Direct Support Professional

Are you looking for a meaningful career where you can make a real difference every day? The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of State-Operated Specialty Care, is currently seeking full-time Direct Support Professionals (DSP) to join the dedicated team at Woodward Resource Center (WRC).

Please note, this posting is for full-time ONLY. Part-time, temporary and Home Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver home Direct Support Professional positions will be posted when they are available.

No specific education or experience is required — just compassion, dedication, and a desire to support individuals in living their best, most independent lives. We’ll provide the training you need to be successful!

This is hands-on, active engagement work. As a DSP, you'll be physically present with individuals throughout their day, helping with personal care, daily routines, and using those moments to actively teach and reinforce skills that build toward each person's individual goals.

What We Offer
• Full-time positions with shift differentials for 2nd (+$0.90/hr.) and 3rd shift (+$1/hr.)
• Growth and advancement opportunities
• Supportive, team-focused environment
• Meaningful work helping individuals live more independently

• Outstanding benefits from day 1 – see below for more details

What You’ll Do
• Support individuals with daily living and independence skills
• Promote person-centered goals through Individual Support Plans through daily routines, teaching and reinforcing skills

• Help individuals build and maintain skills like communication, taking care of themselves and coping with difficult moments

• Use de-escalation techniques to help individuals through moments of frustration or aggression
• Maintain a safe, respectful environment and follow established procedures
• Document services, progress and share updates with the team supporting each person

What We’re Looking For
• Compassionate, patient, dependable and calm individuals, even in difficult moments
• Resilience, strong communication and teamwork skills
• Commitment to dignity, respect, and high-quality care

• Willingness to create a warm, home-like environment for every individual
• Ability to work overtime as needed – paid at time and a half!

Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.

WRC provides a wide range of services, including ICF/IID residential care, supported community living, behavioral health, training, and more. Learn more about WRC: https://hhs.iowa.gov/family-community/specialty-care-facilities/woodward-resource-center.

Benefits of Joining WRC

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
• Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
• Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
• Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.

For additional information on benefits click here.

Click here to see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.

Woodward Highlights

Woodward is a city of approximately 1,300 located in central Iowa. The High Trestle Trail begins here and boasts 25 miles of paved surface running through five towns and four counties in the heart of Iowa. The trail includes an iconic, 1/2-mile, 13-story high bridge across the Des Moines River valley, one of the largest trail bridges in the world. The Iowa Arboretum & Gardens is just a quick drive away offering more trails, scenic overlooks and other amazing natural features.

Woodward is about 30 minutes away Ames, home of Iowa State University. Des Moines, Iowa’s capitol city, is also about the same distance away and home to Casey’s Center (host site of NCAA Basketball and premier concerts) and Lauridsen Skatepark, the nation’s largest skatepark. Additionally, Des Moines hosts one of the nation’s finest State Fairs and is home to professional sports teams the Iowa Cubs, Iowa Wolves, Iowa Barnstormers and Iowa Wild. Check out these 10 Reasons to Move to Iowa.

The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer

HHS values those with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the HHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

No specific education or experience is required.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.