Direct Support Professional (Youth)

Albertina Kerr Centers; Hillsboro, Beaverton (OR, OR); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid 2-week training program to teach你

100% paid medical/dental/vision plans

Paid holidays and generous paid time

Job summary

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

You will help youth develop social, emotional regulation, daily living skills, and independence, while collaborating with families and care

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older and able to pass a background check.
• Strong social skills and ability to engage youth effectively.
• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Willing to learn new skills and be flexible.

Responsibilities

• Build safe, trusting relationships with youth.
• Support daily living needs and personal care.
• Help youth develop independence and daily living skills.
• Follow behavior support plans and ensure safety.
• Collaborate with families, medical professionals, and care teams.
• Monitor health and well-being of youth.
• Support youth in community activities and program needs.
• May assist at other group homes as needed.

Skills

Great social skills

Background check

Lift 50 lbs

Flexible learner

Weekend availability

Licensed driver

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.

You will join our youth group homes as a Direct Support Professional (DSP). You’ll work with a collaborative, multidisciplinary team—including DSPs, Behavior Specialists, Therapists, Skills Trainers, and Psychiatrists—to support youth ages 10–17 with developmental and mental health needs (dual diagnosis). Each home supports up to four youth with unique backgrounds, strengths, and goals.

Responsibilities

• You’ll help youth build social, emotional regulation, and advocacy skills.
• You’ll help youth develop independence in daily living.
• You’ll help youth strengthen relationships and community connections.

Daily 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.

Who we’re looking for

• Center youth and meet them where they are—on both good and challenging days.
• Provide consistency and positive adult support.
• Are open to learning strategies for supporting dual diagnoses.
• Understand the impact of trauma on behavior.

In this role you will

• 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.
• Support youth in the community and across program needs.
• Although assigned to a primary group home, support may be needed at other group homes.
• 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