Direct Support Professional

Dungarvin; Mora (MN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Dungarvin is seeking staff to provide direct support in ABS group homes for individuals with complex mental health and behavioral needs. You will work in a highly structured, safety-focused environment, following behavior support and treatment plans, and participate in crisis prevention and de-escalation as trained.

The role involves documenting observations and health concerns using electronic systems, assisting with daily living tasks, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team and family

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or GED and either 3 years of experience with individuals with chronic and severe mental illness or a degree in a mental-health-related field.
• Must be at least 18 years old (some programs require 21+), valid driver's license and auto insurance, and basic computer skills for electronic documentation systems.

Responsibilities

• 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 per behavior support plans, treatment plans, crisis-prevention strategies, de-escalation techniques, and manual restraint procedures as trained.
• Maintain a clean, safe, structured living environment and assist with daily living skills, 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 with supervisors and team during crisis or safety situations.
• Assist with appointments, medication administration tasks (as allowed), and follow medical and nutrition plans; participate in team meetings and training.

Skills

Crisis de-escalation

Documentation

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Degree in mental-health-related field

Tools

Therap

T-logs

Job description

About the Program:

Our Acute Behavioral Services (ABS) group homes support individuals with complex mental health and behavioral 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

Retention Bonus:

The retention bonus is not applicable for current Dungarvin employees.

9/17

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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.