Direct Support Professional Autism Support Role

TERRAPIN HOUSE INC·Allentown, Pennsylvania

$18 - $20/hrPart Time On Site 0-2 yrsPosted 1 month ago

Practice for this role

Direct Support Professional Autism Support Role · $18 - $20/hr

How this role compares

Computed from live listings

-30% vs. median posted rate for behavioral health roles in Allentown, Pennsylvania ($25.54/hr)

77 similar openings in the Allentown area · median $25.54/hr

$15.75/hr · lowesthighest · $90.00/hr

this role: $18.00/hrmedian $25.54/hr

Shaded band: the middle 50% of posted behavioral health roles in Allentown, Pennsylvania rates. This role sits in the 25th percentile.

About the role

Pay for this role is about 30% below the Allentown, Pennsylvania median for behavioral health roles.

The Direct Support Professional provides person-centered care to individuals with disabilities, assisting with daily living activities and community participation. They are also responsible for medication administration, behavioral support, and maintaining a safe, clean home environment.

Benefits

Training & development Competitive salary Flexible schedule Paid time off Bonus based on performance Employment Status: Full-Time / Part-Time / PRN Shift Availability:

First Shift

7:00 AM – 3:00
PM
Second
Shift: 3:00 PM – 11:00
PM
Third
Shift (Awake
Overnight): 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM

About the Role

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides compassionate, person-centered support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), autism spectrum disorder, behavioral health needs, and/or physical disabilities. DSPs assist individuals in achieving independence, maintaining health and safety, participating in their communities, and meeting goals identified in their Individual Support Plans (ISP).

DSPs are responsible for promoting dignity, choice, respect, and community inclusion while ensuring compliance with state regulations, agency policies, and person-centered practices.

Responsibilities

Personal Care

Assist individuals with bathing, dressing, grooming, oral hygiene, toileting, and other Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Encourage independence by providing assistance only as needed. Maintain individuals' dignity and privacy during personal care. Medication Administration

Administer medications as certified and according to physician orders and agency policy. Document medication administration accurately. Report medication errors immediately. Health & Safety

Monitor individuals for changes in physical or mental health. Report illnesses, injuries, or unusual observations immediately. Follow emergency procedures and crisis intervention plans. Ensure a clean, safe, and hazard-free home environment. Documentation

Complete all required documentation before the end of each shift. Record progress notes, medication documentation, incident reports, behavior tracking, and communication logs. Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA. Community Participation

Support individuals in community outings. Assist with appointments, shopping, recreation, employment, volunteer activities, and social events. Transport individuals safely using agency vehicles when authorized. Behavioral Support

Implement Positive Behavior Support Plans. Use approved de-escalation techniques. Collect behavior data as required. Report behavioral incidents promptly. Household Responsibilities

Requirements

Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and be at least 18 years old. A valid driver's license, the ability to pass a criminal background check, and experience supporting adults with autism are required.

high school
Communication
Documentation
Behavioral support
HIPAA compliance
Medication administration
Crisis intervention
Personal care
Safety monitoring
De-escalation techniques
Community support
Household maintenance
Positive behavior support

Posting details

Employment type: Part Time
Work arrangement: On Site
Experience: 0-2 yrs
Salary: $18 - $20/hr
Location: Allentown, Pennsylvania
Posted: Jul 30, 2026
Application: Employer website

Behavioral health roles in Pennsylvania

Behavioral health employers in Pennsylvania often seek candidates with direct patient care experience, and roles can be more competitive when applicants also bring phlebotomy certification or experience in crisis, detox, or acute psychiatric settings. This posting requires a high school diploma or GED plus at least one year of patient care experience, and the listed requirements and benefits are AI-summarized from the original job description to save you research time. If you’re considering applying, review whether your experience matches the setting and be ready to highlight any behavioral-health or phlebotomy background.