Direct Support Professional

Dungarvin; Spring Valley (KY); On-site; USD 27,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Starting wage $24/hr

Retention bonus up to $3,000

Medical, Vision, Dental benefits

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

Mileage reimbursement

Paid training & orientation

Tapcheck access

Job summary

Dungarvin is hiring a Mental Health Specialist II to provide direct support to individuals with intensive behavioral and mental-health needs. You will follow individualized plans, document care, and work within a structured team to ensure safety and progress.

The role involves crisis-prevention, de-escalation, and collaboration with case managers and staff to empower individuals toward independence. Training is provided to equip you for challenging behaviors.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience with individuals with chronic and severe mental illness preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years old; some programs require 21+.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to individuals with intensive behavioral/mental-health needs.
• Follow behavior support plans and crisis-prevention strategies.
• Maintain a clean, safe living environment and assist with daily living tasks.
• Document services and health concerns using electronic systems.
• Monitor behavioral changes and communicate with supervisors during crises.
• Assist with appointments, medication administration tasks as allowed.
• Support families and personal contacts and help in training new staff.
• Maintain home safety and follow emergency procedures.

Skills

Compassionate care

Crisis intervention

Documentation

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Company Description

WhyDungarvin?
As part of our team,you’llenjoy a range of exciting benefits and opportunities:

• - Fixed Starting Rate: $24/hr.
• - Bonus: Select locations may be eligible for up to $3,000 retention bonus!
• - Comprehensive Benefits : Medical, Vision, Dental Insurance (for FT employees), Supplemental Insurance, Life Insurance, and more!
• - Retirement Savings : 401(k) with up to a 3% employer match
• - Paid TimeOff thatincreaseswith tenure; Including PTO Donation options
• - Employee Perks: National Brand Discounts, Employee Referral Program, and access toTapcheck(get 50% of your pay before payday)
• - Growth & Development : Access to career growth opportunities, paid training, and mentorship
• - Mileage Reimbursement for travel
• - Paid Training and Orientation : Training provided to ensureyou’reequipped to handle challenging behaviors.

Join Our Passionate Team as a Mental Health Specialist II – Make a Lasting Impact Every Day!

AtDungarvin, we are more than a provider of support services—we’rea mission-driven team rooted in respect,response,and choice. Since 1976, we’ve been dedicated to meeting people where they are, working alongside them to provideperson-centeredsupportsthatallowpeople to live independently as possible.You’llwork directly with people in need ofassistance, and/or living with intellectual or developmental disabilities, or other complex medical needs.

With services in 17states, our team is united by a shared commitment to making a real difference—one person, one voice, one choice at a time.We encourage you to embrace this opportunity toimpactsomeone’s life.

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.

WhatYou’llDo:

• - 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;assistwith 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,identifyescalation indicators, and communicate proactively with supervisors and team members during crisis or safety situations.
• - Support family and personal contacts,assistwith appointments, medication administration tasks (as allowed), and follow all medical and nutrition plans.
• - Participate in team meetings, provide feedback on individuals’ needs, andassistin trainingnew staffwhile modeling positive, professional behavior.
• - Maintain home safety, follow emergency procedures, and ensure compliance with protocols and individual support plans.

Qualifications

• - High school diploma or GED required
• - 3 years minimumof experience working with individuals with chronic and severe mental illnesspreferred
• - Must be at least 18 years of age; some programs require employees to be 21 years of age or older
• - Valid driver’s licenseand proof of auto insurance
• - Basic computer skills and ability to use electronic documentation systems

Physical Requirements

• - Ability tolift upto 50lbs
• - 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

Ifyou’repassionate about making a difference, we want to hear from you! AtDungarvin, we support one another and provide the training and tools you need to succeed. Join our team and help us empower individuals to lead their best lives.

Additional Information

We believe in supporting not only those we serve but also each other, ensuring a collaborative and supportive work environment for all. 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.

11/2

#DMNJ