Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Direct Support Professional (DSP)for

Z.N.D. RESIDENTIAL, INC.

(Z.N.D.) Fresno / Clovis, CA Help Youth Build Structure, Safety, and Confidence

Z.N.D. RESIDENTIAL, INC.

(Z.N.D.) is seeking dependable, compassionate, and professional Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to work with youth in a licensed Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP) . This role is ideal for someone who is calm under pressure, strong with boundaries, reliable, and passionate about helping youth succeed in a structured residential setting. (DSP) are not just staff members on shift they are part of the daily structure that helps youth feel safe, supported, redirected, and held accountable. Job Type and Schedule This position is available for both full-time and part-time applicants. Expected hours are generally 30-40 hours per week , depending on participant census, staffing ratios, placement needs, supervision requirements, shift coverage, and overall program operations. Because (Z.N.D.) operates a licensed STRTP, scheduled hours may increase or decrease based on the number of youth or Non-Minor Dependents placed in the program and the level of supervision required. Applicants should understand that hours are based on census and operational need and are not guaranteed as fixed weekly hours. Benefits (Z.N.D.) offers medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, training and professional development, advancement opportunities, supportive leadership, and the opportunity to do meaningful work with youth and families. Position Overview As a (DSP), you will provide active supervision, structure, behavioral support, and daily guidance to youth and Non-Minor Dependents in a therapeutic residential environment. This position requires professionalism, consistency, patience, strong boundaries, and the ability to follow program expectations. This is not a companion, mentor, babysitting, or peer role. (DSP) are responsible for active supervision, enforcing boundaries, documenting behaviors, supporting daily routines, and responding to real-time behavioral and safety needs. Key Responsibilities Supervision and Safety (DSP) provide continuous active supervision of youth during daily routines, transportation, appointments, recreation, community outings, and program activities. This includes monitoring for elopement risk, behavioral escalation, safety concerns, rule violations, or any situation that may place a participant, staff member, or the program at risk. (DSP) are expected to enforce program structure, house rules, boundaries, and behavioral expectations consistently. This requires the ability to respond quickly, calmly, and professionally to participant needs while maintaining safety and compliance with STRTP requirements. Behavioral and Therapeutic Support (DSP) support youth using trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate, and relationship-based interventions. Under the direction of Mental Health Staff and program leadership, (DSP) help reinforce individualized treatment goals and support youth with emotional regulation, coping skills, conflict resolution, problem-solving, and accountability. This role requires the ability to redirect unsafe or inappropriate behaviors while reinforcing positive choices and healthy behavior. (DSP) must remain calm, professional, and regulated during high-stress situations, behavioral incidents, or crisis events. Daily Living and Life Skills (DSP) support youth with age-appropriate daily living skills, including hygiene, grooming, organization, chores, meals, cleanup, routines, and maintaining a clean and safe living environment. The goal is to promote independence, responsibility, and healthy habits through coaching, structure, and consistent expectations. (DSP) also support respectful communication, appropriate peer interactions, and daily routines that help youth build stability and life skills within the residential setting. School, Activities, and Engagement (DSP) help youth follow school schedules, appointments, program activities, vocational activities, recreational programming, and daily routines. This includes encouraging participation, supporting appropriate community involvement, and helping youth engage in approved normalcy activities. (DSP) are expected to help maintain a structured and therapeutic daily environment by keeping participants engaged, supervised, and accountable throughout the shift. Medication Support — Non-Medical (DSP) may support medication administration only as allowed by STRTP regulations and program policy. This includes following medication supervision, handling, and documentation procedures as trained and assigned. Any medication refusals, errors, concerns, or irregularities must be reported immediately according to program policy. Documentation and Teamwork (DSP) are responsible for completing shift notes, logs, incident reports, behavior documentation, and other required records in a timely and accurate manner. Documentation must clearly reflect participant behaviors, interventions used, safety concerns, and important shift activity. This position requires professional communication and collaboration with Facility Managers, Mental Health Staff, program leadership, and other (DSP) team members. (DSP) are also expected to participate in required trainings, meetings, supervision, and team communication while maintaining confidentiality, boundaries, and professionalism at all times. Who We're Looking For (Z.N.D.) is looking for individuals who are reliable, consistent, calm under pressure, and able to set and maintain strong professional boundaries. A strong (DSP) understands that this work requires compassion and structure at the same time. Successful candidates should be comfortable working with youth who have behavioral, emotional, and mental health needs. Applicants should be professional in communication, willing to learn, open to feedback, able to work as part of a team, and committed to following policy, procedure, licensing expectations, and program structure. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and able to understand the needs of Children and Non-Minor Dependents in a residential setting. (DSP) must be able to build appropriate rapport with youth from diverse cultural and social backgrounds while maintaining professional boundaries and consistent behavioral expectations. Applicants must have strong communication skills, the ability to remain calm and regulated during stressful situations, and the ability to follow directions, complete documentation, and meet program expectations. Proficiency in Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, is also required.

Minimum / Desired

Qualifications To meet STRTP and Department of Social Services expectations, (DSP) candidates must meet at least one of the following: Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science 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 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 Applicants must have CPR/First Aid certification or be willing to obtain it upon hire. Applicants must also be able to pass required background checks and clearances and meet the physical demands of the role, including standing, walking, active supervision, and responding to participant needs. A valid driver's license is preferred if transportation duties are assigned. Applicants must also be able to work days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and varied shifts based on program needs. Work Environment This position is in a licensed residential therapeutic setting serving youth with mental health and behavioral needs. (DSP) must be able to work in a fast-paced and emotionally dynamic environment while maintaining structure, professionalism, safety, and compliance with licensing requirements. Because STRTP staffing is connected to participant census and supervision needs, scheduled hours may change. While employees may be hired with an anticipated 30-40 hour schedule, (Z.N.D.) cannot guarantee fixed weekly hours if census decreases, placements change, or program needs shift. Why Join (Z.N.D.)? At

Z.N.D. RESIDENTIAL, INC.

(Z.N.D.), our mission is to build strong individuals, strengthen families, and encourage confidence . (DSP) are essential to that mission. Your consistency, professionalism, and accountability help create the structure youth need to grow, stabilize, and move forward. If you are dependable, compassionate, firm, and ready to make a difference in the lives of youth, we encourage you to apply.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$19.50 - $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person