Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Sertoma Center; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay starting at $16/hour

$1,000 New Hire Sign-On Bonus

Overtime opportunities

401(k) with 5% match after 1 year

Full benefits after 60 days

Job summary

Sertoma Center, Inc. is seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our Knoxville, TN homes. You will care for 1–4 residents, provide compassionate support, and help individuals live more independent lives. Training is provided and schedules include 12-hour shifts with overtime opportunities.

We offer competitive pay starting at $16 per hour, sign-on bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package after 60 days. Join a family-centered team that values meaningful, hands-on care.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent required.
• Valid Tennessee Driver's License required.
• US Work Authorization required.
• CNAs encouraged to apply; skills valued.

Responsibilities

• Provide personalized care for 1–4 individuals at a time.
• Assist with personal and health-related tasks (hygiene, grooming, feeding, mobility, monitoring).
• Maintain accurate daily documentation of confidential information.
• Ensure resident safety and a secure environment.
• Foster positive, trusting relationships with individuals supported.
• Accompany residents to appointments and community outings.

Skills

Effective communication

Leadership capabilities

Flexibility

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Valid Tennessee Driving License

US Work Authorization

CNAs encouraged

Job description

About this position

Description:

Join Our Family at Sertoma: Make a Real Difference as a Direct Support Professional!

Are you someone with a genuine passion for serving others and creating a supportive \"family\" environment? At Sertoma, we believe in empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live their fullest lives, and we're looking for compassionate Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our dedicated team.

This isn't just a job; it's a calling. You'll be a hands-on caregiver, mentor, and friend, ensuring the health, welfare, and happiness of the residents in our care. Our homes, located across Knoxville, TN, are designed to feel like family, each supporting 1-4 individuals who truly thrive with your compassionate care and encouragement. We believe in manageable workloads, ensuring our DSPs can provide personalized attention to everyone as needed.

What We Offer:

We believe in supporting our team members so they can best support our residents. Here's what you can expect:

• Competitive Pay: Starting at $16.00 per hour (12 hour shifts, 8 - 8)
• Potential Yearly: $34,000 - $45,000
• Generous Overtime Opportunities: Maximize your earnings with ample overtime hours.
• Sign-On Bonus: Receive a $1,000 New Hire Bonus for full-time employees.
• Referral Bonuses: Get rewarded for bringing great talent to our team.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package (Full-Time Employees after 60 days):
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with up to 5% Company Match (after 1 year)
  • Generous Personal Paid Time Off (PTO) for employees working 30-40+ hours/week.
• Career Growth: We are committed to your professional development with advancement opportunities within Sertoma.
• Paid Training: All job-specific training is provided by Sertoma at no cost to you.

Why Choose Sertoma?

• A Family-Centered Work Environment: We pride ourselves on creating a supportive and collaborative atmosphere where both our residents and staff feel valued.
• Direct Impact: Every day, you'll see the direct result of your care as you help individuals achieve their goals and live more independent, fulfilling lives.
• Meaningful Work: Serve those who truly appreciate your dedication and compassion.
• Managed Workload: Unlike many caregiving roles, Sertoma prioritizes quality by assigning a balanced number of individuals to a single DSP, ensuring you can provide truly personalized support.
• Well-Maintained Homes: Work in comfortable, safe, and welcoming homes owned and managed by Sertoma.
• Company Vehicles Provided: No need to use your personal vehicle for transportation needs of our individuals.

Your Role as a Direct Support Professional (DSP):

As a DSP, you'll be instrumental in aiding our individuals with compassionate care, encouragement, and instruction throughout their day-to-day life. Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing personalized care for 1 to 4 individuals at a time.
• Assisting with personal and health-related tasks such as basic hygiene, grooming, feeding, mobilization, and medical monitoring.
• Maintaining accurate daily documentation of confidential information.
• Ensuring the personal safety of residents by maintaining a safe and secure environment.
• Fostering positive, trusting relationships with the individuals you support.
• Accompanying our individuals to scheduled appointments and community outings.
• Competitive Pay: Starting at $16.00 per hour (12 hour shifts; 8 - 8)
• Generous Overtime Opportunities: Maximize your earnings with ample overtime hours.

Who We're Looking For:

You don't need prior DSP or caregiving experience – we provide all the training! We value compassion, a positive attitude, and a desire to serve.

Requirements:

Requirements:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Valid Tennessee Driving License
• US Work Authorization
• Must be at least 19 years of age
• 3 years of driving experience
• No more than 3 moving violations on your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) within the past 3 years
• No prior felony convictions
• Written and Verbal Bilingual Fluency is a plus (but not required!)
• CNAs are encouraged to apply – your skills are highly valued here!

Key Skills & Attributes:

• Effective communication (verbal and written)
• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic environment
• Leadership capabilities
• Capable of performing physical aspects of the role (bending, lifting, standing)

Schedule:

• Full-Time ONLY
• 12-hour shifts (8 am - 8 pm)
• Overtime available
• Rotating weekends

Work Location: In person at one of our 30+ well-maintained homes across Knoxville, TN.

Ready to make a tangible difference in someone's life and become part of the Sertoma family? Apply today and begin a truly rewarding career with us!

Sertoma Center, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). We are committed to equal opportunity for all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, religion, sex, sexual stereotyping, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, pregnancy (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), or any other protected characteristic.

We participate in E-Verify and the Tennessee Drug-Free Workplace Program.

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Salary Information

$15.68 - $15.68Hourly Wage