Direct Support Professional Front Half

HILLS & DALES CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER; Dubuque (IA); On-site; USD 38,789 - 41,495; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance options

3- and 4-day work weeks

Weekend premium pay

401k match

Job summary

Hills & Dales Child Development Center is seeking Direct Support Professionals to aid children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities, including complex medical and behavioral needs. The role offers a blended wage with weekend premium pay and a flexible schedule.

Full-time positions are available with a 3‑day or 4‑day work week, average days off, and shifts that include Sundays and other weekdays. Benefits include health plans, PTO, and 401k options.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated care for others and alignment with Hills & Dales mission.
• Ability to lift 35 lbs.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to advocate for clients and communicate clearly.
• Background checks and screenings completed as part of hiring.

Responsibilities

• Provide personal care, including bathing, toileting, and hygiene support (lift with assistance).
• Support exercise and mobility for clients.
• Document client progress toward goals.
• Coordinate with teams to support clients effectively.
• Monitor health and wellness of clients.
• Accompany clients to outings and events.
• Support work-skill development for clients.
• Monitor environments for hazards and assist clients safely.
• Assist clients with expressing emotions and handling behavior.
• Follow detailed dietary instructions.

Skills

Compassionate care

Reliable attendance

Lift 35 lbs

Effective communication

Team coordination

Education

High School diploma required

Tools

Valid driver's license

Job description

Direct Support Professional

Average Starting Pay: $20.71-22.17 per hour (blended between regular and weekend premium hourly pay rates).

About Hills & Dales

Hills & Dales is a non‑profit organization dedicated to building meaningful lives for individuals with disabilities. We are seeking compassionate Direct Support Professionals to support children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities, including those with complex medical and behavioral needs.

Full‑Time Positions Available

Work‑Life Balance: Enjoy an average of 203 days off per year with a 3‑day work week or 152 days off per year with a 4‑day work week. (12‑13 hour shifts).

Wage: The average wage advertised is based on a 36‑hour per week schedule, where 24 weekday hours are paid at a lower base rate of pay and 12 weekend hours are paid a time‑and‑one‑half premium pay.

Schedule options include:

• 12 or 13 hours every Sunday AND 12 or 13 hours two other weekdays between Mon, Tues and Wed.
• Example: Sun 8AM‑8PM, Mon 8AM‑8PM, and Wed 8AM‑8PM.
• There are a number of variations of schedules but all will include a Sunday and at least two other weekdays. Shift start times will be between 5 AM and 9 AM depending on schedule.
• Be sure to ask about which schedules are open to find the best fit!

Work Location options include:

• In a community home working with 3‑5 people with disabilities and 2‑3 other co‑workers.
• In a residential facility working with 5‑8 people with disabilities and more than 5 other staff members depending on the day of the week.
• Shared between a day program and a community home, working with a wider range of people with disabilities and co‑workers.

Responsibilities

• Provide personal care, including bathing, toileting, and hygiene support (lifting required with support of lifts).
• Support exercise and mobility.
• Document client progress toward personal goals.
• Communicate and coordinate with teams to support clients effectively.
• Monitor health and wellness.
• Accompany clients to outings and events.
• Support work‑skills development.
• Monitor environments for potential hazards and support clients in navigating these.
• Assist clients in expressing their emotions appropriately and support challenging behavior when necessary.
• Follow detailed dietary instructions.

Requirements

• Demonstrated concern for others and alignment with the mission of Hills & Dales.
• Care, compassion, and thoughtful consideration of others' wants and needs.
• Ability to assertively communicate and advocate for clients.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to lift 35 lbs.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license, reliable personal vehicle, and valid insurance.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check, drug screen, and driving record check.

Benefits

• Choice of 4 health insurance plans.
• 3‑day work week with 12‑13 hour shifts, providing 203 days off per year.
• PTO and additional pay on agency holidays.
• Weekend premium pay (1.5× base wage).
• Additional pay and advancement opportunities for certain competencies, education, or experience.
• 401k Match.

The offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check, dependent adult and child abuse background check, and drug screen.