Direct Support Professional (Youth Residential - Temporary Assignment Day Shift)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internal training

Medical/dental/vision plans (100% paid

Holidays and PTO

Employee Assistance Plan

Job summary

Albertina Kerr Centers is hiring a Direct Support Professional (DSP) for youth group homes in Salem, OR. The position is full-time, day shift, for approximately 3 months with the possibility of extension.

You will work with a multidisciplinary team to support youths aged 10–17 with developmental and mental health needs. The role emphasizes building skills, independence, and community connections, with duties including routines, school preparation, meals, and collaboration with families and

Qualifications

• At least 18 years old.
• Strong social interaction skills with youth.
• Ability to lift, push and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Willingness to learn new skills and adapt to routines.
• Preference for weekend availability.
• Must meet background and driving requirements including a valid driver's license and minimal driving infractions in the last two years.

Responsibilities

• Build supportive, developmental relationships with youth aged 10–17.
• Assist with daily living activities and routines.
• Support school preparation, meals, and household tasks.
• Collaborate with families and care teams to ensure consistent support.
• Model emotional regulation and safe behavior strategies.
• Follow behavior support plans and document observations.
• Provide transportation when needed under policy.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Social skills

Physical ability

Cooking skills

Cleaning skills

Flexibility

Weekend availability

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Ward Dr Group Home - Salem, OR 97305, Position Type: Full Time (30+ hours per week), Education Level: None, Salary Range: $20.00 - $20.00 Hourly, Job Shift: Day, Job Category: IDD Residential Care, 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, 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

This is a Full Time temporary assignment Day shift position for a duration of approximately 3 months at an adolescent youth residential group home in Salem, OR. Shift: Monday-Friday 6:30 am-2:30 pm, with opportunity to move into a regular role at the end of the assignment.

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 internal training program to teach you the skills you need
• 100% paid medical/dental/vision plans
• Paid holidays and generous paid time off
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) that provides resources for everything from mental health to pet insurance and financial counselling

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.