Direct Support Professional

Now Hiring: Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Specialized Support for a Child with Autism, ADHD, & Severe Anxiety

We are seeking a highly dedicated and skilled Direct Support Professional (DSP) to provide one-on-one support for a 5-year-old child with complex needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), ADHD, and severe anxiety. This role requires a patient, proactive, and structured individual who can implement behavioral strategies, life skills training, and safety protocols to support the child’s development and well-being.

About the Client & Role Expectations:

Your client is an intelligent, energetic, and highly verbal 5-year-old who enjoys discussing his favorite interests and reenacting scenes from movies and TV shows. However, he has significant behavioral challenges that require specialized support, including:

• Anger Management & Aggressive Behaviors – The child may hit, bite, headbutt, self-harm, and attempt to harm others when dysregulated.

• Elopement Risks (Runner) – He may attempt to escape in stressful situations or when demands are placed on him.

• Severe Anxiety & PDA – Struggles with high anxiety levels, especially when faced with demands, transitions, or unexpected changes.

• ADHD & Lack of Self-Awareness – He has no natural awareness of his own needs and requires constant reminders to eat, drink water, and regulate emotions.

• Color Blindness – May require accommodations for visual processing differences.

As a DSP, your role is to:

• Implement Behavior Management Strategies – Use positive reinforcement, de-escalation techniques, and structured routines to help manage aggression and anxiety.

• Develop Everyday Life Skills (EDLS) – Assist with self-care, hygiene, eating, hydration, and task completion while building independence.

• Support Emotional Regulation & Socialization – Teach coping strategies, emotional awareness, and appropriate social interactions.

• Ensure Safety & Supervision – Prevent self-harm and elopement by maintaining a structured and secure environment.

• Provide Constant Guidance & Redirection – Support the child in understanding his own needs, following routines, and completing tasks.

• Collaborate with Parent & Implement Individualized Strategies – The child’s mother is highly experienced in autism support and will provide specialized training and ongoing guidance.

Qualifications & Requirements:

✅ Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record

✅ Ability to commute to SE Portland

✅ Mostly open availability (flexible scheduling preferred)

✅ Strong ability to manage and de-escalate aggressive behaviors

✅ Excellent communication, observation, and documentation skills

✅ Comfortable working with a child with complex behavioral and medical needs

✅ Highly patient, adaptable, and committed to long-term progress

✅ Pass a background check

What We Offer:

✔ Paid Training – No prior DSP experience required, but willingness to learn is essential

✔ Ongoing Support – Direct guidance from a highly experienced parent/professional in autism and behavioral support

✔ A Meaningful Career Opportunity – Make a direct impact on a child’s development and independence

W2 Employment, available Hours for this client is between 10-15 hours per week. Additional hours with other clients - up to 40hrs may be available for the right candidate.

How to Apply:

If you are serious about working in behavioral support and believe you have the skills, patience, and dedication for this role, please reach out with your availability, relevant experience as well as a cover letter explaining why you feel this role is right for you.

We are conducting interviews immediately and looking to fill this position as soon as possible.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $24.00 per hour

Expected hours: 10 – 20 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Morning shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $24