Direct Support Professional (DSP)

About Alliance Residences

Alliance Residences is a Minnesota-licensed assisted living community providing person-centered care to older adults and adults with complex needs. Our team is built around dignity, safety, and a culture where residents feel at home and staff feel supported.

Position Summary

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides hands-on, person-centered care to residents in our assisted living community. Working under the delegation and supervision of a Registered Nurse, the DSP supports residents with activities of daily living, monitors their well-being, and helps create a safe, warm, and dignified home environment. This is a meaningful role for someone who genuinely enjoys building relationships with older adults and adults with complex needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Resident Care

• Provide hands-on and standby assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, transfers, and mobility.
• Carry out delegated health care tasks accurately and only after RN training, supervision, and documented competency.
• Prepare modified-texture diets, set up meals, and assist with feeding when needed.
• Support residents with social engagement, comfort, and emotional well-being throughout the shift.

Safety and Monitoring

• Serve as an awake, on-site responder, available to respond to call lights, alarms, and emergencies at all times during the shift.
• Observe and report any changes in residents’ physical, cognitive, or emotional condition to the charge nurse or RN promptly.
• Follow facility infection-control and hand-hygiene practices at all times.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free resident environment.

Documentation and Communication

• Document care, observations, and incidents accurately and on time in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Communicate clearly with residents, families, coworkers, and supervisors with respect and professionalism.
• Participate in shift handoffs, care conferences, and team huddles as requested.

Required Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English at a level sufficient to safely perform the duties of the position.
• Ability to pass a Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) background study.
• Ability to work scheduled shifts, including evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience as a CNA, HHA, DSP, PCA, or in a similar caregiving role.
• Experience supporting residents with dementia or memory care needs.
• Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) and basic computer use.

Required Training

• Orientation on Minnesota assisted living statutes and the Assisted Living Bill of Rights prior to providing direct resident care.
• 8 hours of dementia care training within the first 160 working hours, and at least 2 hours annually thereafter.
• 2 hours of mental illness and de-escalation training within the first 80 working hours.
• Vulnerable Adults Act maltreatment reporting training.
• Documented skills competency evaluation by an RN prior to performing delegated tasks independently.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely lift, transfer, and reposition residents, including the use of mechanical lifts and gait belts.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs (approximately 22 kg) and assist with two-person transfers as needed.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and reaching throughout the shift.
• Ability to respond quickly during emergencies.

What We Offer

A supportive team, real career growth into Lead DSP, Med Tech, and LPN/RN pathways, and the chance to make a daily difference in residents’ lives. We invest in training, mentorship, and the tools you need to do this work well.

Schedule

Alliance Residences offers full-time, part-time, and PRN opportunities across day, evening, and overnight (NOC) shifts, including weekends and holidays. Specific shift availability and scheduling expectations will be reviewed during the interview process.

Benefits

Alliance Residences is proud to invest in our team. Eligible employees receive:

• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Minnesota’s earned sick and safe time
• Paid training and continuing education
• Shift differentials and employee referral bonuses
• Career growth and advancement opportunities within Alliance Residences

Benefit eligibility varies based on employment status (full-time, part-time, or PRN) and length of service.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Alliance Residences is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and residents. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.