Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Daily Services

Candeo Iowa; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 16,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Candeo Iowa is seeking a Direct Support Professional to join the Des Moines metro team. You will create a safe, supportive environment for clients, assisting with self-care, medication management, meals, and housekeeping while promoting independence and community involvement.

Responsibilities include documenting progress, following Individual Support Plans, scheduling appointments, and supporting clients across multiple sites. Strong empathy, reliability, and teamwork are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience with individuals with disabilities and mental health is required.
• Must pass required background checks and have access to a computer/internet.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe, supportive environment for clients.
• Assist with daily tasks: self-care, medication management, meals, and housekeeping.
• Support development of decision-making and independence; schedule/attend appointments.
• Complete required documentation and follow ISPs.
• Promote client participation in community activities and social networks.
• Manage conflicts and emergency situations professionally.
• Work with multiple clients across sites/homes.

Skills

Empathy

Patience

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving

Adaptability

Attention to Detail

Teamwork

Independence

Organizational Skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Daily Services

Des Moines Metro, IA

Full-time, Part-time

Description

We are seeking compassionate and dedicated individuals to join our team. We are committed to nurture an inclusive, supportive and a learning-based work environment to our employees. In this role, you will create a safe, positive, and encouraging environment for our clients, supporting them in various tasks while promoting their independence. Your responsibilities will include assisting with self-care, medication compliance, meal preparation, housekeeping, and more. You will also help clients develop decision-making skills, schedule and attend appointments, and engage in their community.

Why Join Us?

• Make a meaningful impact in the lives of our clients.
• Work in a highly Inclusive, supportive and collaborative environment.
• Approachable leadership
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

Job Types

• Non-Exempt - Full Time

4 Open Shifts

• Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7am-7pm day shift (South Side DSM) FT36
• Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7pm-7am overnight shift (Des Moines) FT36
• Saturday and Sunday 10am-6pm day shift (Ankney) PRN
• Monday 6am-8am, Wednesday 6am-12pm, Thursday 10pm-6am and Friday 6am-8am day and overnight shifts (Ankney) PRN

Pay

• $15.00/hr Day Shift
• $11.67/hr Overnight Shift

What You Do

• Create a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment for clients.
• Assist clients with daily tasks such as self-care, medication management, meal preparation, and housekeeping.
• Support clients in developing decision‑making skills and building independence.
• Help clients schedule and attend appointments.
• Complete required documentation regarding client support and progress.
• Understand and implement Individual Support Plans (ISPs).
• Promote client participation in community activities and social networks.
• Manage conflicts and emergency situations with professionalism.
• Identify and address potential health and safety risks
• Support multiple clients from multiple sites/homes

DAILY Department

• 24/7 Services
• Structured 12-hour shifts (7am–7pm & 7pm-7am)
• Follows a 3- or 4-day workweek rotation, allowing full-time hours with many days off per month
• Daily positions exist for daytime, overnight, and 3-day weekend packages
• Pay includes weekday base rates and higher weekend premium rates
• Designed for staff who prefer predictable, consistent shift structures with fewer total working days

Requirements

Required Behavioral Skills and Soft Skills

• Empathy and Compassion: Ability to understand and share the feelings of others, providing emotional support and encouragement
• Patience: Ability to remain calm and patient, especially in challenging situations.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with clients, families, and team members.
• Problem‑Solving Skills: Ability to think critically and resolve conflicts or emergencies efficiently.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust to changing client needs and situations.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous in maintaining accurate records and following care plans.
• Teamwork: Ability to collaborate with other professionals and support staff.
• Independence: Capable of working unsupervised and making sound decisions.
• Organizational Skills: Strong ability to manage time, appointments, and documentation effectively.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience in working with individuals with disabilities and mental health is must
• Licenses/Requirements:
  • Valid Class C Iowa Driver’s License.
  • Proof of Automobile Insurance.
  • Must pass required background checks.
  • Access to a reliable computer and internet for documentation, or ability to travel to a location with access.
• Skills:
  • Strong interpersonal skills, compassion, and sensitivity while maintaining professional boundaries.
  • Ability to follow detailed Individual Support Plans.
  • Ability to work with multiple clients at various sites/homes
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic computer skills.
  • Ability to work independently and demonstrate reliability in attendance and punctuality.

Work Environment

• Client home and community including but not limited to medical providers, retail stores, outdoor recreation, and indoor recreation
• Work and travel in all types of weather, including inclement weather

Travel

• During scheduled work hours
• Approved mileage and expenses are reimbursed

Physical Demands

• Bending, sitting, standing, twisting, reaching, driving, climbing stairs, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, talk or hear, taste or smell, lifting and carrying.
• Must be able to lift and carry various items when supporting clients; including groceries, supplies and to provide physical assistance to clients as indicated in the client Individual Support Plan

Candeo prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Candeo conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.

Salary Description

$15