Direct Support Professional Senior (Intermittent/On-Call) - Behavior Modification Assistant

State of Minnesota; Fergus Falls (MN); On-site; USD 33,000 - 43,000; Part time

Job summary

The State of Minnesota is seeking a Direct Support Professional Senior (Intermittent/On-Call) in Fergus Falls to support individuals in housing programs, including those with intellectual disabilities, mental illness, brain injury, or related needs.

This role offers Day/Evenings/Overnights with rotating shifts; on‑call availability; and a shift differential for late hours. Compensation ranges from $24.54 to $31.43 per hour, with comprehensive state benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience with individuals who have intellectual disabilities, mental illness, or co-occurring diagnoses.
• Experience using verbal de-escalation strategies with individuals who exhibit challenging behaviors.
• Clear communication skills to convey complex services to 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.

Responsibilities

• Assist in assessing individuals' needs by performing direct care duties.
• Develop and implement residential and habilitation support plans with goals and methods.
• Evaluate and document outcomes, update plans as required.
• Respond therapeutically using de-escalation strategies and positive behavior supports to individuals with challenging behaviors.
• Location flexibility; one home rather than multiple locations.

Skills

Disabilities experience

De-escalation experience

Communication skills

Age 18+

Math & computer skills

Driver's license

Physical requirements

Job description

• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Intermittent

Working Title

Direct Support Professional Senior (Intermittent/On-Call)

Job Class

Behavior Modification Assistant

Agency

Direct Care and Treatment

• Job ID: 96453


• Location: Fergus Falls


• Telework Eligible: No


• Full/Part Time: Intermittent


• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited


• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers


• Date Posted: 08/19/2026


• Closing Date: 09/01/2026


• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / IFF DCT Fergus Falls IWT


• Division/Unit: MSOCS Residential /MSOCS FC Gustavus


• 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: 218 - Insufficient Work Time/Unrep


• FLSA Status: Nonexempt


• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

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

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.

This posting may be used to fill multiple permanent intermittent (on‑call) Direct Care positions within DCT Community Based Services sites in Fergus Falls, 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!

• 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!

Minimum Qualifications

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.

• 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.

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


• 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.