Direct Support Professional (Youth)

Job Details: Job Location: Group Homes in Forest Grove and Cornelius - Forest Grove, OR, Position Type: Full Time (30+ hours per week), Education Level: None, Salary Range: $20.00 - $20.00Hourly, 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

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.

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: 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.