Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Job Type: Part-Time / Flexible Hours

Location: Home and Community-Based (in and around the Sartell, Minnesota area)

Position Summary
We are seeking a patient, dependable, and engaging Direct Support Professional (DSP) to provide individualized support for a bright and energetic 9-year-old child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD. The DSP will work directly with the child and family to promote independence, build social and emotional skills, support executive functioning, and encourage successful participation in home and community activities.

This position is supervised directly by the participant’s parent/guardian. The ideal candidate will use positive reinforcement, creativity, and consistent support strategies to help the child meet personal, behavioral, and developmental goals while ensuring safety and well-being in all environments.

Primary Responsibilities
Skill Development & Daily Support

• Support the child in developing social communication, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and independent living skills.
• Encourage participation in age-appropriate recreational, educational, and community activities.
• Assist with routines, transitions, and task completion using individualized supports and strategies.

Executive Functioning Support

• Provide coaching and support for organization, planning, focus, time management, and completing multi-step tasks.
• Help create and maintain structured routines and visual supports as needed.
• Use positive redirection and encouragement to support attention and task engagement.

Community Integration & Inclusion

• Accompany the child on community outings such as parks, libraries, recreational activities, and social events.
• Support safe participation in community settings while encouraging independence and social interaction.
• Teach and reinforce community safety skills and appropriate public behavior.

Behavior & Emotional Support

• Implement positive behavior support strategies and reinforcement systems.
• Assist the child in identifying emotions, using coping skills, and managing frustration or overstimulation.
• Maintain a calm, supportive, and consistent approach during behavioral or emotional challenges.

Safety & Supervision

• Ensure the child’s safety and well-being in all settings.
• Provide close supervision and support during activities and outings as needed.
• Follow family guidelines, behavior plans, and safety procedures.

Documentation & Communication

• Maintain accurate documentation of activities, progress toward goals, and notable behaviors using approved systems or logs.
• Communicate regularly and professionally with parents/guardians regarding progress, concerns, and successes.
• Attend training or meetings as required.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, or related developmental needs preferred.
• Ability to provide patient, compassionate, and positive support.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm and flexible in changing situations.
• Reliable personal transportation required.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required.
• Willingness to transport and accompany the child to community activities/outings and appointments as needed.
• Willingness to participate in community outings.
• Ability to pass required background checks.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Preferred Skills & Characteristics

• Patience, empathy, and reliability.
• Creativity in planning engaging and meaningful activities.
• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships and act as a supportive role model.
• Understanding of positive behavior support strategies.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to actively participate in community and recreational activities.
• Ability to lift and carry at least 20 pounds if necessary.
• May require bending, walking, standing for extended periods, and assisting during active play or outings.

Additional Information

• This position does not include nursing-related tasks.
• The DSP must maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

Schedule & Availability

• Multiple DSP positions may be available.
• Flexible scheduling options are available, particularly during summer months.
• Beginning in late August, support hours could include:
• Weekday mornings: could include before-school hours with time range of approximately 6:30 AM – 7:45 AM
• Weekday afternoons: could include after-school hours with a time range of approximately 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
• Occasional evenings and weekends as needed
• Exact schedules may vary based on family needs, activities, and your availability.
• This position is ideal for individuals seeking part-time, flexible hours, including students, paraprofessionals, education majors, behavioral support staff, or those with experience working with children.
• We welcome applicants from a variety of backgrounds, including education, special education, psychology, social work, child development, behavioral support, recreation, and related fields. Individuals with experience supporting children with ASD and ADHD are especially encouraged to apply.

Compensation & Incentives

• Starting pay begins at $20.00/hour, with higher compensation considered for candidates with significant experience supporting children with ASD, ADHD, or behavioral support needs.
• A $100 orientation stipend is available upon successful completion of orientation activities.
• A $750 training stipend is available upon completion of optional training requirements.
• A $1,200 retention stipend is available after six months of successful employment.

Total first-year compensation may exceed the hourly wage through available stipends and retention incentives.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• A brief statement or cover letter describing their interest in the position and relevant experience working with children.
• A current résumé outlining education, work history, and applicable skills.
• Contact information for at least two professional or personal references.
• Tentative availability in summer months (June-August 2026) and potential availability during the school year (September 2026-May 2027)

Applications may be submitted via email to bibeau.jennifer@gmail.com with the subject line: DSP Application – [Applicant Name]

Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Final candidates must successfully complete any required background checks and employment paperwork before beginning employment.

Questions are welcome prior to applying.

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Paid training

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20