Direct Support Professional - 1st Shift

MyPath; Iowa (LA); On-site; USD 20,664,000 - 30,307,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Retirement Plan

ESOP

On-demand Access to Earned Wages

Tuition Reimbursement

PTO Accrual

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Paragon Community Services, a MyPath Company, is seeking a dedicated Direct Support Professional to provide direct care and supervision in our day programs, helping adults with disabilities develop daily living skills and participate in community outings with safety and dignity.

Join a team that values respect, inclusion, and teamwork; you'll document progress, support goal attainment, and collaborate with program staff to enhance residents' independence and quality of life.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required or equivalent.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities preferred.
• Willingness to participate in in-service training.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and supervision in day programs and during community outings.
• Assist with daily living activities and personal care per protocols.
• Document progress and safety concerns clearly per policy.
• Collaborate with team to support residents' goals and independence.

Skills

Strong communication

Teamwork

Calm under pressure

Disability support experience

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Majority Women Employee-Owned. Empowered by Everyone to Transform Lives.

Overview

Do you enjoy supporting individuals in a team-focused, community-based setting? Paragon Community Services (PCS), a MyPath Company, offers meaningful day programming and community integration opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our mission is to provide enriching experiences and compassionate support that empower participants to grow, thrive, and lead fulfilling lives while fostering a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative workplace for all team members.

Job Summary

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Direct Support Professional (DSP) to join our team. In this role, you will provide direct care and supervision to individuals participating in our day programs. You will assist with daily living skills, facilitate structured activities, and support community outings, all while ensuring each participant’s safety, dignity, and personal growth.

This is a meaningful opportunity to make a lasting impact in the lives of others and be part of a team that values respect, empowerment, and inclusion.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Support and Participant Engagement

• Provide consistent support and supervision to participants in the center and during community outings
• Assist with daily living activities including hygiene, feeding, and personal care based on participant-specific protocols
• Support individual goals outlined in Progress Reports through structured engagement and skill-building
• Promote participant independence and community involvement through encouragement and positive role modeling

Program Activities and Documentation

• Facilitate a variety of activities aligned with the structured daily schedule and participants’ personal goals
• Encourage participation in recreational and educational experiences that build life skills and social connections
• Document participant progress, behaviors, incidents, and medical concerns clearly and accurately in accordance with policy

Health and Safety

• Monitor and promote participants’ health, safety, and overall well-being in all settings
• Use assistive equipment appropriately and follow agency procedures for medication administration and documentation
• Respond effectively to emergencies, behavioral incidents, or safety concerns using only approved techniques and protocols

Team Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate with Program Managers, Coordinators, and fellow DSPs to support residents’ success and quality of life
• Attend team meetings and training sessions and contribute to ongoing, team-based treatment planning
• Communicate effectively and respectfully with residents, families, and coworkers, fostering trust and shared purpose

Schedule

• Monday through Friday, daytime shifts between 8:00am and 4:00pm
• Occasional flexibility required based on participant and program needs

Comprehensive Employee Benefits Package

At Paragon Community Services , a MyPath Company, we are committed to supporting our employees’ well-being, financial security, and professional growth. Our benefits package includes:

Financial & Retirement Benefits

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with MyPath Financial Wellness Resources
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• On-demand Access to Earned Wages
• Student Loan Pay Down Assistance
• Tuition Reimbursement

Health & Wellness

• Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision Plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Life & Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance Options
• Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• My Voyage Wellness Program

Work-Life Balance & Additional Perks

• Paid Time Off (PTO) Accrual
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Childcare Search Assistance
• Employee Discount Program via PerkSpot
• Pet Insurance Discount

We value our employees and are dedicated to providing meaningful benefits that enhance our owners lives.

Qualifications

Experience:

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent preferred
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities in day programs, schools, camps or related settings preferred
• Ongoing participation in paid, in-service training is required, and we’ll support your learning every step of the way

Required Skills & Attributes:

• Ability to maintain a calm and effective demeanor in emergency and stressful situations
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to deliver high-quality care
• Ability to effectively implement approved physical intervention techniques

Additional Requirements:

• Must be at least 16 years old
• May require a valid Driver’s License and an acceptable driving record, depending on the needs of the position
• Willingness to work with residents in a variety of environments, including home, recreational, and community settings

Additional Information

MyPath and its Operating Companies provide specialized services and dignified care for children, adolescents and adults with special needs. Our companies provide a spectrum of services and support which promote the ability of those we serve to live as independently as possible in the community.

MyPath is composed of a beautifully diverse spectrum of employees with different characteristics, abilities, and life experiences. We believe that equitable, diverse, and inclusive practices in our workspaces are integral to the existence of MyPath. We value our diverse spectrum of Owners, the individuals we serve and the communities we encounter.

Our success as an organization is directly proportional to our ability to create belonging and genuinely engage our Owners and potential Owners. We ask for demographic information so that we can be intentional in supporting our Owners best. Although not required, we would appreciate you sharing to help our commitment of cultivating a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and belonging MyPath.

Our Culture

At MyPath, we support an ownership culture throughout the organization. Our culture is based on our five beliefs and behaviors:

• Passion
• Accountability
• Teamwork
• Openness
• Continuous Learning and Innovation

As an employee owner, you can expect transparency, respect and appreciation. You’ll impact the place you work and map a career within MyPath. With your passion and our breadth of services, your options are nearly limitless!

MyPath is proudly Majority Women Employee-Owned, with women leading at every level from the frontline to the boardroom. Our strength comes from all of us. Every Owner, regardless of gender, plays a vital role in shaping our culture, driving our mission and building a workplace where opportunity and ownership are shared by all.

MyPath is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We embrace the unique characteristics, abilities, and life experiences of our employees and believe that equitable and inclusive practices are essential to our success. We value the diversity of our Owners, the individuals we serve, and the communities we engage with.