Direct Support Professional

Icon Fitness; Alpena (MI); On-site; USD 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Center

24-hour on-site gym

Flexible Scheduling

Agency training opportunities

Job summary

NeMCMHA is seeking a Direct Support Professional to help individuals with disabilities live independently in Alpena and surrounding counties. You’ll provide hands-on support, teach essential life skills, and empower clients to participate in their communities.

Responsibilities include personal care, meal planning, medications assistance, documentation, and crisis de‑escalation using Gentle Teaching principles. A valid MI driver’s license and flexible schedules are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Knowledge of developmental disabilities desirable; lived experience valued.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be at least 18 years old and have a valid Michigan driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals with personal care and daily living activities.
• Teach skills for home maintenance, meal planning, shopping, and nutritious meals.
• Support access to community resources, appointments, and social activities.
• Provide medication assistance and physical support with devices.
• Encourage independence and document services, maintaining agency standards.

Skills

Gentle Teaching principles

Person-centered planning

Community integration

Confidentiality

Universal precautions

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Posted July 31 at 1:39 pmDirect Support ProfessionalUSD 17.59 Hour | 49707, Alpena, MI, United States CDirect Support Professional/Residential Training WorkerLocation: Alpena, Alcona, Presque Isle, and Montmorency CountiesStatus: Casual | Non-ExemptRate: $17.59BenefitsEmployee Assistance Center24-hour on-site gymFlexible SchedulingFree Agency training opportunitiesSummaryJoin Northeast Michigan Community Mental Health Authority (NeMCMHA) and help individuals with developmental disabilities, mental illness, or substance use disorders live independently and thrive in their communities. As a Direct Support Professional, you’ll provide hands-on support, teach essential life skills, and empower individuals to make choices that lead to a more integrated, fulfilling lifestyle.What You’ll DoAssist individuals with personal care and daily living activities.Teach skills for maintaining a home, meal planning, shopping, and preparing nutritious meals.Support individuals in accessing community resources, attending appointments, and participating in social activities.Provide safe and accurate medication assistance and physical support using assistive devices.Encourage independence and help individuals build natural supports and community friendships.Accurately document services and maintain compliance with agency standards.QualificationsEducation: High school diploma or GED preferred.Experience: Knowledge of developmental disabilities desirable; lived experience valued.Other Requirements:Strong verbal and written communication skills.Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment.Must be at least 18 years old.Valid Michigan driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and reliable transportation.Flexible availability for varied schedules.Ability to work collaboratively within a team setting.Essential SkillsEmbrace and practice Gentle Teaching principles.Promote person-centered planning and community integration.Remain calm under pressure and respond effectively to challenging behaviors.Maintain confidentiality, follow recipient rights, and apply universal precautions.Physical RequirementsAbility to walk, bend, stand, sit, lift up to 50 lbs., stretch/reach, hear, see, and drive. Reasonable accommodations will be provided as required by law.About UsNeMCMHA employs nearly 400 staff across 17 accredited programs serving Alpena, Alcona, Presque Isle, and Montmorency counties since 1968. We provide comprehensive services that empower individuals to live and work independently.Equal Opportunity EmployerWe do not discriminate based on race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, gender, height, weight, marital or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.