Direct Support Professional

LifeScape; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

LifeScape in Sioux Falls, SD is seeking Direct Support Professionals to help adults with disabilities live as independently as possible. This hands-on role emphasizes dignity, respect, and choice, with focus on movement, problem-solving, teamwork, and meaningful human connection.

The 12-hour shift model offers predictability and balance; front-half and back-half options, weekend premiums. You will follow care plans, assist with daily tasks, support community involvement, attend medical

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Prior experience with disabilities or challenging behaviors preferred.
• Successful completion of agency training and background check may be required.

Responsibilities

• Support adults with disabilities to live as independently as possible.
• Follow Individual Service Plans and help reach personal goals.
• Assist with daily living activities and personal care as trained.
• Attend medical appointments and communicate changes to the care team.
• Maintain accurate documentation and reports and ensure safety.

Skills

Compassionate care

Excellent communication

Teamwork

Independent working

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Work 3 Days - Make a Difference - More Time for Life

What This Role Is Really About

As a Direct Support Professional, you’ll support adults with disabilities to live as independently as possible, while treating every person with dignity, respect, and choice. This is hands‑on, active work for people who enjoy movement, problem‑solving, teamwork, and meaningful human connection.

You Will

• Support individuals with their daily lives — not do things for them
• Follow Individual Service Plans (ISP) and help people reach personal goals
• Encourage independence through skill‑building and everyday teaching moments
• Assist with personal care (meals, hygiene, positioning, transfers)
• Support community involvement, recreation, work activities, and transportation
• Provide medication support (as trained and authorized)
• Attend medical appointments and communicate changes to the care team
• Respond calmly and confidently during emergencies
• Maintain accurate documentation and reports
• Create a safe, positive, respectful environment every shift

The 3-Day Work Week

Our fixed 12-hour shift model gives you predictability and balance:

Schedule Options

• Front‑Half: Sunday– Tuesday
• Back‑Half: Thursday– Saturday

Shift Times Start for Day Hours between 7AM-9AM and end at 7PM-9PM.

• You’ll work about 12 days per month
• Fixed schedules — same days, same locations, same people
• Premium pay for weekend shifts (Saturday & Sunday)

This model lets you build strong relationships with the people you support without burnout.

This Is a Physically Active Role

This job is ideal for someone who likes to stay moving and can handle physical demands safely and professionally.

You Must Be Able To

• Stand, walk, move, and remain active for extended periods
• Kneel on one knee or two and stand back up unassisted
• Transition smoothly between standing, kneeling, squatting, and bending
• Push, pull, and lift up to 50 lbs. using proper body mechanics
• Assist with transfers and positioning as needed
• Perform repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements
• React quickly and safely in dynamic situations
• Use PPE when required (gloves, masks, gowns, etc.)

You’ll work both indoors and outdoors in active environments — no desk‑bound days here.

Skills That Matter

• Compassionate, patient, and respectful
• Comfortable following plans, routines, and safety procedures
• Strong communicators (written and verbal)
• Team‑oriented but able to work independently
• Willing to learn and complete required training
• Reliable, punctual, and accountable

Requirements

Education and Experience

High school diploma or GED equivalency is required. Must be 18 years of age or older. Valid driver’s license with clean driving record. May require training/testing to drive accessible vehicle. Prior experience working with children or adults with disabilities or challenging behaviors preferred. Successful completion and certification in training provided by agency within specific time allotment required.

All positions require a clear background check and drug screen upon conditional offer.

Why Work for Us?

We Are Driven by Our Mission

Empowering people to live their best life.

We Have a Vision for Our Future

LifeScape will be an innovative organization, providing exceptional services and creative solutions for people with varied needs and complex care across their life span. Through collaborative partnerships, LifeScape will become a destination for research, and the development, implementation, and training of technology‑based solutions to improve the lives of people we support.

We Lead with Shared Values

Integrity - Compassion - Respect - Safety and Wellbeing - Fiscal Responsibility - Excellence - Accountability

Note: Job postings are not exhaustive lists of all skills, responsibilities, or efforts associated with a job. They reflect principal job elements essential for performing the job and evaluating performance. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

LifeScape is an Affinitive Action and Equal Opportunity Employer of females, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class.

LifeScape is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program