1st Shift Direct Support Professional

Indiana Development Training Center of Lafayette LLC; Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Retirement Plan

Health & Wellness Plans

PTO Accrual

ESOP

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

PerkSpot Discounts

Job summary

T.C. Harris School & Academy, a MyPath Company, is hiring Direct Support Professionals to provide care, supervision, and engagement for students in living, school, and community settings.

The role emphasizes building relationships, teaching life skills, and ensuring safety in a structured environment. The position offers hands-on work in residential and school settings with opportunity for growth, requiring compassion, reliability, and the ability to implement approved intervention techniques.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a high school diploma or GED.
• Experience working with individuals with special needs, especially in residential or school settings, preferred.
• Ongoing participation in in‑service training is required.

Responsibilities

• Direct care, supervision, and engagement of students in residential, educational, and community settings; assist with daily living tasks and teach life skills.
• Participate in school activities as a classroom aide and support educational tasks and behavior management during school hours.
• Ensure safety by implementing procedures and using crisis intervention techniques when necessary; document incidents and observations.
• Maintain open communication with teachers, therapists, and supervisors; attend team meetings and support treatment planning.

Skills

Calm under pressure

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Independent worker

Physical intervention

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Majority Women Employee-Owned. Empowered by Everyone to Transform Lives.

Overview

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of others? Do you enjoy guiding and supporting individuals in a therapeutic, team-based environment? T.C. Harris School & Academy, a MyPath Company, provides residential, educational, and community-based services for children and young adults with emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. Our mission is to promote growth, independence, and a high quality of life for the individuals we serve.

Job Summary

We are seeking compassionate and dedicated Direct Support Professionals (DSP) to join our team. In this role, you will provide support, supervision, and engagement to students in their living, school, and community environments. You will play an integral role in building relationships, teaching life skills, and ensuring the safety and well-being of our students. This position offers an opportunity to work hands‑on in a supportive, structured environment and make a lasting impact in the lives of others.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct Care & Student Support Provide supervision, engagement, and mentorship to students in residential, educational, and community settings. Assist students with daily living tasks such as hygiene, meals, and personal care. Model and teach appropriate behaviors and coping strategies. Support students in developing and practicing social, emotional, and life skills.
• Education & Activity Support Participate in school‑day activities as a classroom aide. Assist with educational tasks and behavioral support during school hours. Plan and lead recreational and community‑based activities. Encourage goal setting and achievement through structured programming.
• Safety & Incident Management Implement safety procedures and respond appropriately to emergency situations. Use approved crisis intervention techniques when necessary. Accurately document incidents, daily summaries, and observations.
• Team Collaboration & Communication Maintain open communication with teachers, therapists, and supervisors regarding student progress and concerns. Attend team meetings and contribute to treatment planning. Promote a collaborative and respectful work environment.

Schedule

1st Shift - 7:00am to 3:00pm Weekend shifts required on a rotating basis. Holiday shifts required as part of the rotation. Flexibility required to meet student and program needs.

Comprehensive Employee Benefits Package

At T.C. Harris School & Academy, a MyPath Company, we are committed to supporting our employees' well‑being, financial security, and professional growth. Our benefits package includes:

• Financial & Retirement Benefits 401(k) Retirement Plan with MyPath
• Financial Wellness Resources
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• On‑demand Access to Earned Wages
• Student Loan Pay Down Assistance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health & Wellness Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision Plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Life & Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance Options
• Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• My Voyage Wellness Program
• Work‑Life Balance & Additional Perks
• Paid Time Off (PTO) Accrual
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Childcare Search Assistance
• Employee Discount Program via PerkSpot
• Pet Insurance Discount

Qualifications

Education & Experience

Minimum of a high school diploma or GED. Experience working with individuals with special needs, especially in residential or school settings, preferred. Ongoing participation in in‑service training is required.

Required Skills & Attributes

Ability to maintain a calm and effective demeanor in emergency and stressful situations. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. Ability to work independently and as part of a team to deliver high‑quality care. Ability to effectively implement approved physical intervention techniques.

Additional Requirements

Must be at least 21 years old. Must possess a valid Driver's License and have an acceptable driving record. Willingness to work with residents in a variety of settings, including community outings

Additional Information

MyPath and its Operating Companies provide specialized services and dignified care for children, adolescents and adults with special needs. Our companies provide a spectrum of services and support which promote the ability of those we serve to live as independently as possible in the community.

MyPath is composed of a beautifully diverse spectrum of employees with different characteristics, abilities, and life experiences. We believe that equitable, diverse, and inclusive practices in our workspaces are integral to the existence of MyPath. We value our diverse spectrum of Owners, the individuals we serve and the communities we encounter. Our success as an organization is directly proportional to our ability to create belonging and genuinely engage our Owners and potential Owners. We ask for demographic information so that we can be intentional in supporting our Owners best. Although not required, we would appreciate you sharing to help our commitment of cultivating a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and belonging MyPath.

Our Culture

At MyPath, we support an ownership culture throughout the organization. Our culture is based on our five beliefs and behaviors: Passion Accountability Teamwork Openness Continuous Learning and Innovation. As an employee owner, you can expect transparency, respect and appreciation. You’ll impact the place you work and map a career within MyPath. With your passion and our breadth of services, your options are nearly limitless! MyPath is proudly Majority Women Employee‑Owned, with women leading at every level from the frontline to the boardroom. Our strength comes from all of us. Every Owner, regardless of gender, plays a vital role in shaping our culture, driving our mission, and building a workplace where opportunity and ownership are shared by all. MyPath is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We embrace the unique characteristics, abilities, and life experiences of our employees and believe that equitable and inclusive practices are essential to our success. We value the diversity of our Owners, the individuals we serve and the communities we engage with. If you find fulfillment in helping others and want opportunities to build a career, MyPath may be your path to a promising future. Explore 150 MyPath locations to find a place and career that fits you. At MyPath, our guiding principle is passion: a passion for the people we serve and for the work we do. MyPath provides specialized services and dignified care for children, adolescents and adults with disabilities, mental health issues, and other significant needs. Operating since 1984, MyPath includes eight companies that serve over 2,000 individuals from around the country, in more than 150 program locations throughout Wisconsin and Indiana, across 48 communities. Our array of services includes a spectrum of educational, therapeutic and community supports to allow those we serve to live full and productive lives in the community—to find their path. MyPath is proud to be a 100% employee owned company (ESOP). At MyPath our caregivers are also our owners!