Direct Support Professional (Youth)
About The Position
Albertina Kerr’s Direct Support Professionals work in youth group homes in Hillsboro and Beaverton, Oregon, supporting youth ages 10–17 with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health needs. Each home supports up to four youth, and DSPs work alongside a multidisciplinary team that includes other DSPs, Behavior Specialists, Therapists, Skills Trainers, and Psychiatrists. The role focuses on helping youth build social, emotional regulation, and advocacy skills; develop independence in daily living; and strengthen relationships and community connections. Daily support may include morning and bedtime routines, getting ready for school, after-school activities, meals, personal care, and household tasks. DSPs collaborate with families and care teams to provide consistent support, monitor youth health and well-being, follow behavior support plans, and support youth in the community. At times, DSPs may support youth who are dysregulated due to trauma or skill gaps by modeling emotional regulation, using approved safety strategies, and focusing on relationship-building and repair. Although DSPs are assigned to a primary group home, they may be asked to support other group homes and perform other duties as assigned or needed.
Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Strong social skills.
- Ability to lift, push, and pull 50 pounds.
- Basic cooking skills and willingness to learn new recipes.
- Basic cleaning skills.
- Willingness to be flexible and learn new skills.
- Ability to meet background-check and reference-check requirements.
- Must meet the organization’s driving requirements: a current and valid driver’s license and no more than two driving infractions in the last two years.
Nice To Haves
- Preference for applicants who can work at least one weekend day.
- Experience or understanding of the impact of trauma on behavior.
- Openness to learning strategies for supporting dual diagnoses.
Responsibilities
- Build safe, trusting relationships with youth.
- Support daily living needs, including personal care and household routines.
- Help youth develop skills for independence and adulthood.
- Follow behavior support plans and ensure safety.
- Collaborate with families, medical professionals, and team members.
- Monitor youth health and well-being.
- Support youth in the community and across program needs.
- Model emotional regulation and use approved strategies when youth are dysregulated.
- Support routines and activities such as school preparation, after-school activities, and meals.
- Provide support at other group homes as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned or needed.
Benefits
- Paid two-week training program.
- 100% paid medical, dental, and vision plans.
- Paid holidays.
- Generous paid time off.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
