Direct Support Professional I - Child Care Specialist

Overview

Direct Support Professional I - Child Care Specialist

Pay: $21.00-$22.92/hour

New Hire Sign-on Bonus: $4,000

Be the Difference in a Young Person’s Life

Stetson School is seeking compassionate, dependable, and motivated individuals to join our team as Direct Support Professionals (Child Care Specialists). In this role, you’ll work directly with youth in a residential setting, helping to create a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment where they can grow, heal, and succeed.

If you’re someone who leads with patience, consistency, and empathy—and can stay calm when things get a little chaotic (because they sometimes do)—you might be exactly who we’re looking for.

Benefits for Full-time employees: 

• Health Insurance: Offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield, with generous company contribution.
• Enhanced Retirement Plan: 25% - 33% Employer match based on tenure. 
• Student Loan Assistance: Consolidation, counseling, & limited employer contribution!
• Discounted Tuition with College & University Partnerships!
• Tuition Assistance: Reimbursed or prepaid college coursework!
• Home Mortgage Initiative: Favorable down payment (3-5%), reduced closing costs co-paid by Seven Hills!

Work-Life Balance:

• Generous Accrued Paid Vacation: 3 weeks in your first year!
• Vacation Cash-Out Option
• 3 Paid Personal Days
• 11 Paid Holidays 
• Accrued Paid Sick Time

Benefits for Part-time Employees:

• Accrued Paid Sick Time
• Enhanced Retirement Plan: 25% - 33% Employer match (Minimum of 20 worked hours per week)
• Student Loan Assistance: Consolidation and free debt counseling!
• Personal PTO - (Minimum 20 hour regular part-time schedule - does not apply to per diem)

About Stetson School

Stetson School is a nationally accredited, trauma-informed residential and educational treatment program serving youth and young adults ages 9–22. We believe consistency, structure, and relationships are essential to healing—and we support staff doing this important work.

Responsibilities

• Provide Direct Care & Support

  • Ensure the safety, supervision, and well-being of students at all times
  • Build positive, professional relationships while maintaining appropriate boundaries
  • Teach and reinforce healthy behaviors, hygiene, and life skills
  • Support a trauma-informed treatment approach (ACORN model)

  Maintain Structure & Routine

  • Supervise students with constant visual and auditory awareness
  • Facilitate daily schedules, activities, and transitions
  • Conduct routine room checks and safety monitoring
  • Transport students to appointments and activities as needed

  Behavioral Support

  • Respond to behaviors using CPI (Nonviolent Crisis Intervention) techniques
  • Use de-escalation strategies and, when necessary, approved physical interventions
  • Promote positive behavior, self-regulation, and social development

  Engage & Mentor

  • Lead and participate in recreational and skill-building activities
  • Serve as a role model for appropriate social interactions
  • Support students in family connections and communication

  Documentation & Communication

  • Complete shift notes, reports, and required documentation accurately and on time
  • Communicate incidents, concerns, and updates to supervisors

  Health & Safety

  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized environment
  • Support students with daily living tasks and housekeeping
  • Respond appropriately to illness, injury, or emergencies

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, HiSET, or equivalent required

• Valid driver’s license (Class C or D) required

• 0–3 years of related experience (human services, internships, or volunteer work accepted)