Direct Support Professional (1:1 Community Services, In-home)

Advocates for Life Skills and Opportunity•Portland, OR

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

1:1 Direct Support Professional (DSP) Are you someone who finds meaning in supporting others to live full, self-directed lives? Promote connection, inclusion, and growth for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and start a fulfilling career with ALSO! Who We Are: Since 1997, ALSO has been committed to fostering independence and community inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our Supported Living Services program empowers people to choose how, where, and with whom they live, with personalized support that enables them to thrive in their communities. Our services are expanding, and we are seeking heart-centered individuals to join our team of advocates! Position Overview: As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in ALSO’s Community Services program, you’ll work 1:1 with adults and youth who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities to support their autonomy, health, and community involvement. The work of a DSP is active and dynamic – we meet people where they are and support them to build life skills, pursue their goals, and be active in the life of their community. While this role involves a high degree of autonomy, you’ll also be part of a larger team that’s here to train, support, and collaborate with you. ALSO supports people who live throughout the Portland Metro area. We are currently seeking part-time DSPs to support youth after school (~1:30pm - 8pm) and on weekends for families living in the Portland Metro area, especially SW, NE and SE Portland, and Happy Valley. No previous experience is required — we provide paid training for people who bring curiosity, dependability, and a heart for helping others. If you're drawn to social services, advocacy, or relationship-centered work, this role offers a meaningful way to make a difference in someone’s everyday life while growing your professional skills and being part of a department that is actively growing and expanding!

Requirements

Driver license highly preferred
Be dependable and punctual; able to meet schedule requirements which may include evenings, weekends, and/or overnights; willing to work some holidays
Ability to make sound decisions and work without direct supervision, demonstrating initiative and responsibility.
Clear, effective communication in both documentation and collaboration with team members, managers, individuals supported, their families, and other providers.
Be able to lift, transfer, push/pull, maneuver and reposition 50 lbs.
Must have a high school diploma or equivalent and be 18+ year old
All candidates considered for employment are required to successfully pass a comprehensive background check prior to joining ALSO and ongoing every two years.

Responsibilities

Relationship Building: Cultivate strong, supportive connections with individuals receiving services and provide backup support coverage when needed.
Advocacy: Prioritize the needs, interests, and goals of the individuals we support, advocating for their autonomy and inclusion.
Direct Support: Assist with hygiene and medical support as needed, and daily living tasks (i.e. cooking, cleaning, activity planning) both in the home and out in the broader community.
Compliance & Documentation: Ensure proper documentation (MAR, T-Logs, ISP data) is maintained to meet compliance standards.

Benefits

Starting Pay: $18.50 - $20 per hour, based on experience, education, and Veteran status.
Paid Training
Paid Holidays: 10 days, including a special “YAY Day” for your birthday.
Comprehensive Insurance: Health, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
Generous Leave: Vacation and sick time accruals, Paid Time Off with payout option.
Retention bonus: $250 after 6 months
Referral bonus: Up to $500 per referral!
Retirement Plan: Generous employer-matching for traditional or Roth 401k
Employee Assistance Program: 24/7 access to counseling, legal, financial advice, and more.
Parental Leave
Flexible Spending Accounts
Employee Recognition Program
Career Development
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligible.