Direct Support Professional (Youth)

Albertina-Ker; Gresham (OR); On-site; USD 22,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Albertina Kerr is seeking a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to join our youth group homes serving ages 10–17 with developmental and mental health needs. You will work with a multidisciplinary team to provide consistent, person-centered support.

Daily duties include assisting with routines, school prep, meals, and community activities. You will build safe relationships, follow behavior plans, collaborate with families and clinicians, and adapt to trauma-informed care.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Able to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Willing to learn new cooking recipes and household tasks.
• Able to adapt to training and traumainformed approaches.

Responsibilities

• Build safe, trusting relationships with youth.
• Support daily living needs and routines, including personal care.
• Assist with school preparation and activities.
• Follow behavior support plans and ensure safety.
• Collaborate with families, medical professionals, and team members.
• Support youth in community activities.

Skills

Great social skills

Ability to lift 50 pounds

Cooking skills

Cleaning skills

Flexible / quick learner

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.Position covered under SEIU Local 503 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).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.