Behavioral Direct Support Professional / Caregiver

Job Description

As a Behavioral Direct Support Professional (DSP) with Dungarvin, you’ll walk alongside people as they work toward their personal goals, build independence, and enjoy the things that matter most to them. 

That might mean going shopping, heading to the pool, supporting someone at work, attending a Special Olympics event, getting out into the community, or simply helping someone have a good day. 

You’ll build meaningful relationships while providing the individualized support, encouragement, and guidance each person needs to live with dignity, choice, and as much independence as possible. 

What You’ll Do 

• Provide individualized support to adults with mental health, intellectual and developmental, and/or physical disabilities. 

• Support people as they develop skills, pursue personal goals, and participate in their communities. 

• Provide encouragement, mentoring, and guidance with daily activities and life skills. 

• Help individuals maintain their comfort, safety, dignity, and independence. 

• Support daily living activities when needed, which may include mobility, dressing, bathing, personal hygiene, meals, and other personal-care needs depending on the individual. 

• Recognize and respond appropriately to behavioral or mental health needs. 

• Use a calm, patient, and team-based approach during challenging situations. 

• Attend community activities, appointments, social events, recreational activities, and other outings. 

• Build positive, respectful relationships with the people we support and your teammates. 

• Complete required documentation regarding services, progress, incidents, and important events. 

• Complete Dungarvin’s Handle with Care training and other required training to help you safely and effectively support the people in your care. 

This Work Can Be Challenging—and Meaningful 

Some of the people we support experience significant mental health or behavioral challenges. These may include verbal or physical aggression, emotional distress, or other behaviors that require patience, sound judgment, and effective crisis-management skills. 

Some individuals may also have intellectual or developmental disabilities and/or medical needs. 

We want candidates to have a realistic understanding of the work. At the same time, you won’t be expected to figure it all out on your own. Training, teamwork, and individualized support plans are an important part of how we provide services.

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For 

We’re looking for people who: 

• Are at least 18 years old 

• Have a Valid Drivers License (due to transporting persons served) 

• Are comfortable driving company vehicles to transport persons served as required  

• Some positions / locations may require own personal vehicle and auto-liability insurance based on the role 

• Are patient, dependable, and respectful. 

• Believe the people we support should have choice and control over their own lives. 

• Can remain calm and make sound decisions during challenging situations. 

• Communicate effectively and work well as part of a team. 

• Are comfortable learning new skills and following individualized support plans. 

• Have a sincere interest in supporting people with complex needs. 

• A successful background clearance is required as part of the onboarding/employment process 

Prior experience in intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health, behavioral health, psychiatric services, healthcare, corrections/security, or another human-services setting is strongly preferred, but it is not required.  

Additional Information

Dungarvin believes that diversity and inclusion make our organization stronger. Together, we're working to create a culture that supports our employees and the people we serve. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. 

If you’re someone who wants meaningful work, enjoys building relationships, and can see the person—not just the behavior—we’d love to hear from you. 

Join Dungarvin and help people live the lives they choose. 

11/9

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