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Honoring Our Heroes: Acknowledging Developmental Disability Professionals
- Harrell Homes
- Jul 15
- 2 min read
Today, we extend our deepest gratitude to all Developmental Disability Professionals (DDPs)! These incredible individuals are the backbone of support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, dedicating their lives to fostering independence, dignity, and inclusion. Their expertise, patience, and compassion create a profound positive impact every single day.
What is a Developmental Disability Professional?
A Developmental Disability Professional, often referred to as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in many roles, works directly with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Their responsibilities are diverse and crucial, encompassing:
Providing daily living support: Assisting with personal care, meal preparation, and household tasks.
Fostering skill development: Teaching new skills for independence, communication, and problem-solving.
Facilitating community integration: Supporting participation in social, recreational, and vocational activities.
Advocating for rights: Ensuring individuals' voices are heard and their preferences respected.
Ensuring health and safety: Administering medication, monitoring well-being, and responding to emergencies.
How to Become a Developmental Disability Professional in Pennsylvania
Becoming a DDP or DSP in Pennsylvania involves specific training and certification to ensure high-quality, person-centered care. Key requirements often include:
Certification: Pennsylvania requires Direct Support Professionals to complete comprehensive training and certification through an Office of Developmental Programs (ODP)-approved curriculum.
Training: Typically, 65 hours of approved training covering core competency areas such as Person-Centered Planning, Everyday Lives Principles, Health & Medication Administration, and Positive Approaches.
Continuing Education: Ongoing education, often around 20 hours annually, is required to maintain current knowledge and skills.
Background Checks: Essential checks include a PA Criminal History Check, Child Abuse History Clearance, and FBI fingerprinting.
Education: While some roles may require a Bachelor's or Master's degree (e.g., for Qualified Developmental Disability Professional - QDDP roles), many DSP positions require a high school diploma or equivalent, with on-the-job training and state-mandated certifications.
Organizations like The Arc of Pennsylvania offer various training programs and resources to help individuals meet these requirements and advance their careers in the field.
Where to Find Employment Throughout Pennsylvania
The demand for dedicated DDPs and DSPs is significant across Pennsylvania. Opportunities exist in a variety of settings:
Residential Facilities: Like Harrell Homes Assisted Living, which provides a supportive living environment for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Day Programs: Offering structured activities and skill-building during the day.
Community-Based Services: Including in-home support, vocational training, and community participation programs.
Supports Coordination Agencies: Helping individuals and families navigate services.
State-Operated Facilities: Providing specialized care.
Many organizations, including non-profits like The Arc chapters across Pennsylvania, and various human service agencies, are regularly hiring. You can often find job postings on major job boards (like ZipRecruiter, Indeed), specific agency websites, and through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
At Harrell Homes Assisted Living in Philadelphia, we are always looking for passionate and qualified professionals to join our team. We are committed to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities and offering a rewarding environment for our staff. We encourage you to visit harrellassistedlivinghomes.com to learn more about our philosophy and potential career opportunities.
A career as a Developmental Disability Professional is more than just a job; it's a chance to make a profound difference in someone's life every single day. If you're looking for a rewarding path, this field offers immense opportunities for growth and fulfillment.
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