Direct Support Professional (Youth)

Albertina Kerr Centers; Forest Grove, Cornelius (OR, OR); On-site; USD 33,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training program

100% paid medical/dental/vision plans

Paid holidays and generous PTO

Job summary

Albertina Kerr Centers is seeking a Direct Support Professional to work with youth aged 10–17 in group homes. You will build safe relationships, support daily living, and help youths gain independence while following behavior plans and safety guidelines.

You’ll collaborate with families and care teams, monitor well-being, and may assist at other group homes as needed. A background check and a valid driver's license are required.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years old.
• Excellent social skills and ability to engage youth.
• Able to pass a background check.
• Able to lift, push and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Basic cooking skills and eagerness to learn more.
• Basic cleaning skills and household tasks.
• Licensed driver with 2+ years’ driving experience for day and swing shifts.
• Weekend day work is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Build safe, trusting relationships with youth.
• Support daily living needs and personal care.
• Help youth develop independence and life skills.
• Follow behavior support plans and maintain safety.
• Collaborate with families, medical professionals and team members.
• Monitor health and well-being and support youth in the community and program needs.
• Support may be required at other group homes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Social skills

Driver with license

Physical stamina

Flexible learner

Job description

Overview

At Albertina Kerr, we believe that all people thrive in nurturing and inclusive communities. Our mission is to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health challenges to lead self-determined lives in their communities.

Responsibilities

• You’ll work as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in youth group homes, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to support youth ages 10–17 with developmental and mental health needs (dual diagnosis).
• Help youth build social, emotional regulation, and advocacy skills.
• Develop independence in daily living and strengthen relationships and community connections.
• Support morning and bedtime routines, school preparation, after-school activities, meals, and household tasks.
• Collaborate with families and care teams to ensure consistent, high-quality support.
• Model emotional regulation and use approved strategies to maintain safety when youth are dysregulated due to trauma or skill gaps.
• Focus on relationship-building and repair to help youth progress.

In This Role

• Build safe, trusting relationships with youth.
• Support daily living needs, including personal care.
• Help youth develop skills for independence and adulthood.
• Follow behavior support plans and ensure safety.
• Collaborate with families, medical professionals, and team members.
• Monitor health and well-being and support youth in the community and across program needs.
• Though assigned to a primary group home, support may be needed at other group homes.
• Perform other duties as assigned or needed.

Benefits

• Paid 2-week training program to teach you the skills you need.
• 100% paid medical/dental/vision plans.
• Paid holidays and generous paid time off.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years old.
• Great social skills.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Ability to lift, push and pull 50 pounds.
• Knows basic cooking skills and willing to learn new recipes.
• Knows basic cleaning skills.
• Willing to be flexible and learn new skills.
• Licensed driver with at least two years' driving experience required for day and swing shifts.
• Preference for applicants who can work at least one weekend day.