Direct Support Crisis Specialist – Eugene

About the role

The Stabilization and Crisis Unit (SACU) provides 24‑hour residential care to Oregonians with intellectual/developmental disabilities, often with co‑occurring mental health diagnoses, whose support needs exceed those offered by other community‑based programs. SACU operates 17 group homes along the I‑5 corridor from Portland to Eugene. As a Direct Support Crisis Specialist you will be part of a team that helps individuals safely transition back to their home community, offering assistance with health and medical supports, psychological services, emotional and behavioral support, educational supports, life‑skills training, recreational opportunities, and community integration.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and/or support in a 24‑hour, 7‑day‑a‑week residential group home to children and adults in behavioral supports, safety, personal care, nutrition, housekeeping, health care, and other daily activities within the home and the community.
• Provide supports in a manner that honors the wishes and culture of the individuals supported while maintaining health and safety.
• Assist individuals with accessing their community and encourage participation in educational and recreational activities.
• Make observations and document individuals' activities, behavior, and progress.
• Administer medications and treatments under the direction of nursing staff and medical professionals.
• Assist individuals with activities of daily living and hygiene needs which may include personal care, bathing, toileting, and feeding.
• Document and track all aspects of care, answer phones, and maintain confidentiality.
• Prepare meals and complete housekeeping tasks.

Requirements

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Eighteen months of experience providing direct individual care or training in a related human‑services field (e.g., intellectual/developmental disabilities, mental/physical disabilities, substance abuse).
• OR an Associate or higher‑level degree in a related human‑services field.
• OR a combination of education and experience as defined above.

Experience note: Paid or unpaid caregiving experience or volunteering with seniors, children, or people with disabilities may help meet the qualifications. This includes making/attending medical or psychiatric appointments, medication assistance, personal care, activities of daily living (shopping, housework, cooking, transportation), etc. Include all paid and unpaid experience in your application materials. Lived experience (caring for a family member, neighbor, etc.) may substitute for up to 6 months of the required experience.

Qualifications

• Experience following written and verbal instructions.
• Experience communicating clearly in writing and directly with a variety of individuals, adjusting communication style to meet the recipient’s needs.
• Experience resolving conflicts in a professional and timely manner.
• Experience using computers, tablets, and cell phones for documenting, reporting, and communicating (e.g., Internet, Microsoft Office, Therap).
• Experience being a dependable resource for a team to achieve a common goal.
• Experience following behavior and mental‑health supports and/or medical orders.
• Experience monitoring and/or assisting individuals who experience mental, emotional, behavioral, physical, or medical challenges.

Working conditions

• Must have a valid license to drive and maintain an acceptable driving record to transport individuals by state van or car.
• Work in a residential group home environment staffed 24/7.
• Work in a variety of settings within the group homes and in the community.
• Shifts include days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays depending on assigned schedule.
• Occasional overtime required to ensure adequate staffing.
• May be transferred to work shifts at other nearby worksites.
• Work with individuals who have intellectual/developmental disabilities and co‑occurring mental health disorders.
• Frequent contact with individuals requiring alertness and sensitivity to their needs.
• Exposure to individuals who are justice‑involved or committed, and/or who may experience trauma responses or crises communicated through significant emotional or physical behaviors.
• Frequent daily lifting up to 75 pounds (transferring, positioning, moving individuals and/or program supplies); frequent squatting, bending, and stooping.
• Must be able to engage and maintain Oregon Intervention System (OIS) approved restraints for one hour or less.

Background checks and requirements

• Criminal history and background check conducted if selected as a finalist; adverse results may lead to disqualification.
• No visa sponsorship offered.
• Within three days of hire, complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I‑9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States; ODHS uses E‑Verify.
• Drug‑free workplace: all applicants subject to drug testing for narcotics, methamphetamine, and other controlled substances.
• Driving record must meet ODHS SACU Driving Policy; unacceptable offenses include any misdemeanor or felony traffic offense in the last 24 months.

Training

If offered a position, you will attend a three‑week paid in‑person training at our central training facility.

Pay

Base monthly salary range (full‑time): $4,519.00 – $5,712.00. Hourly equivalent: $26.07 – $32.95. Float Pool staff receive an additional 10% above base pay for the duration of the assignment.

Schedule

• Day shift: 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., 5 days on / 2 days off.
• Evening shift: 1:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., 5 days on / 2 days off.
• Night shift: 9:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m., 4 days on / 3 days off.
• Vacation Relief (VR): varied hours, shifts, and days off; not scheduled for more than 8 hours unless filling a 10‑hour, 13‑hour‑20‑minute, or 16‑hour shift, or by mutual agreement with management. Every good‑faith effort to allow 10 hours between shifts; VR may waive this.
• Float Pool: 8‑hour shifts unless mutually agreed to work other shifts (e.g., 16‑hour, 13‑hour‑20‑minute, 4‑10‑hour shifts). Schedules set for 30‑day periods; location varies within an “island” (2–4 houses). Shift‑change notice: 10 days when possible, never less than 7 days unless mutually agreed.