Experienced Direct Support Professional (Behavioral Support)

Job Description

Job Description

Make a Difference Every Day 

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities, mental health needs, and physical disabilities. DSPs provide the support, encouragement, and guidance individuals need to live fulfilling lives, build independence, and participate in their communities.

What Does a Direct Support Professional Do?

DSPs support individuals in their homes and communities by helping them reach personal goals, maintain independence, and experience life to the fullest. Responsibilities may include:

• Building meaningful relationships and supporting individuals in developing friendships and community connections.
• Assisting with daily routines such as cooking, household tasks, personal care, hygiene, social activities, and leisure activities.
• Supporting individuals with health and safety needs, money management, and behavior support strategies.
• Administering medications according to training and company procedures.
• Providing transportation to appointments, activities, and community outings.
• Documenting services, activities, and important events using an online documentation system.
• Encouraging independence while providing the level of support each individual needs.

Who Makes a Great DSP?

The best DSPs are compassionate, dependable, and ready to make a difference. A successful candidate:

• Has a genuine passion for helping others.
• Builds trust and meaningful relationships with the individuals they support.
• Takes ownership and approaches challenges with a positive attitude.

Why Become a DSP?

Being a DSP is a rewarding career where no two days are exactly the same. You will have the opportunity to:

• Get to know amazing individuals and build lasting relationships.
• Participate in community activities, outings, and new experiences.
• Help individuals learn new skills and achieve personal goals.

About the Individual You'll Support

This position provides one-on-one support to an adult who is primarily non-verbal and requires consistent supervision, structure, and behavioral support throughout the day.

The individual enjoys community outings, daily routines, and engaging with familiar staff. Because communication is limited, staff must be observant, proactive, and able to recognize behavioral cues before situations escalate.

The individual has significant behavioral support needs and may display physical aggression during periods of frustration or dysregulation. Staff must be comfortable working in an environment where challenging behaviors are expected and be prepared to respond using positive behavior support strategies, approved crisis intervention techniques, and individualized behavior plans.

This is an active position that requires staff to remain engaged throughout the shift, participate in community activities, redirect behaviors, maintain structure, and provide continuous supervision to promote safety and success.

Qualifications

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Have a high school diploma or GED preferred.
• Have experience working with individuals with disabilities preferred.
• Possess a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and maintain a clean driving record.
• Have access to an insured vehicle.
• Successfully pass a DHS background study.
• Have basic computer skills for documentation and communication.

Preferred Qualifications for Adult Crisis DSPs:

• Previous experience as a Direct Support Professional or in behavioral health.
• Experience working with adults who have behavioral, developmental, or mental health diagnoses.
• Comfortable responding to crisis situations and managing physically aggressive behaviors using approved intervention techniques.

If you are an experienced DSP who is confident in crisis intervention, values teamwork, and is passionate about supporting individuals with complex behavioral needs, we encourage you to apply.

Working Environment

DSPs support individuals in their homes and communities by helping them reach personal goals, maintain independence, and experience life to the fullest. DSPs may:

• Travel regularly within the community.
• Support individuals both indoors and outdoors.
• Assist with physical activities such as walking, bending, reaching, lifting, and moving throughout the workday.
• Work in environments where individuals may experience emotional distress, behavioral challenges, or crisis situations.
• Be exposed to bodily fluids, odors, dust, infectious diseases, and other workplace conditions common in human services.

Successful DSPs are comfortable problem-solving, staying calm under pressure, and supporting individuals through both successes and challenges. If you are looking for meaningful work where you can positively impact someone’s life, we encourage you to apply.

Synova Group offers a competitive salary and a full list of benefits, including PTO, paid holidays, health, dental, life insurance, and disability insurance. Paid training is conducted in our Brooklyn Park office and is led by Synova Group employees. 

You will work in an environment that makes you feel proud of what you do and work with others who have a strong desire to support individuals with disabilities. Synova Group focuses on person-centered planning to provide the best care to our individuals.

Synova Group provides many growth opportunities for those looking to advance their career and places value on internal promotion!

This position reports to the House Supervisor. The position is classified as non-exempt.

Synova Group is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.