Direct Support Professional

Dungarvin•Spring Valley, MN

About The Position

Dungarvin is hiring a Direct Support Professional to work in its Acute Behavioral Services (ABS) group homes, supporting people with complex mental health and behavioral needs. The individuals served may have experienced frequent crises, hospital stays, legal involvement, or unsuccessful placements, and may benefit from a highly structured environment. Homes are designed with safety in mind, with consistent, person-centered support aimed at helping individuals reach their goals while maintaining safety. Staff receive training in behavioral support and crisis response, including manual restraints when necessary. The role provides direct support to individuals with intensive behavioral and mental-health needs, using person-centered approaches focused on safety, skill-building, and positive engagement. The position also involves helping maintain a structured home environment, supporting daily living and community activities, documenting services and observations, monitoring behavioral changes, communicating with the team, and following individual support, treatment, medical, and safety plans. Dungarvin describes itself as a mission-driven support-services provider founded in 1976, serving people in 17 states.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 18 years of age; some programs require employees to be at least 21.
Valid driver’s license and proof of auto insurance.
Basic computer skills and ability to use electronic documentation systems.
Ability to follow behavior support plans, treatment plans, functional assessments, and person-centered plans.
Ability to use crisis prevention, de-escalation, redirection, and manual restraints as trained.
Clear and professional written and verbal communication, including documentation.
Ability to work effectively in crisis situations and exercise sound judgment.
Ability to collaborate with team members and external partners, including case managers, law enforcement, and mental health professionals.
Strong problem-solving, consistency, time-management, and independent prioritization skills.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand and walk for extended periods, and safely manage physically demanding situations.

Nice To Haves

At least 3 years of experience working with individuals with chronic and severe mental illness is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide direct, person-centered support to individuals with intensive behavioral and mental-health needs, emphasizing safety, skill-building, and positive engagement.
Follow behavior support plans, treatment plans, crisis-prevention strategies, de-escalation techniques, and trained manual-restraint procedures.
Maintain a clean, safe, and structured living environment.
Assist with daily living skills, household tasks, activities, transportation, and community engagement.
Document services, behavioral observations, health concerns, and program activities using electronic systems, including T-logs, Therap, and health tracking.
Monitor behavioral changes, identify indicators of escalation, and communicate proactively with supervisors and team members during crisis or safety situations.
Support family and personal contacts and assist with appointments and medication-administration tasks as allowed.
Follow medical and nutrition plans, emergency procedures, program protocols, and individual support plans.
Participate in team meetings, provide feedback about individuals’ needs, and help train new staff while modeling positive, professional behavior.

Benefits

Fixed starting rate of $24 per hour.
Select locations may be eligible for a retention bonus of up to $3,000; the bonus does not apply to current Dungarvin employees.
Medical, vision, and dental insurance for full-time employees.
Supplemental insurance and life insurance.
401(k) with up to a 3% employer match.
Paid time off that increases with tenure, including PTO donation options.
National brand discounts.
Employee referral program.
Access to Tapcheck to receive up to 50% of pay before payday.
Career growth opportunities, paid training, and mentorship.
Mileage reimbursement for travel.
Paid training and orientation.