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Youth - Direct Support Professional

MyPath · Oconomowoc, WI

Posted Sep 3, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you supported a young person through a hard moment. What did you say and do?

What they are checking: Whether they connect with youth through calm, steady support rather than control or punishment.

How do you build a relationship with a student who does not trust adults?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that consistency and follow-through matter more than being liked right away.

What does it mean to you to treat students as individuals when they live in a structured program?

What they are checking: Whether they respect each student's needs and preferences inside the routines a residential program requires.

Why do you want to work as a DSP with students in residential, school and community settings?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the demands of the work and have a real reason to stay.

What would you do

This role needs open availability for both first and second shift. How would that work with your schedule?

What they are checking: Whether they can reliably cover the shifts the program needs to keep staffing ratios safe.

You are working as a classroom aide and a student starts to escalate during a lesson. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can support the teacher and the student without disrupting the rest of the class.

During a community outing a student wanders away from the group. Walk me through what you do.

What they are checking: Whether they put safety first and follow a clear plan in public settings.

You see a fellow DSP skipping steps in a student's support plan. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they will raise concerns that affect a student's care even when it is uncomfortable.

About the work

How would you help a student with hygiene or personal care while protecting their privacy and dignity?

What they are checking: Whether they can give personal care respectfully, which is central to trust with students.

What coping strategies would you teach a student who gets overwhelmed and shuts down?

What they are checking: Whether they have practical, concrete tools to help students manage strong emotions.

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The full job description

As published by MyPath.

Majority Women Employee-Owned. Empowered by Everyone to Transform Lives. Overview We are seeking compassionate and skilled Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team that have open availability to work BOTH 1st and 2nd shifts! Competitive pay starting at $21/hr and a full benefits package. Job Summary: We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Direct Support Professional (DSP) to join our team. In this role, you will provide support, supervision, and engagement to students in their living, school, and community environments. You will play an integral role in building relationships, teaching life skills, and ensuring the safety and well-being of our students. This position offers an opportunity to work hands-on in a supportive, structured environment and make a lasting impact in the lives of others. Key Responsibilities: Direct Care & Student Support • Provide supervision, engagement, and mentorship to students in residential, educational, and community settings. • Assist students with daily living tasks such as hygiene, meals, and personal care. • Model and teach appropriate behaviors and coping strategies. • Support students in developing and practicing social, emotional, and life skills. Education & Activity Support • Participate in school-day activities as a classroom aide. • Assist with educational tasks and behavioral support during school hours. • Plan and lead recreational and community-based activities. • Encourage goal setting and achievement through structured programming. Safety & Incident Management • Implement safety procedures and respond appropriately to emergency situations. • Use approved crisis intervention techniques when necessary. • Accurately document incidents, daily summaries, and observations. Team Collaboration & Communication • Maintain open communication with teachers, therapists, and supervisors regarding student progress and concerns. • Attend team meetings and contribute to treatment planning. • Promote a collaborative and respectful work environment. Schedule • Combination of 1st shift (6/7am-2-3pm) 2nd Shift (2:00/3:00pm to 10:00/11:00pm), Monday through Friday. • 16-hour Weekend shifts (7:00am to 11:00pm) required on a rotating basis. • Holiday shifts required as part of the rotation. • Flexibility required to meet student and program needs. Comprehensive Employee Benefits Package At Genesee Lake School , a MyPath Company, we are committed to supporting our employees' well-being, financial security, and professional growth. Our benefits package includes: Financial & Retirement Benefits • 401(k) Retirement Plan with MyPath Financial Wellness Resources • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) • On-demand Access to Earned Wages • Student Loan Pay Down Assistance • Tuition Reimbursement Health & Wellness • Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision Plans • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) • Life & Disability Insurance • Voluntary Life Insurance Options • Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance • My Voyage Wellness Program Work-Life Balance & Additional Perks • Paid Time Off (PTO) Accrual • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • Childcare Search Assistance • Employee Discount Program via PerkSpot • Pet Insurance Discount We value our employees and are dedicated to providing meaningful benefits that enhance our owners lives. Qualifications: Education & Experience: • Minimum of a high school diploma or GED. • Experience working with individuals with special needs, especially in residential or school settings, preferred. • Ongoing participation in in-service training is required. Required Skills & Attributes: • Ability to maintain a calm and effective demeanor in emergency and stressful situations. • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. • Ability to work independently and as part of a team to deliver high-quality care. • Ability to effectively implement approved physical intervention techniques. Additional Requirements: • Must be at least 21 years old . • Must possess a valid Driver's License and have an acceptable driving record. • Willingness to work with residents in a variety of settings, including community outings Additional Information MyPath and its Operating Companies provide specialized services and dignified care for children, adolescents and adults with special needs. Our companies provide a spectrum of services and support which promote the ability of those we serve to live as independently as possible in the community. MyPath is composed of a beautifully diverse spectrum of employees with different characteristics, abilities, and life experiences. We believe that equitable, diverse, and inclusive practices in our workspaces are integral to the existence of MyPath. We value our diverse spectrum of Owners, the individuals we serve and the communities we encounter. Our success as an organization is directly proportional to our ability to create belonging and genuinely engage our Owners and potential Owners. We ask for demographic information so that we can be intentional in supporting our Owners best. Although not required, we would appreciate you sharing to help our commitment of cultivating a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and belonging MyPath. Our Culture At MyPath, we support an ownership culture throughout the organization. Our culture is based on our five beliefs and behaviors: • Passion • Accountability • Teamwork • Openness • Continuous Learning and Innovation As an employee owner, you can expect transparency, respect and appreciation. You’ll impact the place you work and map a career within MyPath. With your passion and our breadth of services, your options are nearly limitless! MyPath is proudly Majority Women Employee-Owned, with women leading at every level from the frontline to the boardroom. Our strength comes from all of us. Every Owner, regardless of gender, plays a vital role in shaping our culture, driving our mission, and building a workplace where opportunity and ownership are shared by all. MyPath is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We embrace the unique characteristics, abilities, and life experiences of our employees and believe that equitable and inclusive practices are essential to our success. We value the diversity of our Owners, the individuals we serve, and the communities we engage with.

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