Direct Support Professional-PRN Children's Extensive Services (CNA, Caregivers)

STRiVE; Grand Junction (CO); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

STRIVE is seeking a compassionate Direct Support Professional (DSP) to provide respite and in-home support for a child with complex medical needs in Colorado. The role emphasizes safety, engagement, and individualized care within a family-centered setting.

The DSP will perform supervision, basic caregiving tasks, and coordinate with the family to maintain routines. Background checks are required, and a valid driver’s license is preferred for transporting the individual occasionally.

Qualifications

• G-tube/feeding tube experience preferred.
• Seizure disorder and seizure safety experience preferred.
• VNS (Vagus Nerve Stimulation) experience preferred.
• Experience supporting a non-verbal child preferred.
• Experience working with children with complex medical or developmental needs preferred.
• Ability to recognize changes in behavior or condition and respond appropriately.
• Comfortable following individualized care and safety plans.

Responsibilities

• Provide supervision, companionship, and support for respite in-home care as per ISP.
• Assist with hygiene, meals, feeding, and meal clean-up.
• Medication administration as required.
• Transportation to and from activities or day programs when needed.
• Document and report using Therap; complete event reports and billing as required.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

G-tube feeding experience

Seizure safety

VNS experience

Non-verbal support

Complex medical needs

Behavior change recognition

Care plan adherence

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

CES POSITION OVERVIEW:

9 hours per week, with potential to add more hours as case load grows

$17.85 per hour

All positions Contingent on passing Background

Must have a valid Driver's License

We are looking for a compassionate, dependable, and mature Direct Support Professional (DSP) to provide respite and in-home support for a wonderful child with complex medical and developmental needs.

This position is about more than providing supervision—it’s about becoming a trusted and caring support for both the child and their family. The ideal candidate will be patient, attentive, comfortable with medical needs, and committed to creating a safe, positive, and supportive environment where the child can feel comfortable and engaged.

The Direct Support Professional provides supervision, companionship, and support when the child’s primary caregiver needs time to rest, attend appointments, participate in family activities, or simply take a well-deserved break. Respite services help families maintain balance while ensuring their child continues to receive thoughtful, individualized care.

Experience with the following is strongly preferred:

• G-tube/feeding tube experience
• Seizure disorder and seizure safety
• VNS (Vagus Nerve Stimulation) experience
• Supporting a non-verbal child
• Experience working with children with complex medical or developmental needs
• Ability to recognize changes in behavior or condition and respond appropriately
• Comfortable following individualized care and safety plans

JOB FUNCTIONS:

Job functions are considered essential (all individuals in this position must be able to complete these duties with or without reasonable accommodation) unless otherwise denoted in italic type. Duties noted in italic type may be reassigned by a supervisor. Respite may be provided on a short-term basis (less than 10 hours in a 24-hour period) or a daily basis (more than 10 hours in a 24-hour period)

1. SERVICES AND SUPPORTS. The SLS/CES Respite Provider, as identified in the Individual Support Plan (ISP), will provide some or all the following supports that as indicated in the ISP:

• Overnight and waking supervision as defined by the individual’s supervision needs in the service plan.
• Timely and appropriate response to medical, behavioral, or other emergencies.
• Medication administration
• Assistance with hygiene, including bathing, dressing, grooming and toileting
• Transportation to and from day program/work.
• Assistance with meals and snacks including meal preparation, assistance with feeding and meal clean-up.
• In home recreation and other leisure activities

2. DOCUMENTATION AND BILLING. Complete/submits required supporting documentation in Therap. for services/supports provided. Completes General Event Reports for incidents requiring such. Complete/submit billing as required.

3. OTHER DUTIES. Performs other duties as assigned.

4. ADDENDUM. A list of assignment specific duties is is not included as an addendum to this job description. The addendum may also identify assignment specific job requirements/specifications.

JOB REQUIREMENTS/SPECIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience/Skills/Knowledge/Licenses:

• 18 Years of Age (21 Years of Age if transporting individuals)
• H.S. Diploma or GED.
• Successful completion of required core competency training including the following:
• Demonstrated competency in 1st Aid & CPR
• Medication Administration/QMAP (if medication is to be administered)
• CPI (if the individual experiences behavioral challenges).
• Additional training specific to the needs of the individual
• Satisfactory results from criminal background and reference checks per guidelines
• Valid driver’s license and driving record that meets STRIVE standards

Work Environment: Most job functions are performed in a residential setting but may include limited travel and outdoor activities. Driving may be required on a regular or frequent basis.

General Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift, transfer or carry 12-25 lbs. infrequently, 25-50 lbs. no more than 6-12 times per shift.
• Ability to stand/walk at least 45 minutes per hour, 75% of shift.
• Ability to push/pull l0 lbs. frequently, up to 50 lbs. infrequently.
• Ability to reach & stoop occasionally and to kneel and squat for up to 15 minutes occasionally.
• Ability to complete gross and fine motor activities with hands and fingers frequently.
• Ability to use vision at 20 inches or less and 20 feet or more.
• Depth perception that allows for judging distance and space.

Nothing in this job description restricts the ability of Strive to assign, reassign or eliminate duties and responsibilities of this job at any time. This job description does not create a contract of employment. Employment with STRIVE is at-will and may be terminated at any time by STRIVE or the employee without cause or notice.

Job will close 11/13/2026

Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS/SPECIFICATIONS

Education/Experience/Skills/Knowledge/Licenses:

• 21 Years of Age if transporting individuals
• Successful completion of required core competency training including the following:
• Demonstrated competency in 1st Aid & CPR
• Medication Administration/QMAP (if medication is to be administered)
• CPI (if the individual experiences behavioral challenges).
• Additional training specific to the needs of the individual
• Satisfactory results from criminal background and reference checks per guidelines
• Valid driver’s license and driving record that meets STRIVE standards

Work Environment: Most job functions are performed in a residential setting, but may include limited travel and outdoor activities. Driving may be required on a regular or frequent basis.

General Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift, transfer or carry 12-25 lbs. infrequently, 25-50 lbs. no more than 6-12 times per shift.
• Ability to stand/walk at least 45 minutes per hour, 75% of shift.
• Ability to push/pull l0 lbs. frequently, up to 50 lbs. infrequently.
• Ability to reach & stoop occasionally and to kneel and squat for up to 15 minutes occasionally.
• Ability to complete gross and fine motor activities with hands and fingers frequently.
• Ability to use vision at 20 inches or less and 20 feet or more.
• Depth perception that allows for judging distance and space.