Direct Support Professional (Youth)

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

Job summary

Albertina Kerr is seeking a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to work in youth group homes serving ages 10–17 with developmental and mental health needs. You will join a collaborative team including DSPs, Behavior Specialists, Therapists, Skills Trainers, and Psychiatrists to provide consistent, high-quality support.

Responsibilities include building safe, trusting relationships; supporting morning routines, meals, school prep, and daily living skills; following behavior support plans;

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Ability to lift, push and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Willingness to learn new skills and adapt to trauma-informed care.

Responsibilities

• Build safe, trusting relationships with youth.
• Support daily living needs, including personal care and routines.
• Follow behavior support plans to ensure safety and well-being.
• Collaborate with families, medical professionals, and team members.

Skills

Social skills

Physical strength

Job description

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.As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in our youth group homes, you’ll work alongside a collaborative, multidisciplinary team - including DSPs, Behavior Specialists, Therapists, Skills Trainers, and Psychiatrists, to support youth ages 10–17 with both developmental and mental health needs (dual diagnosis). Each home supports up to four youth, each with unique backgrounds, strengths, and goals.You’ll help youth:Build social, emotional regulation, and advocacy skillsDevelop independence in daily livingStrengthen relationships and community connectionsDaily responsibilities vary but often include supporting morning and bedtime routines, school preparation, after-school activities, meals, and household tasks. You’ll also collaborate with families and care teams to ensure consistent, high-quality support.At times, you may support youth who are dysregulated due to trauma or skill gaps. In these moments, you’ll model emotional regulation, use approved strategies to maintain safety, and focus on relationship-building and repair. We believe all people do well if they can, and your role is to support youth in building the skills they need to succeed.We’re looking for people who:Center youth and meet them where they are—on both good and challenging daysProvide consistency and positive adult supportAre open to learning strategies for supporting dual diagnosesUnderstand the impact of trauma on behaviorIn this role, you will:Build safe, trusting relationships with youthSupport daily living needs, including personal careHelp youth develop skills for independence and adulthoodFollow behavior support plans and ensure safetyCollaborate with families, medical professionals, and team membersMonitor health and well-beingSupport youth in the community and across program needsAlthough assigned to a primary group home, support may be needed at other group homes.Other duties as assigned or needed.BenefitsPaid 2-week training program to teach you the skills you need100% paid medical/dental/vision plansPaid holidays and generous paid time offQualificationsAt least 18 years oldGreat social skillsAbility to lift, push and pull 50 poundsKnows basic cooking skills and willing to learn new recipesKnows basic cleaning skillsWilling to be flexible and learn new skillsPreference for applicants who can work at least one weekend day.Ability to meet background check, and reference check requirements, and organization's driving requirements of having a current and valid driver's license and no more than two driving infractions in the last two years.