Direct Support Professional (DSP)

True Friends; Minnesota; On-site; USD 20,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement Savings Plan 3% match

Free meals in Summer Camp season

Employee Referral Program

Cabin Rental Discounts

Scenic work environment

Job summary

True Friends is seeking a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to provide hands-on support at All Sites, MN, including Camp Friendship, Annandale. Join a mission-driven team helping children and adults with disabilities gain independence and confidence.

The role emphasizes compassion, teamwork, and flexibility in a fast-paced environment. Part-time weekend schedule, comprehensive training, and opportunities for personal growth are offered.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; some college in a related field desirable.
• Experience with individuals with disabilities preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently.
• Attention to detail in health and safety tasks.
• Ability to follow procedures and documentation requirements.
• Ability to pass organizational background study.

Responsibilities

• Provide support with participants’ personal care, health needs, safety, and general welfare.
• Assist participants with meals and daily routines.
• Lead and participate in recreational and leisure activities.
• Encourage independence and participation in activities.
• Monitor and report changes in participant conditions or needs.
• Administer medications as required and per procedures.
• Complete required documentation accurately and on time.
• Help ensure belongings are checked in and returned home.

Skills

Strong communication

Team player

Patience and flexibility

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college in related field desirable

Job description

Position:Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Location: All Sites, MN

Job Id:1521

# of Openings:1

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Join True Friends in our mission to provide life-changing experiences that enhance independence and self-esteem for children and adults with disabilities.

About the Role

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you’ll play an important role in creating a safe, supportive, and engaging experience for participants. You’ll provide hands‑on support with personal care and health needs, meals, activities, and daily routines while encouraging participants to build independence and enjoy their time at True Friends.

This is a hands‑on, active role that requires patience, flexibility, teamwork, and a genuine desire to support people with disabilities.

Where You Could Work

This role may be available at one or more of our three locations:

• Camp Friendship | Annandale, MN

Please note: Specific positions and openings vary by location and staffing needs. This role may not be available at every location listed above. You’ll be able to indicate your preferred location(s) during the application process, and we’ll consider your preferences based on current needs.

What You’ll Do

Your responsibilities may include:

• Provide support with participants’ personal care, health needs, safety, and general welfare
• Assist participants with meals and daily routines
• Lead and participate in recreational and leisure activities
• Encourage participants to build independence and participate in activities
• Monitor and report changes in a participant’s condition or needs
• Administer medications as required and according to established procedures
• Complete required documentation accurately and on time
• Help ensure participants’ belongings are properly checked in and returned home with them
• Maintain clean and organized spaces used by participants and staff
• Transport participants to various locations as needed
• Participate in required training, meetings, and professional development
• Communicate effectively with coworkers and leadership
• Work as part of a team to provide safe, consistent, and quality support
• Perform other duties as assigned

Why You’ll Love It

• Make a direct difference: Your work helps participants have meaningful, safe, and memorable experiences.
• Build meaningful relationships: Get to know participants and be part of their experiences and successes.
• Stay active: This is a hands‑on role where every day can look different.
• Learn and grow: Develop valuable skills in caregiving, communication, problem-solving, and working with individuals with disabilities.
• Be part of a community: Work alongside a team that shares a commitment to creating positive experiences for participants.

What You’ll Gain

• Hands‑on experience: Develop practical skills supporting individuals with disabilities.
• Transferable skills: Strengthen communication, teamwork, patience, flexibility, organization, and problem‑solving.
• Personal growth: Build confidence and resilience through meaningful work.
• Leadership opportunities: Gain experience taking responsibility for participant care, activities, and daily routines.
• A meaningful experience: Be part of an organization focused on helping people build independence and self-esteem.
• Opportunities to gain and grow leadership skills
• Support for a healthy work‑life balance
• Free meals during Summer Camp season
• Employee Referral Program
• Scenic and inspiring work environment
• Retirement Savings Plan with opportunity for 3% Employer Match
• Cabin Rental Discounts
• ...and more!

Schedule

• Part‑time, year round
• Work begins Friday evening and continues through Sunday morning
• Staff are expected to remain onsite and available throughout the weekend

What You’ll Bring to the Table

• High school diploma or equivalent required; some college in a related field is desirable
• Previous experience working with individuals with disabilities is preferred
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team while also working independently
• Strong attention to detail, particularly when supporting participant health and safety
• Patience, flexibility, and a willingness to learn
• Ability to respond appropriately to challenging behaviors and physical aggression
• Ability to follow directions, procedures, and documentation requirements
• Ability to pass the required organizational background study

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This is an active position that involves working both indoors and outdoors. Staff should be prepared to:

• Walk, sit, stand, bend, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and move throughout the workday
• Lift and/or carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds
• Hear and communicate verbally with participants, coworkers, and supervisors
• Use hands and fingers to operate equipment, tools, and controls
• Provide hands‑on assistance with personal care and participant needs
• Work around and respond to challenging behaviors, including potential physical aggression
• Work in a variety of environments and weather conditions

Specific physical demands and environmental conditions may vary based on the assignment.

Compensation

• New DSPs are paid an hourly rate: $17.42 per hour
• Returning staff may be eligible for higher rates