Direct Support Professional

Dungarvin; Cloquet (MN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Dungarvin is seeking a compassionate direct-support professional to assist individuals with intensive behavioral and mental-health needs in structured group home settings.

You will follow behavior support plans, document observations, and help residents with daily living, transportation, and community engagement while maintaining safety and professional conduct.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• 1
• Experience with individuals with chronic mental illness or a related degree is required.
• Must be at least 18 years old (some programs require 21+).
• Valid driver’s license and auto insurance.
• Basic computer skills and ability to use electronic documentation systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support focused on safety, skill-building, and positive engagement.
• Follow behavior support and treatment plans, and crisis-prevention strategies.
• Maintain a clean, safe living environment and assist with daily living tasks.
• Document services and observations using electronic systems accurately.
• Monitor behavioral changes and escalate as needed with supervisors.
• Support families, assist with appointments, and follow nutrition plans.
• Participate in team meetings and train new staff while modeling professional behavior.
• Maintain home safety and follow all emergency procedures.

Skills

Crisis management

Documentation

Team collaboration

Communication (written)

Judgment under pressure

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Mental-health-related degree (optional)

Tools

Electronic documentation systems (T-logs)

Therap

Job description

About the Program

Our Acute Behavioral Services (ABS) group homes support individuals with complex mental health and behavioural needs. Many of the people we serve have experienced frequent crises, hospital stays, or legal involvement. They may have a history of failed placements and need a highly structured environment to succeed.

Our homes are specially designed for safety, and our approach is consistent, person-centered, and focused on helping individuals reach their goals while maintaining safety for everyone. Due to the challenging nature of this work, staff receive training in behavioral support and crisis response, including the use of manual restraints when necessary.

What You’ll Do

• Provide direct support to individuals with intensive behavioral and mental-health needs, using person-centered approaches focused on safety, skill-building, and positive engagement.
• Support individuals in accordance with behavior support plans, treatment plans, crisis-prevention strategies, de-escalation techniques, and manual restraint procedures as trained.
• Maintain a clean, safe, structured living environment; assist with daily living skills, household tasks, activities, transportation, and community engagement.
• Accurately document services, behavioral observations, health concerns, and program activities using electronic systems (T-logs, Therap, health tracking).
• Monitor behavioral changes, identify escalation indicators, and communicate proactively with supervisors and team members during crisis or safety situations.
• Support family and personal contacts, assist with appointments, medication administration tasks (as allowed), and follow all medical and nutrition plans.
• Participate in team meetings, provide feedback on individuals’ needs, and assist in training new staff while modeling positive, professional behavior.
• Maintain home safety, follow emergency procedures, and ensure compliance with protocols and individual support plans.

Required (Must-Have)

• High school diploma or GED
• 3 years minimum of experience working with individuals with chronic and severe mental illness OR a degree in a mental-health-related field
• Must be at least 18 years of age; some programs require employees to be 21 years of age or older
• Valid driver’s license and proof of auto insurance
• Basic computer skills and ability to use electronic documentation systems

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to safely manage physically demanding situations

Skills & Abilities

• Follow behavior support plans, treatment plans, functional assessments, and person-centered plans
• Use crisis prevention, de-escalation, redirection, and manual restraints as trained
• Communicate clearly and professionally in writing and verbally, including documentation
• Work effectively in crisis situations and exercise sound judgment
• Collaborate with team members and external partners (case managers, law enforcement, mental health professionals)
• Demonstrate strong problem-solving, consistency, time-management, and independent prioritization skills

Dungarvin is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, national origin, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any legally protected status per federal and/or state law.

Retention Bonus: The retention bonus is not applicable for current Dungarvin employees.

9/4 #DMNJ