Direct Care Workers (DCW)
Support Service Provider (SSP)
What Is a Direct Care Worker / Support Service Provider (SSP)?
A Direct Care Worker or Support Service Provider (SSP) is a trained professional who provides hands-on assistance and support to individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism. Workers help individuals live as independently as possible in their homes and communities by assisting with daily activities and promoting skill development.
Key Responsibilities
• Personal Care: Assist with activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility.
• Skill Building: Support individuals in learning and maintaining daily living skills, communication, social interactions, and community participation.
• Health & Safety: Monitor health and ensure a safe environment.
• Community Integration: Help individuals access community resources, attend appointments, and participate in social, educational, or recreational activities.
• Advocacy & Encouragement: Support individuals to make choices, advocate for themselves, and build confidence.
Here’s what you can expect:
1. Hands-On, Person-Centered Care: You’ll assist with daily living activities such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication reminders, and mobility support — always respecting the individual’s preferences and dignity.
2. Building Skills and Independence: A big part of your role is to help individuals develop and maintain life skills, like communication, social interaction, cooking, or using public transportation. You’ll be a coach, encourager, and role model.
3. Community Engagement: You’ll support individuals as they participate in community activities, social events, appointments, or employment. This might include accompanying them to the park, a class, or volunteering opportunities.
4. Flexable Work Settings: Your work takes place in someone’s home, or community locations. Flexibility and adaptability to different environments are important.
5. Collaboration and Communication: You’ll work closely with families, Supports Coordinators, and other team members to ensure care plans are followed and goals are met. Good communication skills are essential.
6. Training and Professional Growth: You’ll receive required training on health, safety, behavioral support, and person-centered practices. Ongoing learning opportunities help you improve your skills and advance your career.
7. Emotional Rewards and Challenges: This role can be deeply fulfilling as you make a positive difference in people’s lives, but it also requires patience, empathy, and resilience to handle challenging behaviors or situations.
🧑⚕️ Job Title: Direct Care Worker (DCW)
Direct Care Workers (DCWs) provide hands-on support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in their homes or communities. Under Pennsylvania’s Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), DCWs assist with daily living skills, personal care, and community participation while promoting safety, independence, and dignity.
Key Responsibilities:
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Assist with personal care (bathing, grooming, dressing, hygiene)
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Support with mobility, transfers, and physical assistance as needed
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Assist with meal preparation and feeding
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Perform light housekeeping and maintain a safe, clean environment
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Support individuals during community outings, recreation, and appointments
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Follow individual support plans (ISPs) and behavioral strategies
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Accurately document daily activities, progress, and incidents
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Maintain respectful, person-centered, and professional interactions at all times
Qualifications:
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Must be at least 18 years old
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High School diploma or GED preferred
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Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation (if providing transport)
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Pass background checks (Criminal, Child Abuse, FBI as needed)
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Completion of ODP-required training and orientation
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Ability to lift 50+ pounds and perform physical tasks as needed
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Compassionate, dependable, and patient
🤝 Job Title: Support Service Provider (SSP)
Support Service Providers (SSPs) offer non-medical assistance to individuals with IDD, helping them manage their daily routines, achieve independence, and stay connected to their communities. SSPs act as allies and facilitators, assisting with communication, planning, and participation in life activities based on person-centered goals.
Key Responsibilities:
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Assist individuals in achieving goals in their Individual Support Plan (ISP)
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Provide reminders and assistance with daily routines and activities
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Facilitate communication between individuals and their support team
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Promote skills development (budgeting, scheduling, communication, safety awareness)
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Help individuals participate in hobbies, volunteering, employment, and other life goals
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Encourage natural supports and self-advocacy
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Monitor for changes in behavior or needs and report accordingly
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Ensure dignity, choice, and respect in all support activities
Qualifications:
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Must be at least 18 years old
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Strong communication and organizational skills
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Experience working with individuals with IDD preferred
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Ability to follow plans, policies, and ethical guidelines
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Completion of ODP-required trainings
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Clearances: Criminal, Child Abuse, and FBI background check
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Dependable, flexible, and person-focused