Direct Support Professional (Youth)
ALBERTINA KERR CENTERS
Summary
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.
Job description
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
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).
Requirements
- 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
Benefits
- Paid 2-week training program
- 100% paid medical/dental/vision plans
- Paid holidays
- Generous paid time off
Company overview
Albertina Kerr Centers is a prominent nonprofit organization based in Oregon that provides comprehensive mental health and developmental disability services to children, youth, and families. Founded in 1907, the organization has a long-standing history of serving vulnerable populations in the Pacific Northwest region. Albertina Kerr offers a wide range of services including residential treatment programs, community-based mental health services, crisis intervention, and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization operates multiple facilities and programs designed to address complex behavioral health needs while promoting recovery, resilience, and community integration. With a focus on trauma-informed care and evidence-based practices, Albertina Kerr Centers plays a critical role in Oregon's mental health service system, providing specialized care for those with significant behavioral health challenges. The organization collaborates with various community partners, healthcare providers, and government agencies to deliver integrated services that support individuals and families in achieving better mental health outcomes and improved quality of life.