Direct Support Professional - SCL

Lutheran Services in Iowa; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

Flexible schedule

401(k)

Paid time off

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Career development

Pet insurance

Verizon discounts

Job summary

Lutheran Services in Iowa is seeking a part-time Direct Support Professional to work in the Des Moines area (Polk, Warren and Dallas counties). You will provide 1:1 support to individuals with disabilities and/or chronic mental health conditions, helping them learn independent living skills and live with dignity.

Shifts are flexible, typically day, after-school and evening hours, Monday through Friday, with 10–23 hours weekly.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience with Supported Community Living (SCL) or with people with disabilities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 support to adults and/or children with disabilities or chronic mental health conditions.
• Assist with learning independent living skills: money management, socialization, cooking, personal hygiene.
• Shifts are one-on-one, with flexible day, after-school and evening hours (Mon–Fri).

Skills

Compassionate care

Flexible schedule

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

If you're looking for a side hustle with a flexible schedule while also making a positive change in your community, LSI is looking for you. Join our team today!

Our Services for People with Disabilities team is searching for a dedicated, compassionate caregiver to work part-time (10-23 hrs/week) as a Direct Support Professional in Des Moines area (Polk, Warren and Dallas counties). Work 1:1 with people with disabilities and/or chronic mental health conditions to learn life skills to help them become more independent and live life with dignity.

What We Do

As one of Iowa's most trusted human services agencies, LSI has a legacy of serving children, adults, and families for more than 160 years. Our Services for People with Disabilities care for individuals across the state, from providing occasional respite care or weekly services, to 24/7 support in either a shared apartment environment or one-on-one care through our hourly supported community living (SCL) program. You can make a direct impact on the lives of the Iowans we are privileged to serve.

What You'll Do

A Direct Support Professional (DSP) works with adults and children with intellectual disabilities and/or chronic mental health conditions. During a regular shift, our hourly DSPs meet with multiple individuals one at a time, spending two to four hours with each of them. DSPs are there to provide support, assistance, and instruction in learning independent living skills like:

• Money management
• Socialization
• Cooking
• Personal hygiene

Schedules are flexible to meet your needs and the clients' needs. This position primarily works one on one with individuals in a mix of day, after-school and evening hours, mostly Monday through Friday. This role also has the potential to grow as more hours become available, and if desired.

What You'll Need

Qualified candidates for this job will have either a high school diploma or a GED. Experience working with Supported Community Living (SCL) or with people with disabilities is preferred, but not required.

How We'll Support You

• A competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits
• A flexible schedule
• A 401(k)
• Generous paid time off
• Health, dental, life, and vision insurance
• Career-building opportunities
• Special Team LSI perks like pet insurance, and cell phone discounts through Verizon

Who We Are

LSI is an equal opportunity employer. At LSI we respect diverse life experiences, cultures and heritages, and strive to provide that all voices are heard and valued. You can learn more about our commitment at https://lsiowa.org/who-we-are/

Why You'll Love Working Here

"The best part of being a Direct Support Professional is the opportunity to work closely with clients and build meaningful relationships. I've been able to develop relationships that make this more than just a job. It's rewarding to see the difference I can make in their lives and to feel like I'm truly a part of their journey." - DSP Winner of Quarter 1 (2025)

Ready to get started? Apply today!

This position requires a valid driver's license, auto insurance, a good driving record and the ability to pass an extensive background check including checks of the Dependent Adult and Child Abuse registries, Sex Offender registry and a criminal history check.