Direct Support Professional Senior - Behavior Modification Assistant

State of Minnesota; Akeley (MN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 43,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring bonus

Shift differential

Flexible shifts

Job summary

State of Minnesota is seeking a Direct Support Professional Senior to support individuals in short- and long-term housing programs in Akeley, Cass Lake, and Park Rapids. The role includes direct care, plan development, and behavior support across day, evening, and overnight shifts.

Shifts may vary, with rotating schedules and a potential $2,500 hiring bonus. Travel to appointments and activities is required; prior experience with ID/mental health is preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience with individuals with intellectual disabilities, mental illness, and/or co‑occurring diagnoses.
• Ability to use verbal de‑escalation strategies with challenging behaviors.
• Clear communication with community members, employers and teams.

Responsibilities

• Assist in assessing individuals' needs with direct care duties.
• Develop and implement residential and habilitation support plans with goals.
• Evaluate and document outcomes, modify plans as needed.
• Respond therapeutically using de‑escalation and positive behavior supports.

Skills

Verbal de-escalation

Communication skills

Driver's license

Job description

• Location: Akeley
• Telework Eligible: No

Working Title: Direct Support Professional Senior

Job Class: Behavior Modification Assistant

Agency: Direct Care and Treatment

• Job ID: 95181
• Location: Akeley
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Part-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/06/2026
• Closing Date: 11/05/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment
• Division/Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / Community Based Services / Minnesota State Operated Community Services
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Days/Evenings/Overnights/Rotating Shift (ex: 7:00a.m. – 3:30 p.m.; 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.; hours may vary depending on the needs of the program)
• Days of Work: Varies; may include weekends and holidays
• Travel Required: Yes (Transport and accompany individuals to medical appointments, community outings, recreational activities, and spiritual events)
• Salary Range: $24.54 - $31.43/ hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 204 - Health Care Non Professional/AFSCME
• Work Area: Akeley, Cass Lake, and Park Rapids, MN
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Direct Care and Treatment (DCT) is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCT does not participate in E-Verify.

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Candidates may be eligible for up to a $2,500 hiring bonus!*

This posting will be used to fill multiple permanent, full-time (80 hours), and part-time Direct Care positions within DCT Community Based Services sites in Akeley, Cass Lake, and Park Rapids, MN. Shifts Available: Day, rotating (day/evening combination) OR overnight. We also offer shift differential for hours between 6:00 pm and 6:00 am!

As a Direct Support Professional Senior you will be responsible for supporting individuals who are in our short- and long-term housing program. These individuals may have intellectual disabilities, mental illness, brain injury, and other emotional, behavioral, medical complexities. In this position you will ensure the people we serve achieve their highest quality of life and personal growth! You will do this by

• Assisting in assessing individual's needs by performing direct care duties
• Developing and implementing residential and habilitation support plans with goals and methods.
• Evaluating and documenting out-comes, maintaining or modifying the plans and performing related work as required.
• Respond therapeutically using de-escalation strategies and positive behavior supports to individuals with challenging behaviors

With locations across Minnesota, it is likely we will have a vacancy near you, working at one home rather than multiple locations!

• Current State of Minnesota Employees are not eligible for the hiring bonus.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities, mental illness, and/or co-occurring diagnosis.
• Experience with verbal de-escalation strategies and working with individuals who exhibit aggressive behaviors.
• Clear communication skills to understand and communicate complex services with community members, employers and teams.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Basic math and computer skills.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.
• Must be able to perform all physical/essential requirements with or without reasonable accommodation(s).

Preferred Qualifications

• Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
• Experience collecting and summarizing data to document program delivery by observation, charting and measuring.
• Formal training/certification/education in related field (CNA, PCA, Child Development, First Aide, CPR, etc.)
• Certified Nursing Assistant experience working in a group home, nursing home, assisted living or similar setting.

Additional Requirements

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS – Direct Care and Treatment will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact [e-mail].

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact: [e-mail] or call 651-539-7243

CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a noncompetitive basis if they: 1) meet service requirements and have a verified service-connected disability rating of at least 30%; 2) provide qualifying documentation verifying the disability; and 3) meet all Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting. To be considered under this legislation you must submit all documentation before the closing date to [e-mail]

About Direct Care And Treatment

DCT operates a highly specialized behavioral health care system that serves people with mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. This includes psychiatric hospitals and other inpatient mental health treatment facilities; inpatient substance abuse treatment facilities; dental clinics, group homes, vocational sites, and sex offender treatment facilities.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Annual pay increases
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact: [e-mail] or call 651-539-7243