Hood River County - Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

NORTH STAR OREGON LLC

Hood River, Oregon | Part-Time, Full-Time

$25-$26/hour

Paid Training

Optional Overtime

Flexible Scheduling

Health Plan Choices

401(k) with Match

Position Summary

North Star Oregon is looking for compassionate, dependable Direct Support Professionals who want more than just a job - they want to make a meaningful difference in someone's life.

As a DSP, you will support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in their homes, communities, and day support settings. You will help the people we serve build independence, work toward personal goals, participate in activities they enjoy, and remain connected to their communities.

At North Star Oregon, we believe great support begins with great employees. We offer competitive pay, paid training, flexible scheduling, optional overtime, health insurance options, and opportunities for professional growth. We are a locally operated agency where employees are valued, supported, and recognized for the important work they do.

This position may begin as part-time, with opportunities to grow into full-time hours and additional shifts based on employee availability and service needs.

Why Join North Star Oregon?

Competitive pay: Earn $25.00-$26.00 per hour based on experience and qualifications.

Overtime is optional: Additional hours and overtime may be available, but employees are never required to accept them.

Paid training: All required agency training is paid at your regular hourly wage.

No DSP experience required: We provide training and support for compassionate, dependable candidates who are ready to learn.

Flexible scheduling: We work to match employees with schedules and assignments that fit their availability.

Meaningful relationships: Build genuine connections while helping individuals live more independent and fulfilling lives.

Growth opportunities: Part-time employees may have opportunities to increase their hours and advance within the agency.

Supportive leadership: Work for a locally operated agency where employees are known, appreciated, and able to reach agency leadership when support is needed.

Benefits for eligible employees: Employees regularly working 30 or more hours per week may qualify for health insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, and additional benefits.

What You'll Do

Provide hands-on support with activities of daily living (ADLs), including hygiene, dressing, mobility, meal preparation, and other individualized needs.

Support participation in community-based activities, recreational outings, appointments, and skill-building opportunities.

Promote and respect individual choice, dignity, privacy, independence, and self-determination.

Support the development of social, communication, and independent living skills according to each person's support plan.

Assist with medication support and documentation in accordance with physician orders, individual plans, agency policies, and applicable regulations.

Complete required electronic documentation accurately and on time.

Maintain a safe, clean, and supportive environment while following agency policies and safety protocols.

Collaborate respectfully with individuals, families, guardians, coworkers, case managers, and other members of the support team.

Remain calm and respond appropriately during emergencies, medical events, behavioral incidents, and other unexpected situations.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for compassionate, dependable people who genuinely want to make a positive difference in the lives of others. The best fit for this role enjoys working with people, values meaningful relationships, and understands the importance of respectful, person-centered support.

Present, reliable, and self-directed

Compassionate, patient, and empathetic

Friendly, encouraging, and comfortable building positive relationships

A team player with strong communication and interpersonal skills

Flexible and willing to adapt to each individual's needs, preferences, and goals

Respectful of personal choice, dignity, privacy, and independence

Calm and professional when situations are challenging or unexpected

Committed to helping individuals live full, meaningful, and self-directed lives

Motivated by the opportunity to make a real difference every day

Qualifications and Requirements

Be at least 18 years old.

Be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Successfully complete an ODHS-approved background check and remain eligible for continued employment.

Not be excluded or debarred from participating in federally funded health care programs.

Be able to read, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions.

Communicate effectively and respectfully with individuals, families, guardians, coworkers, health care professionals, and case management teams.

Maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and respectful communication in all settings.

Remain calm and respond appropriately during emergencies, behavioral incidents, medical events, and other unexpected situations.

Use a smartphone or electronic device for communication, scheduling, timekeeping, and service documentation.

Be physically able to perform the essential functions of the assigned position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Hold a valid driver's license when transportation is an assigned job duty.

Maintain current CPR and First Aid certification, or complete agency-provided certification after hire at no cost.

Prior experience supporting individuals with I/DD or working in a caregiving role is helpful, but not required.

Working Conditions

Work takes place in private homes, community locations, day support environments, vehicles, and other public settings.

Duties may involve standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, kneeling, lifting, repositioning, and physically assisting individuals.

The position may require assistance with personal care, hygiene, toileting, dressing, eating, mobility, transfers, and other activities of daily living.

The position may involve driving or accompanying individuals in agency or personal vehicles when authorized.

Employees may be exposed to household pets, cleaning products, bodily fluids, illness, noise, weather conditions, and other conditions commonly encountered in home and community-based services.

The role may involve supporting individuals who experience behavioral, emotional, medical, sensory, or communication challenges.

Employees may work independently or as part of a support team.

Physical and environmental requirements vary based on the needs of the individual and the assigned position.

We work to find you a environment and client that you feel comfortable with.

Pay and Benefits

$25.00-$26.00 per hour, based on experience and qualifications.

Optional additional hours and overtime opportunities when available - overtime is never mandatory.

All required training paid at your regular hourly wage.

Flexible scheduling.

401(k) plan with company match.

Paid time off and paid holidays for eligible employees.

Employees regularly working 30 or more hours per week may choose from four health insurance plans.

North Star Oregon pays 50% of the employee-only premium for the basic health plan. Employees who select another available plan may apply North Star Oregon's contribution toward that plan.

Opportunities to grow from part-time into full-time employment based on employee availability and service needs.

Ready to make a difference? We would love to hear from compassionate, dependable people who want meaningful work and the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others. Apply today to learn more about available schedules and DSP opportunities with North Star Oregon.

Equal Employment Opportunity

North Star Oregon LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

North Star Oregon is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation during the application or hiring process may contact North Star Oregon for assistance.