Direct Support Professional

Albertina Kerr Centers; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training program

Healthcare benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Albertina Kerr Centers in Salem is seeking a direct care role at a Ward Dr Group Home. You will work swing shift, helping youth with daily living tasks, routines, school prep, meals, and community activities to foster independence.

You will build safe relationships, respond to trauma-related behaviors, follow behavior support plans, and collaborate with families and care teams to deliver consistent, high-quality support. A compassionate, patient approach is essential.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Strong social skills.
• Ability to lift, push and pull 50 pounds.
• Basic cooking skills and willingness to learn new recipes.
• Basic cleaning skills.
• Flexibility and willingness to learn new skills.
• Prefer candidates who can work at least one weekend day.
• Able to meet background and reference checks and driving requirements (valid driver’s license; no more than two driving infractions in the last two years).

Responsibilities

• Build safe, trusting relationships with youth.
• Support daily living needs, including personal care.
• Help youth develop skills for independence and adulthood.
• Follow behavior support plans and ensure safety.
• Collaborate with families, medical professionals, and team members.
• Monitor health and well-being.
• Support youth in the community and across program needs.
• Occasionally assist at other group homes as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Social skills

Teamwork

Physical ability

Flexibility

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Ward Dr Group Home - Salem, OR 97305, Position Type: Full Time (30+ hours per week), Education Level: None, Salary Range: $20.00 - $20.00 Hourly, Job Shift: Swing, Job Category: IDD Residential Care, At Albertina Kerr, we believe that all people thrive in nurturing and inclusive communities. Our mission is to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health challenges to lead self-determined lives in their communities.

Shift: Thurs-Fri 1:30 pm-10:30 pm, Saturday 10:30 am-10:30 pm

You’ll help youth:

• Build social, emotional regulation, and advocacy skills
• Develop independence in daily living
• Strengthen relationships and community connections

Daily responsibilities vary but often include supporting morning and bedtime routines, school preparation, after-school activities, meals, and household tasks. You’ll also collaborate with families and care teams to ensure consistent, high-quality support.

At times, you may support youth who are dysregulated due to trauma or skill gaps. In these moments, you’ll model emotional regulation, use approved strategies to maintain safety, and focus on relationship-building and repair. We believe all people do well if they can, and your role is to support youth in building the skills they need to succeed.

We’re looking for people who:

• Center youth and meet them where they are—on both good and challenging days
• Provide consistency and positive adult support
• Are open to learning strategies for supporting dual diagnoses
• Understand the impact of trauma on behavior

In this role, you will:

• Build safe, trusting relationships with youth
• Support daily living needs, including personal care
• Help youth develop skills for independence and adulthood
• Follow behavior support plans and ensure safety
• Collaborate with families, medical professionals, and team members
• Monitor health and well-being
• Support youth in the community and across program needs
• Although assigned to a primary group home, support may be needed at other group homes.
• Other duties as assigned or needed.
• Position covered under SEIU Local 503 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Benefits

• Paid 2-week training program to teach you the skills you need
• 100% paid medical/dental/vision plans
• Paid holidays and generous paid time off

Qualifications

• At least 18 years old
• Great social skills
• Ability to lift, push and pull 50 pounds
• Knows basic cooking skills and willing to learn new recipes
• Knows basic cleaning skills
• Willing to be flexible and learn new skills
• Preference for applicants who can work at least one weekend day.
• Ability to meet background check, and reference check requirements, and organization's driving requirements of having a current and valid driver's license and no more than two driving infractions in the last two years.