Direct Support Crisis Specialist – Portland area

State of Oregon; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 50,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

AFSCME union benefits

Cost of living adjustments

Annual salary increases

Pension plan

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking a Direct Support Crisis Specialist for the Portland area. You will provide direct care in a 24/7 residential group home and support individuals with daily activities, health needs, and community participation.

You may work various shifts, including days, evenings, nights, and weekends. The role requires appropriate experience or education in human services and offers a comprehensive benefits package with state employment protections.

Qualifications

• 18 months of direct care or related human services experience or an Associate/higher degree in a related field.
• Experience with documenting client information and care plans.
• Experience following written and verbal instructions and coordinating with nursing staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care in a 24/7 residential group home.
• Administer medications under nursing staff direction and medical orders.
• Document and track care, observations, and progress.
• Assist with activities of daily living and community access.
• Prepare meals and perform housekeeping tasks.
• Maintain confidentiality and effective communication with team.

Skills

Direct care

Clear communication

Safety awareness

Education

Associate or higher degree in human services

Tools

Therap

Microsoft Office

Internet

Job description

Initial Posting Date: 10/21/2026 Application Deadline: / Agency: Department of Human Services Salary Range: $4,519.00 - $5,712.00 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Direct Support Crisis Specialist – Portland area

The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

Salary Note: The pay listed on this job posting is the base monthly salary range for full-time work. The salary for employees working other than full time will vary based on the hours worked. Hourly salary range is: $26.07 - $32.95.

We have residential group homes in the Portland area, Salem area, Newberg/Brooks area, Lebanon, and Eugene.

Job Overview

The Stabilization and Crisis Unit (SACU) is looking to fill permanent, full-time, Direct Support Crisis Specialist openings as they occur in our residential group homes located in the Portland area. This job posting is open until further notice. We will review applications every two weeks. This is an ongoing selection process, and we will be scheduling interviews throughout the process.

Shift Options

You may be offered a job for any of the following shifts depending on what openings are available at that time: days, evenings, nights, weekends, vacation relief, or other various shifts.

Shift Definitions

• Day shift is a set schedule from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5 days in a row, with 2 days off.
• Evening shift is a set schedule from 1:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., 5 days in a row, with 2 days off.
• Night shift is a set schedule from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., 4 days in a row, with 3 days off.
• Vacation Relief shift has varied hours, shifts, and days off. Vacation Relief (VR) will not be scheduled for more than 8 hours unless filling in for a 10-hour shift, a 13 hour and 20-minute shift, a 16-hour shift, or unless mutually agreed with management. Every good faith effort shall be made to allow 10 hours between shifts. VR may waive this obligation.
• Float Pool shift consists of 8-hour shifts unless mutually agreed upon with management to work other shifts (i.e., a 16-hour shift, a 13-hour and 20-minute shift, 4 - 10-hour shifts, etc.). Schedules will be set for periods of 30 days at a time, location of shift within the island will vary depending on the need for staffing. An island consists of 2 to 4 houses. Employees will be notified of a shift change 10 days in advance when possible but in no instances shall employees be given less than a 7-day notice unless mutually agreed upon. Float Pool Staff shall receive an additional 10% above their base pay for the duration of the assignment. Float Pool Staff will be considered for working at another location (portability) within the island first even if they are working an overtime shift.

Summary of Duties

• Provide direct care and/or support in a 24-hour, 7 days per week residential group home to children and adults in behavioral supports, safety, personal care, nutrition, housekeeping, health care, and other daily activities within the home and the community.
• Provide supports in a manner that honors the wishes and culture of the individuals supported while maintaining health and safety.
• Assist individuals with accessing their community and encourage participation in educational and recreational activities.
• Make observations and document individuals’ activities, behavior, and progress.
• Administer medications and treatments under the direction of nursing staff and medical professionals.
• Assist individuals with activities of daily living and hygiene needs which may include personal care, bathing, toileting, and feeding.
• Document and track all aspects of care, answer phones, and maintain confidentiality.
• Prepare meals and complete housekeeping tasks.

Minimum Qualifications

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.
• Eighteen months of experience providing direct individual care or training in a related field of human services (i.e., providing assistance to supported individuals or groups with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental and physical disabilities, or substance abuse).
• OR An Associate or higher-level degree in a related human services field.
• OR A combination of education and experience as defined above.
• Experience Note: Your paid or unpaid caregiving experience or experience volunteering with seniors, children, or people with disabilities may help you to meet the qualifications for these positions. This experience may include making and attending medical or psychiatric appointments, medication assistance, assisting with daily personal care, assisting with activities of daily living, such as: personal or grocery shopping, doing housework, cooking, and providing transportation, etc.
• Lived experience may substitute for up to 6 months of the required experience. Experience must be included in your materials for it to be considered.

Essential Attributes

• Experience following written and verbal instructions.
• Experience communicating clearly in writing and directly with a variety of individuals and adjusting your communication style to meet the needs and communication style of the recipient.
• Experience resolving conflicts in a professional and timely manner.
• Experience using computers, tablets, and cell phones for documenting, reporting, and communicating information (e.g., Internet, Microsoft Office applications, Therap, etc.).
• Experience being a dependable resource for a team to achieve a common goal.
• Experience following behavior and mental health supports and/or medical orders.
• Experience monitoring and/or assisting individuals who experience mental, emotional, behavior, physical or medical challenges.

Benefits

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
• Amazing benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• These positions are part of the Police and Fire pension plan, which allows you to retire with full benefits after 25 years of service.
• A variety of resources and benefits are offered through the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union.

Employment Preference – Veterans & Oregon National Guard

Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference.

General Information

These are permanent, full-time positions and are represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union. This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

Working Conditions

You must have a valid license to drive, and you must have and maintain an acceptable driving record to transport individuals by state van or car. You will work in a residential group home environment, which is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You will work in a variety of settings both within the residential group homes and in the community. Expect work hours and shifts in this position to include any shift, including weekends, nights, and holidays depending on your assigned work schedule. You must be able to work occasional overtime to ensure adequate staffing requirements. You will occasionally be transferred to work shifts at other nearby worksites. You will work with individuals who experience an intellectual and/or developmental disability (I/DD) and co‑occurring mental health disorder. You will have frequent contact with individuals requiring alertness and sensitivity to their needs. At times you will be exposed to individuals who are justice‑involved or committed, and/or individuals who may often experience a trauma response or crisis that may be communicated in significant emotional or physical behaviors towards themselves or others. There is frequent daily lifting up to 75 pounds involving transferring, positioning and moving individuals and/or moving program supplies. You will frequently squat, bend, and stoop. You must be able to engage and maintain Oregon Intervention System (OIS) approved restraints for one (1) hour or less.

Background Checks and Requirements

If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I‑9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E‑Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. The Department of Human Services is a drug free workplace. All applicants will be subject to drug testing for Narcotics, Methamphetamine, and other controlled substances. Your driving record must meet the qualifications of the ODHS SACU Driving Policy and will be considered unacceptable for offenses, including, but not limited to any misdemeanor or felony traffic offense in the last 24 months.

Training and Certifications

• First Aid/CPR Certification – Requiring you to complete compressions in a kneeling position.
• Oregon Intervention System (OIS) Certification – Requiring you to physically hold an individual for safety while maintaining an approved restraint on clients which may involve quick movements, changes in physical positioning, and verbal communication with coworkers.
• Medication Administration Certification – Requiring you to demonstrate competency in completing doctor's orders, appropriate passing of medications to clients, appropriate documentation, and appropriate procedures for emergencies.

About Oregon State Government

Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative. We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon “flies with her own wings.”