Job Description

Overview:
The Community Support Professional plays a key role in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities as they build skills, explore interests, and participate fully in their community. This position promotes independence, inclusion, and meaningful daily engagement by assisting individuals in accessing social, recreational, educational, spiritual, and vocational opportunities.
You will provide direct support, ensure safety, uphold program standards, and deliver person-centered services informed by each Individual Support Plan (ISP). This role requires professionalism, compassion, and a strong commitment to the Barber National Institute’s mission and values.
What You’ll Bring:
• A passion for supporting individuals with disabilities through community-based, person-centered services
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including active listening and respectful engagement
• Ability to promote independence, autonomy, and choice
• Knowledge of community activities and resources (social, recreational, educational, spiritual)
• Professionalism, reliability, and a commitment to health and safety
• Ability to assist with personal care needs (eating, toileting, transfers) when required
• Capacity to respond effectively to emergencies, challenging behaviors, and unexpected situations
• Willingness to guide new staff, support team communication, and represent the agency positively
What You’ll Have:
• Required: High School Diploma or equivalent
• Preferred: One (1) year of direct care experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities
• Age: Must be at least 18 years old
• Driver’s License: Valid license with eligibility under agency insurance
• Ability to pass and maintain:
◦ CPR/First Aid Certification
◦ Medication Administration training (as assigned)
◦ PA Criminal History Check (Act 34)
◦ PA Child Abuse Clearance (Act 33)
◦ FBI Clearance (if not a PA resident for the past 2 years or if working with minors)
• Ability to pass a physical exam and TB test as required
• Physical ability to safely support individuals and perform all job duties
• Willingness to maintain 24+ hours of annual training (minimum of 6 hours per quarter)
• Ability to learn and use electronic documentation systems
• Understanding of community participation, integration, and Employment First philosophies
A Typical Day May Include:
• Supporting individuals in accessing community activities such as volunteer roles, classes, social events, recreation, or spiritual services
• Implementing ISPs by following action steps, goals, and required supervision levels
• Encouraging personal choice, independence, skill development, and engagement
• Assisting with personal care needs based on individual requirements
• Providing transportation using agency vehicles, approved personal vehicles, or public transit
• Ensuring safety in all environments, responding appropriately to emergencies or challenging behaviors
• Completing high quality documentation: progress notes, logs, billing, schedules, and electronic records
• Participating in team meetings, interdisciplinary planning, and ISP-related assessments
• Planning daily and weekly activity schedules and assisting in the development of curriculum and new instructional techniques
• Reviewing communication logs and individual records to maintain continuity of care
• Communicating effectively with families, coworkers, supervisors, agencies, and team members
• Supporting new staff during training and guiding potential employees during site visits
• Maintaining a clean, organized program area and requesting needed supplies or vehicle repairs
• Representing the Barber National Institute positively in all interactions

Perks with a Purpose
Our benefits are created with YOU in mind.

Healthcare
• Highmark Medical and Mental Health
• Delta Dental and Davis Vision Coverage
• Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Accounts
• Teladoc Virtual Health
Financial Well-being
• 401K Retirement Plan with Employer Match
• On-Demand Pay
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Student Loan Forgiveness
• College Scholarship & Tuition Discounts
• Employee Discounts
Life & Family Support
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Erie Campus*- discounted on-site weekday childcare
• Employee discounts for select BNI events and services
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Seven Paid Holidays
Who is Barber National Institute?
The Barber National Institute is a non-profit committed to its mission of providing the highest quality services for children and adults with autism, intellectual disabilities or behavioral health challenges and their families. Since our founding in 1952, we have evolved into a multi-faceted organization serving more than 6,200 individuals annually with a wide range of educational, vocational, residential and behavioral health programs.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. If you need an accommodation to apply, please contact HR. EOE
Any consideration of the background check will be an individualized assessment based on the applicant or employee’s specific record and the duties and requirements of the specific job.