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Job Details

Direct Support Professional (DSP) | After School Child Care | Portland, OR

  2026-05-20     Empowered     Portland,OR  
Description:

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Empowered Services is a one-on-one attendant care agency providing Activities of Daily Living (ADL) support and community-based services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in their own homes. Our mission is to support individuals in building independence, engaging in their communities, and living meaningful, self-directed lives.

We are hiring a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to provide 1:1 after-school support for a child in the Portland, OR area. In this role, you will:

  • Provide structured, supportive care in the home and community
  • Support communication, emotional regulation, and social interaction
  • Encourage positive behaviors and skill development
  • Provide consistent, calm guidance during challenging moments

This position is ideal for someone with ABA experience or a background in behavioral support, speech therapy, or related fields.

You will be supporting a child who:

  • Enjoys playing with trucks and balls, listening to music, and being social with others
  • Loves interacting with family and being around dogs/pets
  • Is curious, friendly, and very social, and enjoys engaging with others
  • Experiences frustration with communication, which can lead to emotional dysregulation or meltdowns
  • Benefits from clear communication, structure, and patient, supportive guidance

This individual thrives with a provider who can help bridge communication gaps, support emotional regulation, and encourage safe, positive interactions.

Schedule

  • Monday Friday: 3:00 PM 7:00 PM (flexible)

Pay & Benefits

  • $23$25 per hour (based on experience and qualifications)

Full-time employees (30+ hours/week) are eligible for:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide ADL support and structured after-school routines
  • Support communication development and social interaction
  • Implement behavioral support strategies (ABA-informed approaches preferred)
  • Assist with emotional regulation and transitions
  • Maintain safety awareness (including supervision and boundary-setting)
  • Engage in play-based and social activities
  • Communicate updates with care teams and document services
  • Maintain a consistent, structured, and supportive environment

Qualifications

  • Must be 18 years or older
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
  • Current auto insurance (meeting state requirements)
  • Ability to pass a background check (not all records are disqualifying)
  • Comfortable providing personal care support

Preferred (strongly encouraged):

  • Experience with ABA, behavioral therapy, or speech therapy support
  • Experience supporting individuals with autism or I/DD
  • Background in childcare, education, or behavioral health
  • CPR/First Aid certification

Why Join Empowered Services?

  • Consistent after-school schedule
  • 1:1 client-focused care
  • Opportunity to gain experience in behavioral and developmental support
  • Supportive and professional team
  • Meaningful, relationship-based work

If you are patient, structured, and passionate about supporting children through behavioral and communication-focused care, we encourage you to apply for this Behavioral Support Specialist (DSP) role.


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