Direct Support Professional (Youth)

Albertina Kerr Centers; Keizer (OR); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

2-week training program

100% paid medical/dental/vision

Paid holidays and PTO

Job summary

Albertina Kerr Centers is seeking Direct Support Professionals to work in youth group homes for ages 10–17 with developmental and mental health needs. You will build safe relationships, support daily living, follow behavior plans, and collaborate with families and medical professionals to ensure high-quality care.

You'll join a multidisciplinary team and help youth develop independence, social skills, and community connections, with training provided and a focus on trauma-informed,

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Physical ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Build safe, trusting relationships with youth.
• Support daily living needs and personal care.
• Help youth develop independence and adulthood skills.
• Follow behavior support plans and ensure safety.
• Collaborate with families, medical professionals, and team members.
• Monitor health and well-being and community involvement.

Skills

Great social skills

Ability to lift 50 pounds

Flexible and learn new skills

Weekend availability

Job description

Help people with disabilities build skills and experience to live their best lives!

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, youll 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.

Youll help youth:

• Build social, emotional regulation, and advocacy skills
• Develop independence in daily living
• 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. Youll 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, youll 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.

Were looking for people who:

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

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 lift, push and pull 50 pounds
• Knows basic cooking skills and willing tolearn new recipes
• Knows basic cleaning skills
• Willing to be flexible and learn new skills
• Preference for applicants who can work at least one weekend day.
• Ability to meet background check, and reference check requirements, and organization'sdriving requirements of having a current and valid driver's license and no more than two driving infractions in the last two years.