Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Independent Living Program

• These positions support adults in their own homes through short, scheduled visits.
• Shifts are offered seven days a week and occur between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
• Each shift typically ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours and may be scheduled at different times throughout the day.
• Because services are individualized, shifts may not be back‑to‑back and may be spread across multiple days or times.
• This role is ideal for applicants seeking flexible, part‑time hours or supplemental work.

Residential Program

• These positions support several adults living together in a group home setting.
• Shifts are scheduled every week with every other Saturday and Sunday required.
• Shifts times include:
  • 8am-2pm
  • 2pm-10pm
  • 4pm-9pm
  • 10pm-8am (awake overnight)

The Direct Support Professional provides direct support, serves as an advocate, guide, teacher, and companion to persons with disabilities (referred to as “individuals” for the remainder of this document) in the Community Residential program with a goal of living as independently and safely as possible in the community in accordance with Person-Centered Plans and CSSP Addendums.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implement each individual’s program plan, which may include assisting both males and females with all personal cares including, but not limited to vital signs, assistance with activities of daily living, end of life care, medication administration, ostomy care, and urinary catheter care.
• Implement and follow through with behavior programs and document all appropriate information.
• Work with each individual on his or her individual objectives and personal goal areas.
• Support each individual’s activities of his or her choice at home, in the community and out of town. Activities may include swimming, going to church, shopping, driving, etc.
• Transport individuals to appointments and in the community while adhering to safe transportation policies.
• Provide information, opportunities, and support to develop interests and relationships of each individual.
• Communicate necessary information regarding each individual to appropriate teams and provide documentation as required.
• Provide a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for each individual by following the list of cleaning duties and safety procedures.
• Assist in the inventory, organizing, ordering, and putting away of supplies and groceries.
• Prepare and provide a variety of foods according to meal plans, which may include pork and pork products, special dietary needs, or individual preferences.
• Communicate any maintenance or household needs to appropriate staff in a timely manner.
• Ensure that at the start of each shift the appropriate charts, logs, and reports are read for updates. Chart the appropriate updates at the end of each shift and relay necessary information to other staff.
• Follow the health care plan as written for each individual, administer medication as scheduled, apply prescribed treatments and complete chart accurately and timely as directed.
• Perform in-depth personal cares, blood glucose monitoring, catheter cares, additional lifting/pulling, and end of life cares.
• Serve as trainer, coach, and mentor to other staff members.
• Perform medication check at the start and end of each shift.
• Accurately record hours worked.
• Attend and participate in required meetings and/or trainings.
• Maintain a professional and safe work environment and adhere to all organizational and department policies and procedures, specific safety standards and guidelines.
• Complete tasks correctly and on time.

Organizational Support:

• Adheres to the organization’s policies and procedures.
• Actively supports organization's mission, vision, and values.
• Benefits organization through outside activities.
• Supports affirmative action, respects diversity, and promote belonging.
• Demonstrates consideration and respect for the rights, feelings, and individuality of all people. 

Minimum Qualifications: 
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Experience and Educational Requirements:

• High School diploma or GED.
• Experience working with persons with developmental disability, cognitive/intellectual disability, or brain injury preferred.

Licensing and Certifications:

• Valid Minnesota driver’s license and proof of current automobile insurance.

Other Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must successfully pass the criminal background check.
• Must be willing to work with both males and females.
• Must be willing to work weekends and flexible hours.
• Must pass a Bear Creek Services medication administration course.

Wages & Training Pay

• Direct Support Professional (DSP):
  Starting regular wage is $19.00–$19.50 per hour.
  New hires begin at a training wage of $17.00 per hour. Upon successful completion of new hire training, wages will increase to the regular DSP rate.

• Direct Support Professional Aide (DSP Aide):
  For candidates who do not have a valid driver’s license, high school diploma, or GED, DSP Aide positions may be available.
  Starting regular wage is $17.00–$17.50 per hour, with a training wage of $15.00 per hour. Upon completion

We are an equal employment opportunity employer, and we encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, immigrants, people with disabilities, and veterans, to apply.