Direct Support Professional in Fresno, California at Z.N.D. RESIDENTIAL, INC.

Pay: $20.50 - $22.00 per hour

Job description:

Direct Support Professional (DSP) – STRTP

Z.N.D. RESIDENTIAL, INC. (Z.N.D.)
Fresno / Clovis, CA
Full-Time & Part-Time Available
$20.50–$22.00/hour

Hours: Overnight 11pm-7am & 3pm-11pm
Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, PTO, advancement opportunities
Reports To: Facility Manager / Program Leadership

Position Overview

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) plays a critical role in supporting the safety, structure, and therapeutic consistency of youth placed in a Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP) serving Children and Non-Minor Dependents (NMD).

DSPs provide continuous supervision, implement structured daily routines, reinforce individualized treatment goals, and support participants in developing life skills, emotional regulation, and independence within a trauma-informed, therapeutic environment.

DSPs serve as the first line of mental health support, working closely with Facility Managers and Mental Health Staff to ensure consistency, safety, and compliance with ILS 5, licensing standards, and individualized treatment plans.

This is not a companion, mentor, or peer role. DSPs are responsible for active supervision, boundary enforcement, and real-time behavioral intervention.

Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesSupervision & Safety

• Provide continuous supervision in accordance with STRTP and ILS 5 requirements
• Ensure participant safety during on-site activities, transportation, community outings, and recreation
• Monitor for elopement risk, behavioral escalation, safety concerns, or rule violations
• Enforce program structure, house rules, and behavioral expectations consistently

Behavioral & Therapeutic Support

• Support implementation of individualized treatment plans under Mental Health Staff direction
• Utilize trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate, and relationship-based interventions
• Assist participants with emotional regulation, coping skills, and problem-solving
• Redirect unsafe or inappropriate behaviors while reinforcing positive behaviors

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) & Skill-Building

• Support age-appropriate ADLs including hygiene, grooming, organization, and routines
• Promote independence through coaching and skill development
• Assist with meal preparation, supervision, and cleanup while reinforcing healthy habits

Education, Activities & Engagement

• Ensure participation in school, educational programming, vocational activities, and appointments
• Facilitate structured recreational, social, and life-skills activities
• Encourage appropriate peer interactions and approved community involvement

Medication Support (Non-Medical)

• Support medication administration only as permitted by STRTP regulations and program policy
• Follow all medication handling, documentation, and supervision requirements
• Report refusals, errors, or concerns immediately

Documentation & Team Collaboration

• Accurately document behaviors, incidents, and interventions in compliance with HIPAA
• Complete required logs, reports, and shift documentation timely
• Collaborate with Facility Managers, Mental Health Staff, and DSP team members
• Participate in required trainings, meetings, and supervision

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (ILS 5)

This position requires an individual at least 21 years of age and the following:

• Knowledge and understanding of the needs of Children and Non-Minor Dependents (NMD) in a residential setting
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Ability to engage and build rapport with youth from diverse cultural and social backgrounds
• Ability to provide consistency and behavioral limits using relationship-based interventions
• Strong communication skills with the ability to problem-solve collaboratively
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and regulated in high-stress situations

Minimum / Desired Qualifications & Experience

To meet ILS 5 and Department of Social Services requirements, DSP candidates must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree
• Completion of 12 semester units in Early Childhood Education, Adolescent Development, or Foster & Kinship Care Education and at least 100 hours of experience working with youth
• Completion of Year 1 and Year 2 of Direct Support Professional (DSP) training
• Valid Child Development Teaching Permit
• Valid Alcohol Counselor, Drug Counselor, or Alcohol and Drug Counselor Certificate and at least 100 hours of experience working with youth
• Valid vocational training certificate, credential, or journeyperson documentation with experience instructing youth and at least 100 hours of experience working with youth
• At least one year of prior employment or volunteer experience in a STRTP
• Other relevant experience as approved by the Department of Social Services to meet ILS requirements

Additional requirements:

• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)
• Ability to meet physical demands of the role (standing, walking, active supervision)
• Valid driver’s license preferred (if transportation duties are assigned)

Work Environment

This position operates in a licensed residential therapeutic setting serving youth with mental health and behavioral needs. DSPs must maintain structure, provide active supervision, and respond appropriately in a fast-paced, emotionally dynamic environment while adhering to all licensing and safety requirements.

Commitment to Our Mission

Z.N.D. RESIDENTIAL, INC. (Z.N.D.) is committed to building strong individuals, strengthening families, and encouraging confidence through trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and individualized care. DSPs are essential to this mission through professionalism, accountability, and consistency.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person