Direct Support Professional

Dungarvin; Stanchfield Township (MN); On-site; USD 22,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Dungarvin is seeking staff to provide direct support to individuals with intensive behavioral and mental-health needs in our program homes in Minnesota. You will follow behavior support plans, crisis-prevention strategies, and de-escalation techniques while maintaining a safe, structured environment and assisting with daily living tasks.

You will document services and observations using electronic systems, monitor changes, and communicate with supervisors during crises.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 3 years minimum of experience with individuals with chronic/severe mental illness OR degree in a mental-health field.
• Must be at least 18 years old; some programs require 21+.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support with intensive behavioral and mental-health needs.
• Follow behavior support/treatment plans and crisis-prevention strategies.
• Utilize de-escalation techniques and manual restraint procedures as trained.
• Maintain a clean, safe, structured living environment and assist with daily living tasks.

Skills

Follow behavior plans

Crisis prevention

De-escalation techniques

Written communication

Team collaboration

Independent prioritization

Education

High school diploma or GED

Mental-health related degree

Tools

T-logs

Therap

Health tracking system

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

If you're passionate about making a difference, we want to hear from you! At Dungarvin, 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.

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.

9/17

#DMNJ