Direct Support Professional Senior - Behavior Modification Assistant

State of Minnesota; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 33,806 - 43,297; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

Annual pay increases

Low-cost medical, dental, vision plans

Paid parental leave

Pension plan

Employer-paid life insurance

Disability insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

The State of Minnesota is hiring for the position of Direct Support Professional Senior in Biwabik. This part-time role involves assessing individual needs, developing support plans, and utilizing de-escalation strategies with those exhibiting challenging behaviors.

Applicants should have experience with individuals with intellectual disabilities and be able to communicate effectively. The position offers numerous benefits including paid leave, healthcare plans, and professional development opportunities, ensuring a supportive environment for both employees and clients.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Experience working with individuals exhibiting aggressive behaviors.
• Must be able to perform all physical/essential requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist in assessing individual's needs through direct care duties.
• Develop and implement residential support plans.
• Evaluate and document outcomes.
• Respond therapeutically using de-escalation strategies.

Skills

Experience with individuals with intellectual disabilities

Verbal de-escalation strategies

Clear communication skills

Basic math and computer skills

Valid Driver's License

Education

Certification in a related field (CNA, PCA)

Job description

Working Title: Direct Support Professional Senior
Job Class: Behavior Modification Assistant
Agency: Direct Care and Treatment

• Job ID: 95185
• Location: Biwabik
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Part-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 06/30/2026
• Closing Date: 07/30/2026
• 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: 7:00 a.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: Biwabik, MN
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Responsibilities

• 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 outcomes, maintaining or modifying the plans and performing related work as required
• Responding therapeutically using de‑escalation strategies and positive behavior supports to individuals with challenging behaviors

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

• Experience 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 a 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

Benefits

• 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

Additional Supports

• Training, classes and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (qualified positions)
• Employee Assistance Program – voluntary confidential program to support life challenges
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Equal Opportunity Employment

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 encourage persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of LGBTQIA2S+ communities, 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.

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, you may request support through the Careers Help Desk.