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Direct Support Professional at AMA Support Services LLC

AMA Support Services LLC Pittsburgh, PA $15+/hour

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title: Direct Support Professional

Classification: Non-Exempt

Status: Full Time, Part Time,

Department: Program Services

Reports to: House manager, Assistant Program Manager, or Program Manager

Pay: Up to $15

The Primary Responsibility of the Direct Support Professional is to create and preserve a culture of excellence, compassion, and integrity in the delivery of services to our individuals. The DSP is responsible for ensuring comfort, safety, and general supervision of individuals in both the home and in the community as well as home management services. The DSP will ensure compliance to all applicable regulations and requirements and provide opportunities and support for our individuals to build and develop a sense of belonging in the community through active inclusion, and to build interest and develop skills.

Job responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

  • Representing the Mission, Vision, and Values of AMA Support Services through action and presentation
  • Creating a culture of high professional and ethical standards, where dignity, respect, inclusion, integrity, and compassion are the standard
  • Create a structured and nurturing environment that responds to and meets the needs and preferences of the individual(s) that you serve
  • Ensure the health, safety, and personal development of participants while in the home and community
  • Provide the encouragement, assistance, and support that is needed for all activities of daily living (ADLs), including cleaning, cooking, laundry, and medication administration
  • Provide assistance and support for all personal care and hygiene, including bathing, grooming and toileting
  • Provide services, support, and supervision to the individuals in accordance with the individual's service plan
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and requirements at all times
  • Ensure that Community Participation Services are delivered as prescribed in the participant's Individual Support Plan (ISP)
  • Develop a positive working relationship with the individual support team
  • Ensure that all service records and company documentation are complete, thorough, accurate , and compliant with all applicable regulations and requirements
  • Facilitate, assist , and support the relationships between individuals in service and those who are important to them, both personally and professionally, through positive communication, cooperation , and collaboration
  • Promote safety and respond to any incidents that may occur in line with regulations and requirements
  • Create weekly schedules for each participant and oversee implementation to maximize individuals' time in the community
  • Transports and accompanies participants to and from appointments and activities
  • Manage individual and company finances, including making and recording transactions according to policy, procedure, and regulation and operating within a budget
  • Other duties may be assigned

Values:

  • Positive and enthusiastic attitude
  • Integrity and honesty
  • Compassionate and Respectful
  • Initiative and Work Ethic
  • Problem-solving, thinking, and decision making
  • Loyalty

Required Education:

  • High School Diploma (or equivalent)
  • Work experience as a caregiver (professional or personal) preferred

Required Skills and Experience:

  • Valid Driver's license
  • Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively with others
  • Proficient technology skills: use of smartphones, laptops, web-based database navigation, data entry

Working Conditions:

  • Hours and weekly schedule are dictated by current tasks and program needs which may include filling in for vacant shifts with little notice. Community homes operate on a 24-hour basis, 365 days per year with DSPs working in shifts around the clock
  • Work on holidays, during inclement weather, overnight, and on weekends will be required
  • Frequent lifting, stretching, standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping , and other physical exertion while assisting individuals in service
  • Work will take place in a variety of settings, including an office, in the community, and in the homes of the people in service. Must be able to travel and work in these settings without limitation
  • May be required to stay beyond shift end time until replacement personnel arrive
  • Exposure to various medical conditions and communicable diseases may occur

Employer's Rights:

This job description does not include all job duties, conditions, and requirements. Occasionally, a supervisor or director may request that you perform other duties that are necessary for the betterment of the company or that are in the best interest of those we serve. It may also become necessary, at some point, for AMA Support Services to revise this job description. Signing this job description does not create a contract for employment. Either you or AMA Support Services may terminate the employment relationship at any time for any reason.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

AMA Support Services does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.






Compensation details: 15 Hourly Wage



PI34ed9a4457cf-1213

$31k is fair for Home Health and Personal Care Aides nationally

National salary averages
$31k
↓ 11% vs typical mid-level
Entry
Mid
Senior
This job
$26k Market range (10th-90th percentile) $44k

Pay increases slowly with experience in this field.

Raises may be modest; negotiate well upfront.

Hot hiring, constrained wages

Employers are hiring actively, but pay hasn't caught up with demand. Focus on competing offers and non-salary benefits.

Hiring leverage
Candidate-favored
Wage leverage âš  Disconnect
Limited
Mobility
High mobility
Durability
Somewhat fragile

Who this leverage applies to

Stronger for: Senior candidates with options
Weaker for: Entry-level candidates, Career switchers

Where to negotiate

Base salary
Sign-on bonus
Title / level
Remote flexibility
Scope & responsibility
Start date / PTO

Likely Possible Unlikely

Watch out for

Wage disconnect: Hiring is active but pay hasn't responded—negotiate on other terms.

Use competing offers and timing to your advantage.

Does this path compound?

Job Growth →
High churn
Growth, flat pay
🚀 Compound
Growth + pay upside
⚠️ Plateau
Limited growth
Specialize
Experts earn more
Pay Upside →
High turnover market

Many openings, but pay doesn't scale as much with experience.

+17%
10yr growth
765,800 openings projected annually—mostly replacing retirees and turnover.
Typical: High school diploma or equivalent

Good time to build expertise—demand will chase supply.

Labor data: BLS 2024