Direct Support Professional (DSP) | After School Child Care

About Empowered Services

Empowered Services is a one-on-one attendant care agency providing Activities of Daily Living (ADL) support and community-based services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in their own homes.

Our mission is to support individuals in building independence, engaging in their communities, and living meaningful, self-directed lives.

Position Overview

We are hiring a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to provide 1:1 after-school support for a child in the Portland, OR area.

In this role, you will:

• Provide structured, supportive care in the home and community


• Support communication, emotional regulation, and social interaction


• Encourage positive behaviors and skill development


• Provide consistent, calm guidance during challenging moments

This position is ideal for someone with ABA experience or a background in behavioral support, speech therapy, or related fields.

About the Individual You’ll Support

You will be supporting a child who:

• Enjoys playing with trucks and balls, listening to music, and being social with others


• Loves interacting with family and being around dogs/pets


• Is curious, friendly, and very social, and enjoys engaging with others


• Experiences frustration with communication, which can lead to emotional dysregulation or meltdowns


• Benefits from clear communication, structure, and patient, supportive guidance

This individual thrives with a provider who can help bridge communication gaps, support emotional regulation, and encourage safe, positive interactions.

Schedule

• Monday – Friday: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM (flexible)

Pay & Benefits

• $23–$25 per hour (based on experience and qualifications)

Full-time employees (30+ hours/week) are eligible for:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance


• 401(k) with employer match


• Paid Time Off (PTO)

Key Responsibilities

• Provide ADL support and structured after-school routines


• Support communication development and social interaction


• Implement behavioral support strategies (ABA-informed approaches preferred)


• Assist with emotional regulation and transitions


• Maintain safety awareness (including supervision and boundary-setting)


• Engage in play-based and social activities


• Communicate updates with care teams and document services


• Maintain a consistent, structured, and supportive environment

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older


• High school diploma or equivalent


• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation


• Current auto insurance (meeting state requirements)


• Ability to pass a background check (not all records are disqualifying)


• Comfortable providing personal care support

Preferred (strongly encouraged):

• Experience with ABA, behavioral therapy, or speech therapy support


• Experience supporting individuals with autism or I/DD


• Background in childcare, education, or behavioral health


• CPR/First Aid certification

Why Join Empowered Services?

• Consistent after-school schedule


• 1:1 client-focused care


• Opportunity to gain experience in behavioral and developmental support


• Supportive and professional team


• Meaningful, relationship-based work

Apply Today

If you are patient, structured, and passionate about supporting children through behavioral and communication-focused care, we encourage you to apply for this Behavioral Support Specialist (DSP) role.