Direct Service Professional - 24 Hour (DSP-24)

• Paid Holidays
• Personal & Sick Leave
• Health, Dental, Vision, and FSA (medical and dependent care)
• 401(k) retirement plan, plus discretionary employer match
• Flexible schedule

Work Schedule: Hours/days may vary

• 24-hour shift: 16 hours of active work and 8 hours of on-site sleep time. Sleep interruptions are compensated per policy when services are required during sleep hours.
• Start times vary by location (e.g., 7am-7am or 9am-9am).

 Please indicate which shift works best for you when applying.

This position provides person-centered assistance, based on the individual’s goals, needs and interests. The Direct Service Professional-24 (DSP-24) with REACH has the primary role in providing person-centered assistance to individuals with developmental disabilities in a group home setting, serving 3–5 individuals, or in the community one-on-one. As a DSP-24, you will play a key role in supporting individuals with their daily routines and activities within the home, promoting independence, dignity, and quality of life. This includes assisting with personal care, household tasks, relationship building, communication, and health/wellness support, all based on the individual’s goals, needs, and interests.

The DSP-24 works a 24-hour shift, consisting of 16 active hours and 8 hours of paid sleep time, with compensation for any sleep interruptions as outlined per policy.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate, consistent support to individuals throughout their daily routines, including morning and evening care, meals, medications, and bedtime.
• Assist with personal care and hygiene tasks as needed—this may include reminders, prompts, supervision, or full physical assistance.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized household environment, including housekeeping, cooking, and laundry.
• Perform and oversee household management tasks, including:
  • Meal planning and preparation, including healthy meals and diet-specific plans.
  • Coordinating with Day Habilitation (DH) staff, if needed, regarding appointments, errands, and community outings.
  • Daily and weekly household chores, and ensuring individuals complete any assigned tasks.
  • Monitoring and supporting medication routines—assist with medications and administer (if needed and trained).
• Promote life skills such as money management, social interaction, problem solving, and self-advocacy.
• Support individuals in building and maintaining positive relationships with family and others.
• Document activities, incidents, and observations accurately and in a timely manner.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, parents, guardians, families, and other support team members.
• Remain on-site during overnight hours and respond promptly if an individual requires assistance.
• May be required to work in multiple locations based on staffing needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic time management skills, including the ability to be on time to scheduled activities.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Dependable, patient, and adaptable to changing needs.
• Comfortable with supporting individuals with a range of personal care needs.
• Strong organizational skills for managing household duties, meals, and schedules.
• Able to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality. 
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and make sound decisions.
• Ability to complete required documentation.
• Effective problem-solving skills. 

Position Requirements:

• At least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent required (Bachelor’s degree in education, special education, psychology, behavior management or a related field preferred)

• *Driving may be a requirement of this position. If driving is required, applicant must have five years of verifiable driving history, possess a current Alaska Driver’s License and provide Agency with proof of current Auto Insurance Coverage and successful State Motor Vehicle Driver’s History Report, prior to employment 

Physical Requirements:   

Physical Requirements: Visual and auditory acuity necessary for monitoring individuals and to perform job duties. Ability to communicate verbally, both in person and over the telephone. May require occasional heavy lifting. Occasionally may come in contact with blood borne pathogens.

Working Conditions: Work is performed primarily at the REACH Group Home, and at various other sites throughout the community. May involve some travel to appointments or occasional community activities. Requires staying on-site for the full 24-hour shift, including overnight hours.

Conditions of Employment

Must pass the pre-employment background check and maintain the ability to pass throughout employment with REACH.

CPR and first aid certification, TB clearance required within 30 days of hire. 

Must complete at least 12 hours of continuing education or training per year as part of ongoing professional development.

REACH, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements REACH complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, and compensation and training.

This Position Description reflects the best efforts of REACH to describe the essential functions and qualifications of the job described. It is not an exhaustive statement of all the duties, responsibilities, or qualifications of the job. This document is not intended to exclude an opportunity for modifications consistent with providing reasonable accommodation. This is not intended to be a contract.