Community Services Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Lead Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Community Services (In-home)

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 Community Services department offers personalized in-home support for youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as supportive employment services. Our goal is to foster community inclusion, autonomy, and wellness through person-centered and person-directed services tailored to each individual’s unique needs and goals.

Position Summary:

As a Lead Direct Support Professional (Lead DSP) at ALSO, you will be an essential part of our Community Services team which provides in-home support to adults and children who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In this position, you’ll spend the majority of your time working directly with individuals supported to develop positive social and emotional skills, build confidence and autonomy, and assist with routines, daily living needs, and transportation.

You’ll also collaborate closely with the Services Manager to assist with on-call coverage, documentation compliance, and offering advocacy, training, and support to your team members. You’ll become familiar with the support needs of all the individuals we serve in the Community Services program, and be a go-to resource for guidance, problem solving, and innovation.

This position is brand new to ALSO, and reflects our continued growth in offering person-centered services that meet individuals with the right amount and kinds of support. We are seeking a passionate, heart-centered, and community-focused advocate to join our leadership team and support our evolving Community Services team!

Key Responsibilities:

• Relationship Building: Cultivate strong, supportive connections with individuals receiving services and provide backup support coverage when needed.

• Engagement: Facilitate meaningful interactions through play (for youth) and encourage participation in recreational, educational, and community activities for all ages.

• Training & Development: Assist with training 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, medical support, and daily living tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and activity planning as needed

• 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.

• Driving and Floating: Be able to travel to individuals’ homes throughout Portland Metro (Washington, Clackamas, and Multnomah counties) and provide transportation to people we support. Driver license, personal vehicle, and auto insurance are required for this position.

• 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.

• Experience: Preferred 1+ years of prior experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as a Direct Support Professional or similar role. Internal advocates should have at least 3 months tenure to apply for promotion.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Starting Pay: $19.50 - $21 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

• Career Development

• 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.