Lead DSP in Norristown, Pennsylvania at Developmental Enterprises

The Lead Direct Support Professional (Lead DSP) serves as an experienced resource and peer mentor to Direct Support Professionals while continuing to provide high-quality, person-centered support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Lead DSP models best practices, reinforces organizational expectations, and supports newer and less experienced DSPs in delivering services that promote dignity, independence, choice, safety, and community participation.

This role works closely with the Site Director and other members of the team to support consistent service delivery and identify opportunities for improvement. The Lead DSP may provide guidance and on-the-job support to DSPs but does not have direct supervisory responsibility or authority over staff.

The Lead DSP is expected to demonstrate strong judgment, professionalism, reliability, and a commitment to the individuals served. Through hands-on leadership, mentorship, and example, this position helps foster a positive and respectful environment while supporting compliance with DEC policies, procedures, training requirements, and applicable regulations.

RATE $17.00/hour

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience providing direct support to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities or related support needs.

• Demonstrated ability to serve as a positive role model and resource to other Direct Support Professionals.

• Strong understanding of person-centered practices, dignity, choice, independence, and community inclusion.

• Knowledge of safety practices, documentation requirements, and organizational policies applicable to Direct Support Professionals.

• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals supported, families, coworkers, supervisors, and other members of the support team.

• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and respond appropriately to routine and unexpected situations.

• Current CPR/First Aid certification, or ability to obtain and maintain certification as required by DEC.

• Additional education or coursework in Human Services, Social Services, Healthcare, Behavioral Health, or a related field.

• Experience serving as a Lead DSP, Senior DSP, mentor, trainer, or other peer leadership role.

• Experience supporting individuals with complex behavioral, medical, or other specialized needs.

• Familiarity with Pennsylvania ODP regulations and person-centered planning principles.

• Experience assisting with or delivering on-the-job training and mentoring.

• Experience with electronic documentation systems and other technology used in human services settings.

• Serve as a positive role model for Direct Support Professionals by consistently demonstrating professionalism and person-centered practices.

• Mentor and provide guidance to new and less experienced DSPs regarding daily responsibilities, routines, documentation, and effective support strategies.

• Serve as a knowledgeable resource to DSPs and assist coworkers in understanding and following DEC policies, procedures, and expectations.

• Provide constructive coaching and feedback to peers when appropriate and communicate significant concerns to the appropriate supervisor.

• Help promote teamwork, communication, accountability, and a respectful work environment.

• Support the onboarding and integration of new DSPs by helping them become familiar with the site, individuals supported, routines, and expectations.

• Provide direct support to individuals in accordance with their individual service plans, needs, preferences, and goals.

• Promote the dignity, rights, independence, choice, and self-determination of each individual served.

• Encourage meaningful participation in community activities, daily living skills, social activities, and other opportunities that support individual goals.

• Follow established support strategies and behavioral, medical, and safety protocols.

• Recognize changes in an individual's condition, behavior, or needs and promptly communicate concerns to the appropriate supervisor or member of the individual's support team.

• Complete required documentation accurately, timely, and in accordance with DEC policies and applicable regulations.

• Model proper documentation practices and assist peers in understanding documentation expectations.

• Maintain confidentiality and protect the privacy and rights of individuals served.

• Follow all applicable health, safety, incident reporting, medication, emergency, and regulatory requirements.

• Bring potential compliance, safety, or service-delivery concerns to the attention of the appropriate supervisor.

• Assist with on-the-job training and orientation of DSPs as assigned.

• Demonstrate appropriate techniques and procedures for supporting individuals.

• Reinforce training provided by DEC and encourage consistent application of learned practices.

• Participate in staff meetings, training, and other professional development activities.

• Share observations and suggestions with supervisors that may improve service quality, staff development, or the experience of individuals supported.

• Communicate effectively with Site Directors, supervisors, DSPs, families, healthcare professionals, and other members of the individual's support team as appropriate.

• Help promote consistency in the implementation of individual support strategies.

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and escalate concerns through established reporting channels.

• Assist in creating a positive, respectful, and collaborative environment for individuals served and coworkers.

• Peer Leadership & Mentoring: Ability to guide, encourage, and support coworkers without assuming formal supervisory authority.

• Person-Centered Care: Demonstrated commitment to supporting individual choice, dignity, independence, and inclusion.

• Communication: Ability to communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally with individuals supported and members of the team.

• Judgment & Problem-Solving: Ability to recognize concerns, respond appropriately, and seek assistance when situations require supervisory intervention.

• Reliability & Accountability: Consistently demonstrates dependability, professionalism, and adherence to established expectations.

• Documentation: Ability to maintain accurate, timely, and complete records.

• Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively and contribute to a positive team environment.

• Adaptability: Ability to respond appropriately to changing needs, routines, and circumstances.

• Regulatory Awareness: Understanding of applicable organizational policies, safety requirements, and Pennsylvania ODP expectations related to the provision of services.

The Lead DSP is a non-supervisory peer leadership position. The Lead DSP may provide mentorship, guidance, coaching, and on-the-job support to other DSPs but does not have authority to hire, terminate, discipline, conduct formal performance evaluations, approve timecards, determine schedules, or otherwise exercise supervisory authority over staff. Performance, attendance, disciplinary, scheduling, and other supervisory matters are directed to the appropriate supervisor or Site Director.