What are the responsibilities and job description for the Direct Support Worker (DSW) position at GT Independence?
Job Details
Description
Make a Meaningful Impact Every Day
At GT Independence, people are at the heart of everything we do. If you thrive in a collaborative environment, love what you do, and are eager to grow, you’re in the right place. Discover a career where your work genuinely improves lives and supports a mission that matters.
Our Mission
To help people live a life of their choosing, regardless of age or ability.
GT Independence has earned multiple awards for being an exceptional workplace, including being named a 2026 National “Best and Brightest Companies to Work For.” We are also proudly certified as a Great Place to Work® for 2025/2026—a distinction reserved for top employers committed to outstanding employee experiences.
The Direct Support Worker (DSW) provides person-centered support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in home and community-based settings, helping participants live as independently as possible. The DSW is responsible for implementing Individual Support Plans (ISP), promoting independence, ensuring health and safety, and supporting individuals in achieving meaningful life outcomes while maintaining dignity, choice, and rights.
This is a unique opportunity to provide one-on-one support while respecting each individual’s choices, preferences, and goals.
Responsibilities And Duties
Person-Centered Support
Our team is driven by trust, autonomy, and—yes—fun. We believe great teams come from people who are intrinsically motivated, empowered, and valued. We respect each other, we care about the work we do, and we succeed because we work with purpose.
We value excellence, but we won’t micromanage to achieve it. If you are self‑motivated, we give you the space and support to grow and thrive. Team members enjoy flexible paid time off, competitive wages & benefits, and meaningful opportunities for professional growth.
Grow your career with us. Grow your impact with us.
_____
What Culture & Belonging Means at GT: Bring Your Authentic Self To Work
GT is committed to being a welcoming and inclusive community. We aspire for all staff to feel comfortable bringing their full, authentic selves to work. We want people to feel valued and have a sense of belonging. GT strives to create a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We recognize that our diversity makes us stronger. It also drives innovation and ultimately helps us achieve our mission of self-determination.
Description
Make a Meaningful Impact Every Day
At GT Independence, people are at the heart of everything we do. If you thrive in a collaborative environment, love what you do, and are eager to grow, you’re in the right place. Discover a career where your work genuinely improves lives and supports a mission that matters.
Our Mission
To help people live a life of their choosing, regardless of age or ability.
GT Independence has earned multiple awards for being an exceptional workplace, including being named a 2026 National “Best and Brightest Companies to Work For.” We are also proudly certified as a Great Place to Work® for 2025/2026—a distinction reserved for top employers committed to outstanding employee experiences.
The Direct Support Worker (DSW) provides person-centered support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in home and community-based settings, helping participants live as independently as possible. The DSW is responsible for implementing Individual Support Plans (ISP), promoting independence, ensuring health and safety, and supporting individuals in achieving meaningful life outcomes while maintaining dignity, choice, and rights.
This is a unique opportunity to provide one-on-one support while respecting each individual’s choices, preferences, and goals.
Responsibilities And Duties
Person-Centered Support
- Implement and follow Individual Support Plans (ISPs) and service agreements
- Support individuals in achieving personal goals and increasing independence
- Provide services based on individual preferences, strengths, and needs
- Assist with personal hygiene, dressing, eating, mobility, and toileting
- Teach independent living skills such as cooking, cleaning, and budgeting
- Support community engagement and social participation
- Monitor individual health and report changes
- Administer medications as trained and document appropriately
- Follow emergency and safety procedures
- Promote and protect individual rights and dignity
- Maintain confidentiality of all personal information
- Support informed choice and decision-making
- Complete accurate daily notes and incident reports
- Report concerns in accordance with policy
- Complete required training and certifications
- Attend meetings and trainings
- Follow all policies and procedures
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Ability to pass a background check.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to perform job duties safely.
- Completion of Oregon DSW Orientation and Training
- CPR and First Aid certification
- Medication administration training (if applicable)
- Ongoing continuing education
- Communication skills
- Person-centered thinking
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Cultural responsiveness
- Work is performed in home and community-based settings. May require evenings, weekends, and holidays
- Ability to assist with mobility and personal care
- Ability to lift and transfer individuals
- Ability to respond in emergencies
Our team is driven by trust, autonomy, and—yes—fun. We believe great teams come from people who are intrinsically motivated, empowered, and valued. We respect each other, we care about the work we do, and we succeed because we work with purpose.
We value excellence, but we won’t micromanage to achieve it. If you are self‑motivated, we give you the space and support to grow and thrive. Team members enjoy flexible paid time off, competitive wages & benefits, and meaningful opportunities for professional growth.
Grow your career with us. Grow your impact with us.
_____
What Culture & Belonging Means at GT: Bring Your Authentic Self To Work
GT is committed to being a welcoming and inclusive community. We aspire for all staff to feel comfortable bringing their full, authentic selves to work. We want people to feel valued and have a sense of belonging. GT strives to create a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We recognize that our diversity makes us stronger. It also drives innovation and ultimately helps us achieve our mission of self-determination.