Direct Support Professional
About The Position
Make a Difference Every Day! Join Pathways as a Direct Support Professional! Position: Direct Support Professional Location: Mountain Home, TX Schedule: Full-time, Day Shift 6:30 am – 10:30 pm or Night Shift 10:30 pm – 6:30 am Pay: $17.00 - $19.00 Do you have a heart for helping children grow, heal, and thrive? At Pathways, we believe every child deserves care, safety, and the chance to succeed. We’re looking for compassionate, dependable, and energetic Direct Support Professionals to join our team and create meaningful change in the lives of children every day. What You’ll Do As a Direct Support Professional, you’ll be a daily source of support, safety, and stability for children in our care. You’ll: Provide hands-on guidance and supervision to ensure each child’s wellbeing Encourage and model positive behaviors and daily living skills Support education, recreation, and personal development activities Maintain a structured, nurturing, and safe environment Communicate with team members, families, and professionals to help each child thrive Every day brings new opportunities to connect, encourage, and inspire. Why You’ll Love Working at Pathways Be part of a mission-driven team that truly changes lives Enjoy ongoing training and growth opportunities Work in a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative environment Experience the reward of helping children reach their full potential What We’re Looking For 21 years of age or older High School Diploma or equivalent (some college or experience in care preferred) Compassion, patience, and reliability Ability to stay calm in challenging situations Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and clean background Physical and Mental Demands: With or without reasonable accommodation, the physical and mental requirements of this job include the following: frequent bending, stooping, reaching, lifting, carrying, pulling, climbing, and kneeling in interactions with children. Approximately 50% of the time on shift spent walking or standing. Must hear, speak and see well to drive and respond quickly to emergencies. Ability to recognize the needs and moods of non-verbal children, recognize the difference between angry and combative and the ability to differentiate tone and volume in conversations. Ability to maintain a calm demeanor in tense situations and use appropriate de-escalation skills as trained. Requires participation in field trips, recreation and social activities (both indoors and outdoors). Experience with children who have emotional, behavioral, or developmental needs is a plus – but we provide training for those who share our heart and commitment. Join Our Team and Be the Difference At Pathways, you’re not just filling a position – you’re joining a purpose. You’ll help shape brighter futures and build meaningful connections that last a lifetime. Apply today and take the first step toward a career that matters. Qualifications
Requirements
- 21 years of age or older
- High School Diploma or equivalent (some college or experience in care preferred)
- Compassion, patience, and reliability
- Ability to stay calm in challenging situations
- Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and clean background
- Physical and Mental Demands: With or without reasonable accommodation, the physical and mental requirements of this job include the following: frequent bending, stooping, reaching, lifting, carrying, pulling, climbing, and kneeling in interactions with children.
- Approximately 50% of the time on shift spent walking or standing.
- Must hear, speak and see well to drive and respond quickly to emergencies.
- Ability to recognize the needs and moods of non-verbal children, recognize the difference between angry and combative and the ability to differentiate tone and volume in conversations.
- Ability to maintain a calm demeanor in tense situations and use appropriate de-escalation skills as trained.
- Requires participation in field trips, recreation and social activities (both indoors and outdoors).
Nice To Haves
- Experience with children who have emotional, behavioral, or developmental needs is a plus – but we provide training for those who share our heart and commitment.
Responsibilities
- Provide hands-on guidance and supervision to ensure each child’s wellbeing
- Encourage and model positive behaviors and daily living skills
- Support education, recreation, and personal development activities
- Maintain a structured, nurturing, and safe environment
- Communicate with team members, families, and professionals to help each child thrive
Benefits
- Enjoy ongoing training and growth opportunities
- Work in a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative environment
Stand Out From the Crowd
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
