Direct Support Professional (Youth)

Albertina-Ker; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Two-week training program

Full medical/dental/vision coverage

Paid holidays and generous PTO

Job summary

Albertina Kerr in Salem, OR is seeking a Direct Support Professional (DSP) for youth group homes in Salem and Keizer. You will support youths aged 10–17 with developmental and mental health needs alongside a multidisciplinary team.

Daily duties include promoting daily living skills, safety, school preparation, and community connections, with opportunities to work night shifts. The role offers a two‑week paid training, comprehensive medical benefits, paid holidays and generous PTO.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years old.
• Great social skills.
• 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.
• Preference for applicants who can work at least one weekend day.
• Ability to meet background check, and reference check requirements, and driver's license with limited infractions.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Occasionally support may be needed at other group homes.
• Other duties as assigned or needed.

Skills

Great social skills

Physical strength

Cooking basics

Cleaning basics

Flexibility

Weekend availability

Age 18+

Driver's license

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Group Homes in Salem and Keizer - Salem, OR 97305

Position Type: Full Time (30+ hours per week)

Salary Range: $20.00 - $20.00 Hourly

Job Category: IDD Residential Care

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 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. 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 days
• Provide consistency and positive adult support
• Are open to learning strategies for supporting dual diagnoses
• Understand the impact of trauma on behavior
• Preference for candidates available for Night shifts

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 to learn 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's driving requirements of having a current and valid driver's license and no more than two driving infractions in the last two years.