Independent Living Specialist

Dungarvin; Maplewood (MN); On-site; USD 22,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Vision, Dental Insurance

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Growth opportunities

Employee referrals

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

Dungarvin is seeking a compassionate Direct Support Professional to work in in-home and in-community settings across Minnesota. You’ll assist individuals with daily activities, support independence, and help them pursue personal goals while driving to client locations using your own vehicle.

Responsibilities include 1:1 supports, transportation, meal prep, personal care, documentation, and collaboration with supervisors to ensure consistent service.

Qualifications

• Must be 18+ (21+ depending on client) as required.
• Valid driver's license with reliable vehicle.
• High school diploma or GED; associates preferred.
• Willing to drive up to a 30-mile radius.
• Able to document care and follow support plans.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals with daily activities in 1:1 in-home and in-community settings.
• Provide personal care, meal prep, transportation, housekeeping, and laundry.
• Maintain a clean, safe living space and support personal goals.
• Attend team meetings and document progress notes.
• Communicate with support team to ensure consistent service.

Skills

Valid driver's license

Reliable transportation

Strong communication skills

Flexibility and teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associates degree / two years related experience

Job description

A Little About Us

At Dungarvin, we are more than a national provider of support services—we are a mission-driven organization rooted in respect, inclusion, and person-centered care. Since 1976, we have been committed to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those with mental health, behavioral, and complex medical needs.

Dungarvin’s mission is simple yet powerful: respecting and responding to the choices of people in need of supports. This mission guides everything we do—from the way we build individualized service plans to how we engage with families, teams, and communities. We believe each person deserves to direct their own life, and we work to ensure their voices are heard and honored.

Operating across fifteen states, our team members—from direct support professionals to administrative staff—share a common purpose: to empower people with disabilities to live meaningful lives, on their own terms. Through Medicaid and Community Support Waivers, we deliver flexible, high-quality services tailored to each individual’s goals, values, and aspirations.

Join our Dungarvin family and help us make a lasting impact—one person, one voice, one choice at a time.

Job Description

**Must be a valid driver

This is a position that provides a personalized blend of in-home and in-community services that focus on the support and skill development a person needs to maintain and/or increase their independence and teach individual life-skills. The goals will look different for each person-served that you provide support to, and this position will work both in-community and in-home settings. Staff will work with multiple person-served and will need to use their own personal vehicle to drive to and from shifts and to transport the person-served. Mileage reimbursement is offered.

**This is not a residential group-home setting

Wage Range: $19.50/hour

*Listed pay range is based on experience level and may vary depending on an individuals skills and qualifications.

Available locations and schedules

• Full-time caseload between the hours of 9am-7pm
• Schedules are subject to change based on the individuals needs

In this position you will have the opportunity to:

• Assist individuals in a 1:1 in-home and in-community setting as you support them in pursuing a happy, healthy, and more independent life.
• Assist individuals with daily activities like personal care, meal prep, transportation, housekeeping, and laundry, all while fostering independence.
• Maintain a clean, safe space that ensures comfort and support while helping individuals reach their personal goals.
• Provide skill development in areas including but not limited to: community participation, health, safety and wellness, household management and adaptive skills.
  • Examples: Accompanying person-served on errands and appointments, budgeting skills, and integrating into social events
• Attend team meetings, write progress reports, and assist supervisors in maintaining consistency in service provision and communication with support team members.
• Create lasting, positive impacts on peoples’ lives through coaching, mentoring, and encouraging others to reach their goals.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old or 21 years old depending on the person-served
• Education, training, or two years equivalent experience in working with developmentally disabled and/or Mental Illness, as determined by the supervisor. Must be responsible, reliable, and able to carry out job functions without direct supervision.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record, auto liability insurance, and a reliable vehicle to transport person-served (required)
• High school diploma or GED
• Associates in relevant fieldORtwo years equivalent experience in working with developmentallydisabledand/ormentalillness, as determined by the supervisor.
• Willing to drive a 30-mile radius
• Adept in the use of technology and possess a smart device with adequate data
• Must be flexible and a team player, willing to provide the resources and positive support needed for the person-served
• Good communication is key in this role. You’ll rely on your reading, writing, and communication skills to document care, follow support plans, and collaborate with both internal and external team members.

Additional Information

• Medical, Vision and Dental Insurance for full-time employees
• Supplemental Insurance
• Flex Spending and HSA Accounts for full-time employees
• Pet Insurance
• Life Insurance for full-time employees
• 401 K plan with up to 3% employer match after one year of services
• PAID TIME OFF (PTO) for eligible employees
• PTO Donation
• Growth and Development Opportunities
• Employee Referral Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• National Brand Discounts
• Tapcheck – access up to 50% of your pay before payday
• PAID training and orientation

We believe in supporting not only those we serve but also each other, ensuring a collaborative and supportive work environment for all. Dungarvin is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, national origin, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any legally protected status per federal and/or state law.

7/23