Lead DSP

Advocates for Life Skills & Opportunity Inc.; Sisters (OR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Paid Training

Paid Holidays

PTO with payout option

Referral bonus

401k with employer matching

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Advocates for Life Skills & Opportunity Inc. (ALSO) in Sisters, Oregon, is seeking a Lead Direct Support Professional to join our Residential Services team.

You will support 2-4 individuals with IDD, collaborating with the Program Manager to provide advocacy, training, and daily living support in a 24/7 home setting. The role emphasizes relationship building, leadership development, and adherence to documentation standards.

Qualifications

• Flexibility to work weekends and varied shifts (day, swing, graveyard).
• Clear, effective communication with teammates, managers, individuals served, families, and providers.
• Commitment to inclusion, autonomy, and the best interests of individuals we support.
• Interest in developing leadership and pathways to program management.
• 1+ year experience supporting individuals with IDD as DSP or similar.

Responsibilities

• Build strong relationships with individuals served and provide backup support.
• Train new Direct Support Professionals on job duties and person-centered care.
• Ensure proper documentation (MAR, ISP data) for compliance.
• Provide direct support with daily living, hygiene, and community activities.
• Serve as a resource for team and act as a proxy during absences.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Advocacy

Training

Job description

About Advocates for Life Skills & Opportunity (ALSO)

Founded in 1997, Advocates for Life Skills & Opportunity (ALSO) is one of Oregon's leading nonprofit providers of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We proudly serve individuals and families across 11 Oregon counties, delivering person-centered supports in homes, workplaces, schools, and communities.

At ALSO, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live, work, and participate fully in their community. Every day, our team helps people build meaningful lives through individualized supports that promote independence, choice, and inclusion.

Our Mission

To promote the full inclusion of people experiencing disabilities in the life of their community.

Our Vision

We envision a future where all people—including those living with intellectual and developmental disabilities—are fully included as valued members of their communities. We strive to provide equitable access to services and supports that reflect the preferences, goals, and values of each person, empowering self-determination, independence, meaningful employment, and a fulfilling quality of life.

Our Values

Our values shape every interaction—with the people we support, our teammates, and our communities.

Trust

We communicate with honesty, transparency, and integrity while fostering a safe and supportive environment.

Teamwork

We collaborate to bring out the best in one another and achieve meaningful outcomes together.

Innovation

We embrace creativity, curiosity, and new ideas to continuously improve the way we serve others.

Dignity

We honor each person's inherent worth and right to make choices about their own life.

Respect

We treat every individual with kindness, compassion, and appreciation.

Accountability

We take ownership of our actions, deliver on our commitments, and continuously pursue excellence.

Humility

We recognize that we are part of something bigger than ourselves and grow through learning, gratitude, and service.

Our Services

Employment Services

We partner with people to identify meaningful career opportunities and provide customized employment supports that foster long-term success and independence in the workplace.

Residential Services

Our residential programs provide individualized supports that help people live safely, independently, and as active members of their communities while honoring each person's goals and preferences. This is 24 hour supports working in a home setting with multiple people.

Supported Living & In-Home Services

We provide customized supports that help people maintain independence in their own homes and communities. Services are tailored to each individual's unique needs and personal goals. These are one on one supports in people's homes and communities.

Children's Services

Our Children's Services focus on helping children thrive in safe, nurturing, and supportive environments. We promote growth, independence, and meaningful community participation. This is 24 hour supports in a home setting with 2 to 3 children living together.

Eligible employees may enjoy:

• Medical and dental insurance
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Generous vacation time and sick leave
• Double Time Paid Holidays (5 Holidays)
• Employer provided Life Insurance for full time employees
• Voluntary life insurance
• Voluntary short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Peer-to-peer recognition and bonus programs
• Milestone service recognition
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Public Service Loan Eligibility

Join a team where your work makes a lasting impact every day. At ALSO, you'll build meaningful relationships, grow professionally, and help create more inclusive communities throughout Oregon.

Sisters Residential

Lead Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Are you a leader-in-the-making looking to take the next step in your service focused career? Promote connection, inclusion, and wellness for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and grow your career with ALSO!

Who We Are:

Since 1997, ALSO has been committed to fostering independence and community inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our Residential Services provide 24/7 wraparound support that honors the individual needs of each person and provides ample opportunities for community involvement while encouraging the development of independence skills in daily life.

Position Overview:

As a Lead Direct Support Professional (Lead DSP) at ALSO, you will be an essential part of our Residential team, providing person-centered care to 2-4 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You’ll collaborate closely with the Program Manager and your team, offering advocacy, training, and support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Relationship Building: Cultivate strong, supportive connections with individuals receiving services and provide backup support coverage when needed.
• Training & Development: Train new Direct Support Professionals on essential job duties and person-centered care practices.
• Compliance & Documentation: Ensure proper documentation (MAR, T-Logs, ISP data) is maintained to meet compliance standards.
• Direct Support: Assist with hygiene and medical support as needed, skills training, and daily living tasks both in the home and out in the broader community.
• Team Leadership: Serve as a resource for team members and act as a proxy for Program Managers during absences (sick leave, vacation, etc.).

Qualifications:

• Flexibility: Ability to work some weekends and occasionally provide coverage across day, swing, and graveyard shifts is strongly preferred.
• Strong Communication: Clear, effective communication in both documentation and collaboration with team members, managers, individuals supported, their families, and other providers.
• Advocacy: A deep commitment to promoting inclusion, autonomy, and the best interests of the individuals we support.
• Leadership: Eagerness to cultivate your leadership skills, while also supporting the personal growth and development of the individuals receiving services. This position offers pathways to becoming a Program Manager as ALSO expands.
• Experience: 1+ years of prior experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as a Direct Support Professional or similar role.
• Starting Pay: $20.00 - $21.50 per hour, based on experience, education, and Veteran status.
• Paid Training: Earn while enhancing your skills.
• Paid Holidays: 10 days, including a special “YAY Day” for your birthday.
• Comprehensive Insurance: Health, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
• Generous Leave: Vacation and sick time accruals, Paid Time Off with payout option.
• Referral bonus: Up to $500 per referral!
• Retirement Plan: Generous employer-matching for traditional or Roth 401k
• Employee Assistance Program: 24/7 access to counseling, legal, financial advice, and more.
• Parental Leave & Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Referral Bonuses & Recognition Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligible.

Why Join ALSO?

At ALSO, we do work of the heart. This meaningful work brings out the bold, the compassionate, and the passionate. By joining our team, you will play a crucial role in helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live fulfilling lives, achieve their goals, and become integral parts of their communities. Join us in making a real difference. Make Heart Work YOUR Work.

Advocates for Life Skills & Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive work environment. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and job applicants without regard to age, race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.