas, Virginia
Program Services Assistant - Direct Support Professional
The Program Services Assistant provides direct support to individuals with disabilities to help them achieve personal goals and build independence. This role involves monitoring progress, assisting with daily activities, and ensuring services are delivered in compliance with HCBS standards.
Didlake, Inc. is a non-profit rehabilitation services organization. At Didlake, creating opportunities that enrich the lives of people with disabilities is our mission. Since 1965, Didlake has served thousands of people with significant disabilities by providing training, job placement, employment opportunities, and day support services. We provide rewarding and purposeful work.
The Program Services Assistant plays a vital role in empowering individuals with disabilities to build independence, develop life skills, and actively engage with their communities. By providing direct support, guidance, and encouragement, this role helps individuals achieve their personal goals as outlined in their Individual Service Plans (ISPs). The Program Services Assistant contributes to a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes dignity, choice, and community integration while ensuring services align with Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) standards.
What You Will Do
Provide direct support to individuals with disabilities in accordance with their Individual Service Plans (ISPs).
Monitor and document daily progress toward individual ISP goals and outcomes.
Maintain and follow daily schedules of training, activities, and skill-building opportunities.
Assist individuals with transitions throughout the day, including arrival, departure, and scheduled activities.
Support personal care and health needs, including restroom assistance and changing incontinence products as needed.
Assist with medication management and provide physical assistance when required.
Develop and implement skill-building and recreational activities that promote independence and personal growth.
Communicate regularly with Program Services Specialists and Program Managers regarding individual progress, achievements, incidents, or concerns.
Advocate for the rights of individuals served, ensuring respect, dignity, and freedom from coercion or restraint.
Transport and support individuals during community-based activities such as fitness programs, volunteer opportunities, educational outings, museums, shopping, dining, and recreational events.
Encourage and support individuals in developing meaningful relationships and connections within the community.
Deliver services in compliance with Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) regulations, ensuring:
Community integration and full access to community resources
Individual choice and person-centered planning
Respect for privacy, independence, and dignity
Opportunities for autonomy and personal decision-making
Follow safety protocols, including the use of designated personal protective equipment (PPE).
Maintain a clean and safe environment by disinfecting program sites and vehicles daily.
Complete and maintain all required Didlake training.
Experience supporting individuals with disabilities in educational, caregiving, healthcare, or human services settings, such as a paraprofessional, instructional assistant, special education professional, caregiver, CNA, or home health aide, along with a commitment to helping individuals with disabilities achieve greater independence and community inclusion.
Education & Experience
High School Diploma or GED required.
Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with individuals with disabilities is required.
Skills & Abilities
Ability to provide physical assistance including positioning, lifting, and supporting individuals during daily activities.
Ability to drive a passenger van with capacity of up to 15 people.
Must be insurable under Didlake’s automobile policy, which requires being at least 25 years of age with a minimum of three (3) years of licensed driving experience.
Must successfully pass background checks in accordance with DBHDS and DSS requirements.
Ability to present a positive, professional image to individuals served, coworkers, and the public.
Ability to follow safety procedures and maintain compliance with program and regulatory requirements.
Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and at least one year of experience working with individuals with disabilities. The role requires the ability to provide physical assistance, a valid driver's license, and the ability to pass background checks.
Market context
In Virginia, direct support professional openings often seek candidates who can assist individuals with disabilities safely and consistently, making relevant experience, physical-assistance ability, driving eligibility, and dependable attendance important considerations. A high school diploma or GED, at least one year of related experience, a valid driver’s license, and successful background checks can strengthen an application; review the posting’s original details carefully. Requirements and benefits here are AI-summarized from the original job description, saving research time while highlighting holidays, leave, life insurance, and disability coverage.