Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Join True Friends in our mission to provide life-changing experiences that enhance independence and self-esteem for children and adults with disabilities.

About the Role

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you'll play an important role in creating safe, supportive, and engaging experiences for participants. You'll provide hands-on support with personal care and health needs, meals, activities, and daily routines while encouraging participants to build independence and enjoy their time at True Friends.

We have both DSP and Lead DSP opportunities available within our weekday and weekend respite programs. While both positions focus on providing safe, consistent, and meaningful participant support, Lead DSPs take on additional responsibilities related to guiding staff and coordinating daily program operations. These are hands-on, active roles that require patience, flexibility, teamwork, and a genuine desire to support people with disabilities.

Whether you're interested in providing direct participant care or taking on additional leadership responsibilities, there may be an opportunity that's right for you! Where You Could Work This role may be available at one or both of our locations: Camp Friendship | Annandale, MN – Part-time weekend opportunities only Camp Eden Wood | Eden Prairie, MN – Both part-time weekend and full-time weekday opportunities Please note: Specific positions and openings vary by location and staffing needs.

This role may not be available at every location listed above. You'll be able to indicate your preferred location(s) during the application process, and we'll consider your preferences based on current needs. Schedule DSP and Lead DSP positions are assigned to either our weekday or weekend respite program, with schedules based on the assigned position.

Part-Time Weekend Part-time, year-round Work two scheduled weekend sessions per month Sessions generally begin Friday evening at approximately 5:30pm and continue through Sunday afternoon, ending at approximately 1pm Staff must remain onsite and be available for the full duration of assigned weekend sessions, including overnight Full-Time Weekday Full-time, year-round Monday through Thursday 8am–5pm Opportunities to support the weekend program may be available based on program needs and availability What You'll Do All DSP and Lead DSP positions share the following core responsibilities: Provide support with participants' personal care, health needs, safety, and general welfare Assist participants with meals and daily routines Lead and participate in recreational and leisure activities, both onsite and in the community Encourage participants to build independence and participate in activities Monitor and report changes in a participant's condition or needs Administer medications as required and according to established procedures Complete required documentation accurately and on time Help ensure participants' belongings are properly checked in and returned home with them Maintain clean and organized spaces used by participants and staff Transport participants to various locations as needed Participate in required training, meetings, and professional development Follow program plans, daily assignments, and direction provided by onsite leads and program leadership Communicate participant needs, concerns, and program updates to the onsite lead or program leadership as appropriate Communicate effectively with coworkers and leadership Work as part of a team to provide safe, consistent, and quality support Perform other duties as assigned Additional Lead DSP Responsibilities Lead DSPs serve as the primary onsite lead for their assigned program and take on additional responsibilities, including: Provide daily guidance, direction, and support to program staff Delegate tasks and coordinate daily staff responsibilities to ensure participant and program needs are met Assist with training and onboarding new staff, providing guidance on program procedures and expectations Serve as the first point of contact for onsite staff questions and concerns Collaborate with the Program Coordinator and escalate matters to the Program Manager as appropriate Provide participant, staff, and program-related feedback to the Program Coordinator or Program Manager Specific responsibilities will vary based on whether an individual is hired into a DSP or Lead DSP position.

Why You'll Love It Make a direct difference: Your work helps participants have meaningful, safe, and memorable experiences. Build meaningful relationships: Get to know participants and be part of their experiences and successes. Stay active: These are hands-on roles where every day can look different. Learn and grow: Develop valuable skills in caregiving, communication, problem-solving, and working with individuals with disabilities.

Explore leadership opportunities: Depending on your experience and interests, you may have opportunities to guide staff and support program operations. Be part of a community: Work alongside a team that shares a commitment to creating positive experiences for participants. What You'll Gain Hands-on experience: Develop practical skills supporting individuals with disabilities.

Transferable skills: Strengthen communication, teamwork, patience, flexibility, organization, and problem-solving. Personal growth: Build confidence and resilience through meaningful work. Leadership development: Gain or build upon experience guiding staff, coordinating responsibilities, and supporting daily program operations.

A meaningful experience: Be part of an organization focused on helping people build independence and self-esteem. True Friends Benefits True Friends offers a variety of benefits and perks to support our employees.

Benefits

vary based on position, employment status, and eligibility. Health & Wellness — Eligible Positions Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and families, including HSA option Employer-paid life and disability insurance Employee Assistance Program (EAP) CPR/First Aid training opportunities Time & Flexibility — Eligible Positions PTO – accrue up to 20 days annually to start 16 hours of paid Volunteer Time Off (VTO) each year 8 paid holidays plus 2 floating holidays annually Employee Perks Retirement savings plan with up to a 3% employer match upon eligibility Employee Referral Program Cabin rental discounts Continuing education and professional development opportunities Organizational events and opportunities to connect with coworkers Free meals during Summer Camp season Scenic and inspiring work environment Opportunities to develop leadership skills ...

and more! Some benefits are available only to employees who meet specific eligibility requirements. Eligibility and availability may vary based on assigned program, employment status, and applicable benefit plan provisions.

What You'll Bring

to the Table High school diploma or equivalent required; some college in a related field is desirable Previous experience working with individuals with disabilities is preferred Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills Ability to work effectively as part of a team while also being self-directed Strong attention to detail, particularly when supporting participant health and safety Patience, flexibility, and a willingness to learn Ability to respond appropriately to challenging behaviors and physical aggression Ability to follow program plans, daily assignments, procedures, and documentation requirements Functional computer skills, including the ability to use Microsoft Outlook and Word Must have or be willing to complete CPR/First Aid and Medication Administration certifications Ability to pass the required organizational background study For Lead DSP Opportunities We're also looking for individuals who demonstrate: Ability to provide guidance, direction, and support to other staff Strong organizational and problem-solving skills Ability to coordinate daily responsibilities and delegate tasks effectively Confidence communicating with staff and program leadership Willingness to assist with training, onboarding, and supporting team members Work Environment & Physical Requirements These are active positions that involve working both indoors and outdoors.

Staff should be prepared to: Walk, sit, stand, bend, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and move throughout the workday Lift up to 50 pounds and assist with participant mobility and transfers as needed, using appropriate equipment and training Hear and communicate verbally with participants, coworkers, and supervisors Use hands and fingers to operate equipment, tools, and controls Provide hands-on assistance with personal care and participant mobility needs Work around and respond to challenging behaviors, including potential physical aggression Work in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments and weather conditions Specific physical demands and environmental conditions may vary based on the assignment.

Compensation

Starting pay ranges from $17.42-$18.59 per hour, depending on position and responsibilities Returning staff may be eligible for higher rates Specific position placement and compensation will be determined based on qualifications, experience, and available opportunities.