Direct Support Professional

Advocates for Life Skills & Opportunity Inc.; Pendleton (OR); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with employer matching

Paid holidays

Paid training

Flexible scheduling

Life insurance

Job summary

Advocates for Life Skills & Opportunity Inc. in Pendleton, Oregon, is seeking a Direct Support Professional to provide 1:1 support in home and community settings. This part-time role offers paid training and opportunities to grow within a nonprofit that serves people with disabilities.

No prior experience is required; paid training will be provided and a strong heart for helping others is valued. The position includes evening hours and the potential for career advancement within ALSO.

Qualifications

• Driver license highly preferred.
• Be dependable and punctual; able to meet schedule requirements.
• Ability to lift, push/pull, and transfer up to 50 lbs.
• Clear, effective communication in documentation and collaboration with team members.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate strong, supportive connections with individuals receiving services.
• Advocate for autonomy and inclusion of the individuals we support.
• Assist with daily living tasks and provide support in home and community settings.
• Ensure proper documentation (MAR, ISP data) to meet compliance standards.

Skills

Relationship building

Advocacy

Direct support

Documentation

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Direct Support Professional

Advocates for Life Skills & Opportunity Inc. Pendleton, Oregon, United States

About this position

About Advocates for Life Skills & Opportunity (ALSO)

Founded in 1997, Advocates for Life Skills & Opportunity (ALSO) is one of Oregon's leading nonprofit providers of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We proudly serve individuals and families across 11 Oregon counties, delivering person-centered supports in homes, workplaces, schools, and communities.

At ALSO, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live, work, and participate fully in their community. Every day, our team helps people build meaningful lives through individualized supports that promote independence, choice, and inclusion.

Our Mission

To promote the full inclusion of people experiencing disabilities in the life of their community.

Our Vision

We envision a future where all people—including those living with intellectual and developmental disabilities—are fully included as valued members of their communities. We strive to provide equitable access to services and supports that reflect the preferences, goals, and values of each person, empowering self-determination, independence, meaningful employment, and a fulfilling quality of life.

Our Values

Our values shape every interaction—with the people we support, our teammates, and our communities.

TrustWe communicate with honesty, transparency, and integrity while fostering a safe and supportive environment.

TeamworkWe collaborate to bring out the best in one another and achieve meaningful outcomes together.

InnovationWe embrace creativity, curiosity, and new ideas to continuously improve the way we serve others.

DignityWe honor each person's inherent worth and right to make choices about their own life.

RespectWe treat every individual with kindness, compassion, and appreciation.

AccountabilityWe take ownership of our actions, deliver on our commitments, and continuously pursue excellence.

HumilityWe recognize that we are part of something bigger than ourselves and grow through learning, gratitude, and service.

Our Services

Employment Services

We partner with people to identify meaningful career opportunities and provide customized employment supports that foster long-term success and independence in the workplace.

Residential Services

Our residential programs provide individualized supports that help people live safely, independently, and as active members of their communities while honoring each person's goals and preferences. This is 24 hour supports working in a home setting with multiple people.

Supported Living & In-Home Services

We provide customized supports that help people maintain independence in their own homes and communities. Services are tailored to each individual's unique needs and personal goals. These are one on one supports in people's homes and communities.

Children's Services

Our Children's Services focus on helping children thrive in safe, nurturing, and supportive environments. We promote growth, independence, and meaningful community participation. This is 24 hour supports in a home setting with 2 to 3 children living together.

At ALSO, we believe in investing in the people who invest in our mission. Eligible employees may enjoy:

• Medical and dental insurance
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Generous vacation time and sick leave
• Double Time Paid Holidays (5 Holidays)
• Employer provided Life Insurance for full time employees
• Voluntary life insurance
• Voluntary short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Peer-to-peer recognition and bonus programs
• Milestone service recognition
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Public Service Loan Eligibility

Join a team where your work makes a lasting impact every day. At ALSO, you'll build meaningful relationships, grow professionally, and help create more inclusive communities throughout Oregon.

Job Description

1:1 Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Pendleton, Oregon.

Part time Monday - Friday 4pm to 8pm

Pay: $18.00 to $19.50 an hour, depending on experience, education and veteran status

Are you someone who finds meaning in supporting others to live full, self-directed lives? Promote connection, inclusion, and growth for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and start a fulfilling career with ALSO!

Who We Are:

Since 1997, ALSO has been committed to fostering independence and community inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our Supported Living Services program empowers people to choose how, where, and with whom they live, with personalized support that enables them to thrive in their communities. Our services are expanding, and we are seeking heart-centered individuals to join our team of advocates!

Position Overview: .

No previous experience is required — we provide paid training for people who bring curiosity, dependability, and a heart for helping others. If you're drawn to social services, advocacy, or relationship-centered work, this role offers a meaningful way to make a difference in someone’s everyday life while growing your professional skills and being part of a department that is actively growing and expanding!

Key Responsibilities:

• Relationship Building: Cultivate strong, supportive connections with individuals receiving services and provide backup support coverage when needed.
• Advocacy: Prioritize the needs, interests, and goals of the individuals we support, advocating for their autonomy and inclusion.
• Direct Support: Assist with hygiene and medical support as needed, and daily living tasks (i.e. cooking, cleaning, activity planning) both in the home and out in the broader community.
• Compliance & Documentation: Ensure proper documentation (MAR, T-Logs, ISP data) is maintained to meet compliance standards.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Starting Pay: $18.00 - $19.50 per hour, based on experience, education, and Veteran status.
• Paid Training: Earn while enhancing your skills.
• Paid Holidays: 10 days, including a special "YAY Day" for your birthday.
• Comprehensive Insurance: Health, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
• Generous Leave: Vacation and sick time accruals, Paid Time Off with payout option.
• Referral bonus: Up to $500 per referral!
• Retirement Plan: Generous employer-matching for traditional or Roth 401k.
• Employee Assistance Program: 24/7 access to counseling, legal, financial advice, and more.
• Parental Leave
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Recognition Program
• Career Development
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligible.

Qualifications:

• Driver license highly preferred;
• Be dependable and punctual;
• able to meet schedule requirements which may include evenings, weekends, and/or overnights;
• willing to work some holidaysAbility to make sound decisions and work without direct supervision, demonstrating initiative and responsibility;
• Clear, effective communication in both documentation and collaboration with team members, managers, individuals supported, their families, and other providers.
• Be able to lift, transfer, push/pull, maneuver and reposition 50 lbs.;
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent and be 18+ year old

All candidates considered for employment are required to successfully pass a comprehensive background check prior to joining ALSO and ongoing every two years.

Why Join ALSO?

At ALSO, we do work of the heart. This meaningful work brings out the bold, the compassionate, and the passionate. By joining our team, you will play a crucial role in helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live fulfilling lives, achieve their goals, and become integral parts of their communities. Join us in making a real difference.

Make Heart Work YOUR Work.