JOB DETAILS

Creative Expressions Instructor - Direct Support Professional - $1,500 Sign On Bonus

CompanyVia of the Lehigh Valley
LocationBethlehem
Work ModeOn Site
PostedFebruary 25, 2026
About The Company
Via’s mission is to help people reach their full potential through a rewarding career, meaningful relationships, and an enriching community life. Via creates pathways to success through vocation, inclusion and advocacy. Via of the Lehigh Valley is a non-profit agency that provides services for children and adults with disabilities in Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon, Monroe, and Berks counties. Via helps adults find and sustain employment within multiple industries and service sectors. Early Intervention therapists offer physical, occupational and speech therapy to children to advance competencies and reach developmental milestones. Programs for young adults focus on networking with peers and gaining vocational skills in preparation for life after graduation. Our staff help individuals of all ages gain life skills, develop friendships, and learn how to take advantage of all the community has to offer. In addition to providing a variety of high-quality programs, Via also advocates for inclusion and equal access to community activities. Via operates under the following Guiding Principles: ~ Each individual deserves dignity, respect, and courtesy. ~ Everyone should have opportunities for growth and learning. ~ Community inclusion matters. ~ Every person deserves to communicate needs, desires, feelings and personal choices. ~ People have a right to the advocate of their choice. Via envisions a time when all people have equal access to developmental and educational services, meaningful friendships, a rewarding career, and a satisfying retirement.
About the Role

Description

Join a team that's been recognized as a Top Workplace three years in a row — 2023, 2024, and 2025 — and receive a $1,500 sign-on bonus! Via is hiring a Creative Expressions Instructor - Direct Support Professional to assist participants in maintaining their independence and self-advocacy skills. In this role, you’ll support participants in achieving their personal goals through engaging, hands-on programs—both within our facility and out in the community.

The Creative Instructor - Direct Support Professional position starts at $17/hour for a High School Diploma or equivalent, $17.50/hour for an Associate’s Degree and $18/hour for a Bachelor’s Degree. Additionally, earn up to $1.75 more per hour by completing all three levels of the National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) Career Ladder Program.


You will ENJOY the following when working at VIA:

  • Consistent Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm schedule with weekends off!
  • Medical, vision and dental benefits at a minimal cost to the employee.
  • 15 days (3 weeks) of paid vacation during your first year, increasing to 18 days after completing 1 year of employment.
  • 9 paid Holidays. Including YOUR Birthday Holiday! Employees also receive a Floating Cultural Holiday! Via is committed to maintaining an inclusive workforce and believes that an atmosphere of mutual respect for each other’s differences adds quality to our services. Eligible employees may choose a paid day off, that is significant to them. 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with discretionary annual contribution.
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
  • Education assistance up to $5,000 per year for full-time employees.
  • Education incentive: earn MORE when you obtain a degree or certification.
  • Paid Training and mileage reimbursement.
  • Professional Development Opportunities:
    • NADSP Career Ladder Program – earn an additional $1.75/hour once all three levels have been completed.
  • Casual work attire.
  • Employee referral-bonus program.
  • Special employee events such as raffles, work anniversary celebrations, recognition awards and monthly celebration events.

As a Creative Expressions Instructor - Direct Support Professional you will:

  • Develop or follow consistent daily routines with participants and ensure their engagement in the activities.
  • Assist in the development of volunteer and recreational activities in the community.
  • Implement activities relative to the participants' outcomes within the facility and community.
  • Participate in the development of participant goals and assist in outcome completion.

Position Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
  • Ability to work in a variety of settings and function in an ever-changing environment.
  • Standing, sitting, lifting, walking is required daily.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds is required.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license, personal vehicle and appropriate vehicle insurance.
  • Traveling in the community is required.
  • Flexibility in work hours is required to meet department demands, including availability for evening.
  • Use of technology platforms such as Setworks, Paylocity, Microsoft Office, and email is required daily.
  • Ability to adapt to changing schedules while maintaining productivity and efficiency.
  • Must be flexible and able to adapt to a variety of environments.

We invest in our team through training, career development and educational assistance. Our team enjoys a supportive work environment that encourages the success of the individuals we serve and our employees. This success comes from living our values: People, Growth, Teamwork, Community, Diversity, Shared Ideas and Advocacy. Join our team and grow a fulfilling career with us!


CHANGE LIVES. WORK FOR VIA.


Via of the Lehigh Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Women, Minorities, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.



Key Skills
Direct SupportCreative ExpressionsGoal AchievementCommunity EngagementActivity ImplementationParticipant Goal DevelopmentRoutine DevelopmentVolunteer CoordinationRecreational ActivitiesAdaptabilityTechnology UseMicrosoft OfficeDrivingLifting
Categories
Social ServicesEducationArt & Design
Benefits
Medical benefitsVision benefitsDental benefitsPaid vacationPaid HolidaysBirthday HolidayFloating Cultural Holiday403(b) Retirement Savings PlanFlexible Spending Account (FSA)Education assistanceMileage reimbursementEmployee referral-bonus program
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
The instructor will develop or follow consistent daily routines to ensure participant engagement and implement activities related to participant outcomes both within the facility and in the community. This role also involves assisting in the development of volunteer and recreational activities and participating in the development of participant goals.
📋Job Type
full time
📊Experience Level
0-2
💼Company Size
98
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
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