Day Support Activities (DSA) Specialist

Empower lives. Brighten futures! Planned community outings with adults with IDD that build independence, skills and connections.

Looking for a career where your compassion for helping others can make a real impact? At Northwest Care, we provide state-certified, person-centered support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

We're seeking compassionate, dependable, and engaging individuals to join our Day Support Activities (DSA) team! In this role, you'll transport and accompany supported individuals on planned community outings designed to encourage independence, build life skills, strengthen social connections, and promote meaningful community participation. This is more than a driving position. You'll help individuals work toward their personal goals while providing the individualized support they need to participate safely and confidently in their communities. You'll work under the direction of our DSA Program Manager, who coordinates outings around each supported person's Individual Support Plan (ISP).

No prior experience? Bring your compassion, reliability, and willingness to learn! Paid training is provided, including the DSP training needed to understand and support the unique needs of the individuals you'll serve. If you're ready to make a difference in someone's everyday life, we invite you to apply!

JOB TITLE: Day Support Activities (DSA) Specialist LOCATION: Bend, Oregon TYPE: Part-Time SHIFT AND SCHEDULE: Monday–Sunday flexible scheduling, based on candidate availability and the scheduled support needs of individuals. Weekday and weekend availability may be required. PAY: $25/hour

POSITION OVERVIEW

The DSA Specialist provides structured, individualized community support to adults with IDD through scheduled recreational activities, social engagement, skill development, and opportunities to increase independence. Working under the direction and supervision of the DSA Program Manager, you'll implement planned outings designed to support each individual's Individual Support Plan (ISP) goals and objectives. Each outing has a purpose: helping supported individuals build skills, develop relationships, participate in their communities, and enjoy meaningful experiences.

Because each individual has unique support needs, DSA Specialists must also develop foundational Direct Support Professional (DSP) knowledge. Required training and an understanding of individual support plans, safety protocols, positive behavior support strategies, and emergency procedures are essential parts of the position.

Scheduling and Availability

DSA services are scheduled throughout the week, including weekends, based on each supported individual's ISP goals and planned activities. Schedules may include weekday outings, Saturday classes or activities, Sunday church attendance, and other individualized community experiences. The DSA Program Manager coordinates outings and staffing to meet these needs while considering each team member's availability. Flexibility and clear communication about availability are essential to building a dependable team that can provide consistent, individualized support.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Transport and accompany supported individuals on scheduled community outings and recreational activities.
• Implement activities selected by the DSA Program Manager to support individual ISP goals, socialization, skill development, and community inclusion.
• Encourage participation, independence, choice, and personal growth while respecting each individual's dignity and preferences.
• Learn and follow applicable ISPs, positive behavior support plans (PBSPs), safety precautions, communication methods, and individualized support protocols.
• Provide personal assistance when needed and within the scope of your training, demonstrated competency, and authorization.
• Maintain appropriate supervision and respond promptly to safety concerns, changes in an individual's condition, or emergencies.
• Complete required service documentation and communicate relevant observations, concerns, and incidents to the DSA Program Manager.
• Facilitate person-centered transitions when picking up or returning supported individuals to their residential homes, including communicating relevant information and completing applicable handoff responsibilities.
• Follow established procedures for outing-related expenditures, personal funds, receipts, and medication transfers when applicable to assigned responsibilities.
• Maintain professional boundaries, protect confidential information, and treat supported individuals with respect, patience, and compassion.
• Complete required DSP and DSA training, participate in mandatory staff meetings, and maintain required continuing education.

DESIRED ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS

• Compassionate, patient, and respectful when working with individuals with IDD.
• Coachable and responsive to instruction, with a positive attitude toward learning new skills.
• Reliable, organized, attentive, and accountable.
• Able to follow established schedules, instructions, and individualized support protocols.
• Effective in communicating with supported individuals, coworkers, and supervisors.
• Able to recognize changing needs, exercise sound judgment, and seek guidance when a situation exceeds your training or authority.
• Committed to promoting independence, dignity, safety, and meaningful community participation.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum: High school diploma or GED required
• Age: Must be 18 years or older
• Driving: Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and required driving clearance
• Background checks: Criminal history (ORCHARDS), and driving background clearance required
• Physical ability: Able to lift or transfer up to 50 pounds as needed
• Communication & interpersonal skills: Clear, empathetic, patient, and adaptable
• Preferred certifications: CPR/First Aid, Oregon Intervention System (OIS), and Oregon Tier 1 and 2 core competencies or willingness to receive all essential training as required

BENEFITS

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with 6% Employer Match
• Paid Training

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

By submitting this application, you consent to receive text messages from Northwest Care related to your job application, hiring process, and onboarding. Message frequency may vary. Standard message and data rates may apply. You may opt out at any time by replying STOP.

Northwest Care is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our team.