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Shaded band: the middle 50% of posted behavioral health roles in Allentown, Pennsylvania rates. This role sits in the 7th percentile.
About the role
Pay for this role is about 37% below the Allentown, Pennsylvania median for behavioral health roles.
The Direct Support Professional provides daily care, medication administration, and support for individuals with disabilities to help them achieve personal goals. Responsibilities also include maintaining a safe home environment through housekeeping, meal preparation, and transporting residents to appointments.
Join the Beacon Specialized Living Services Team
Make a Real Impact! Are you looking for a meaningful career where you can make a difference in the lives of others? Do you have a passion for supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, and autism? If so, it’s time to LEAP forward in your career at Beacon Specialized Living Services! At Beacon, we’re dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to individuals, empowering them to live their fullest lives. Whether you’re new to healthcare or experienced, we offer the training, support, and opportunities to help you grow professionally. NO experience is required to join our team — we’ll train you! What Can I Expect as a Direct Support Professional (DSP)? As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Beacon, you will support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and mental health challenges. Your role will be instrumental in helping residents live independently, achieve personal goals, and improve their quality of life.
Daily
Responsibilities
Include:
Provide
Support &
Care: Encourage and guide individuals throughout the day to meet their goals, following person-centered and behavior plans.
Foster a
Safe
Environment: Create a trust-filled space where individuals feel safe, supported, and respected, ensuring their rights are upheld.
Meal
Prep &
Housekeeping: Cook meals based on dietary specifications and assist with laundry and cleaning to maintain a safe and organized home environment.
Transportation &
Advocacy: Transport individuals to appointments, advocate on their behalf, and assist with documentation.
Medication
Administration: Administer medications as prescribed and ensure the correct dosage is provided. 24/7
Availability: Remain awake and accessible in homes requiring round-the-clock care.
Supervise
Daily
Activities: Support individuals with personal care, life skills, and social activities.
What
We’re
Looking
For:
Passion for
Helping
Others: You’re committed to making a positive difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities and mental health challenges.
Requirements
Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED, be at least 18 years old, and possess a valid driver's license. A compassionate demeanor and the ability to work in environments with potential physical challenges are required.
high school
Housekeeping
Communication
Advocacy
Documentation
Transportation
Caregiving
Life skills training
Patient care
Meal preparation
Medication administration
Safety compliance
Behavior management
Direct support
Crisis de-escalation
Benefits
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
401k
Medical insurance
Paid training
Life insurance
Telehealth
Cpr training
Mental health care
Primary care
De-escalation training
Medication administration certification
Virtual urgent care
Posting details
Employment type
Full Time
Work arrangement
On Site
Experience
0-2 yrs
Salary
$16 - $17/hr
Location
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Posted
Sep 3, 2026
Application
Employer website
Team
Player: You’ll work closely with a team of compassionate professionals who share your dedication to providing quality care.
Reliable &
Dependable: You’re someone others can count on, whether it’s for coming to work on time, completing tasks efficiently, or providing consistent care.
Willingness to
Learn: We provide on-the-job training, and we value candidates who are eager to learn and grow with us.
Physical &
Emotional
Resilience: The role requires physical activity and the ability to work in environments with occasional challenging behaviors.
What We Offer
Competitive Pay & Benefits We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Medical, Dental, and Vision (starting 1st of the month after 60 days) First Stop Health Telehealth – FREE for employee & Family 24/7 care via the app Virtual Urgent Care, Primary Care and Mental Health Care. Life Insurance and 401k (with employer match) Paid Training — including CPR, De-Escalation Training, and Medication Administration Certification DailyPay — Make any day PayDay! Advancement Opportunities with our LEAP Program! Beacon’s Leadership, Excellence, Advancement, and Promotion (LEAP) program is designed to help you grow professionally and advance in your career. LEAP to Leadership: The LEAP program is a structured development program designed to prepare you for leadership roles and increased compensation. Advance Quickly: You can progress through the Leveling System within your first 90 days based on developing skills, demonstrating leadership potential, and advancing in your role. Be a Part of a Growth-Focused Organization: Join a company that values your contributions and supports your career development every step of the way.
Qualifications
Required: High school diploma or GED. Must be 18 years of age or older. Valid driver’s license. Compassionate and patient demeanor when working with individuals who have mental illness and co-occurring disorders.
Preferred
1-2 years of experience in healthcare, social services, or a related field (but not required). Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written). Ability to work in environments with potential exposure to physical aggression and infectious disease. Why Beacon? At Beacon, we don’t just offer jobs — we offer fulfilling careers. Join our team and become a part of a compassionate, mission-driven company that truly values its team members. You’ll receive the training and support you need to succeed, and you’ll experience the joy of knowing that your work is helping others live better lives. Beacon Specialized Living Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Market context
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.
