Direct Support Professional

Dungarvin•Spring Valley, MN

8d•$24 - $24

About The Position

Dungarvin’s Acute Behavioral Services group homes support individuals with complex mental health and behavioral needs, including people who may have experienced frequent crises, hospital stays, legal involvement, or failed placements. The homes provide a highly structured environment designed to promote safety. Staff use consistent, person-centered supports to help individuals work toward their goals and live as independently as possible. Training is provided in behavioral support and crisis response, including manual restraints when necessary. The Direct Support Professional provides direct support focused on safety, skill-building, and positive engagement. The role includes assisting with daily living skills and household tasks, supporting activities and community engagement, helping with transportation and appointments, and following individual behavior, treatment, medical, and nutrition plans. Staff document services and observations using electronic systems, monitor and communicate behavioral or health changes, follow safety and emergency procedures, and collaborate with colleagues and external partners. The position may also include assisting with medication administration tasks as allowed, participating in team meetings, and helping train new staff. The listed compensation is up to $24.00 per hour, with a fixed starting rate of $24 per hour. Select locations may be eligible for a retention bonus of up to $3,000; the bonus is not applicable to current Dungarvin employees.

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 lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
Ability to safely manage physically demanding situations.
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, professional written and verbal communication, including documentation.
Ability to work effectively in crisis situations and exercise sound judgment.
Ability to demonstrate problem-solving, consistency, time management, and independent prioritization skills.

Nice To Haves

At least three 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 such as T-logs, Therap, and health tracking systems.
Monitor behavioral changes, identify signs 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, safety protocols, emergency procedures, and individual support plans.
Participate in team meetings and provide feedback about individuals’ needs.
Assist in training new staff and model positive, professional behavior.
Collaborate with team members and external partners, including case managers, law enforcement, and mental health professionals.