Direct Support Professional (DSP)

True Friends•Annandale, MN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

True Friends is hiring Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and Lead DSPs to provide safe, supportive, and engaging experiences for children and adults with disabilities. The positions provide hands-on help with personal care, health needs, meals, activities, and daily routines while encouraging participants' independence. Lead DSPs additionally guide staff and coordinate daily program operations. Openings may be available at Camp Friendship in Annandale, Minnesota, or Camp Eden Wood in Eden Prairie, Minnesota; availability varies by location and staffing needs. Positions are assigned to either a weekday or weekend respite program. Part-time weekend positions are year-round and require two scheduled weekend sessions per month, generally from Friday at approximately 5:30 p.m. through Sunday at approximately 1 p.m. Staff must remain onsite and available for the full assigned session, including overnight. Full-time weekday positions are year-round, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weekend program support may also be available for weekday staff, depending on program needs and availability. All DSP and Lead DSP positions share core participant-support duties. Lead DSPs serve as the primary onsite lead for their assigned program and also guide staff, delegate and coordinate responsibilities, help train and onboard employees, and communicate with program leadership. The specific responsibilities depend on whether the employee is hired as a DSP or Lead DSP. These active roles involve working indoors and outdoors and may include assisting with participant mobility and transfers, providing personal care, and responding to challenging behaviors, including possible physical aggression. Starting pay is $17.42–$18.59 per hour, depending on position and responsibilities. Returning staff may be eligible for higher rates. Specific placement and compensation depend on qualifications, experience, and available opportunities.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team and also be self-directed.
Strong attention to detail, particularly when supporting participant health and safety.
Patience, flexibility, and willingness to learn.
Ability to respond appropriately to challenging behaviors and physical aggression.
Ability to follow program plans, daily assignments, procedures, and documentation requirements.
Functional computer skills, including the ability to use Microsoft Outlook and Word.
Must have or be willing to complete CPR/First Aid and Medication Administration certifications.
Ability to pass the required organizational background study.
Ability to walk, sit, stand, bend, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and move throughout the workday.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and assist with participant mobility and transfers as needed, using appropriate equipment and training.
Ability to hear and communicate verbally with participants, coworkers, and supervisors.
Ability to use hands and fingers to operate equipment, tools, and controls.
For Lead DSP opportunities: Ability to provide guidance, direction, and support to other staff.
For Lead DSP opportunities: Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
For Lead DSP opportunities: Ability to coordinate daily responsibilities and delegate tasks effectively.
For Lead DSP opportunities: Confidence communicating with staff and program leadership.
For Lead DSP opportunities: Willingness to assist with training, onboarding, and supporting team members.

Nice To Haves

Some college in a related field.
Previous experience working with individuals with disabilities.

Responsibilities

Support participants' personal care, health needs, safety, and general welfare.
Assist participants with meals and daily routines.
Lead and participate in recreational and leisure activities onsite and in the community.
Encourage participants to build independence and participate in activities.
Monitor and report changes in participants' conditions or needs.
Administer medications as required and according to established procedures.
Complete required documentation accurately and on time.
Ensure participants' belongings are checked in and returned home with them.
Maintain clean and organized spaces used by participants and staff.
Transport participants to various locations as needed.
Participate in required training, meetings, and professional development.
Follow program plans, daily assignments, and directions from onsite leads and program leadership.
Communicate participant needs, concerns, and program updates to onsite leads or program leadership.
Communicate effectively and work as part of a team to provide safe, consistent, quality support.
Perform other duties as assigned.
For Lead DSPs: Provide daily guidance, direction, and support to program staff.
For Lead DSPs: Delegate tasks and coordinate daily staff responsibilities to meet participant and program needs.
For Lead DSPs: Assist with training and onboarding new staff on program procedures and expectations.
For Lead DSPs: Serve as the first point of contact for onsite staff questions and concerns.
For Lead DSPs: Collaborate with the Program Coordinator and escalate matters to the Program Manager as appropriate.
For Lead DSPs: Provide participant-, staff-, and program-related feedback to the Program Coordinator or Program Manager.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and families, including an HSA option, for eligible positions.
Employer-paid life and disability insurance for eligible positions.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
CPR/First Aid training opportunities.
PTO accruing up to 20 days annually to start, for eligible positions.
16 hours of paid Volunteer Time Off (VTO) each year, for eligible positions.
Eight paid holidays plus two floating holidays annually, for eligible positions.
Retirement savings plan with up to a 3% employer match upon eligibility.
Employee Referral Program.
Cabin rental discounts.
Continuing education and professional development opportunities.
Organizational events and opportunities to connect with coworkers.
Free meals during Summer Camp season.
Scenic and inspiring work environment.
Opportunities to develop leadership skills.