Intentional matching
We look beyond an open shift to the person, caregiver, goals, communication, routines, location, and support style that can make the relationship work.
Working as a DSP at Empowered Services
Do work that matters—and have a team behind you.
As a Direct Support Professional, you help someone build greater independence, participate in their community, and live according to their own choices, routines, and goals. Empowered Services supports you with paid training, thoughtful matching, clear communication, and a local care team that stays connected after you begin.
Care teamSupport after you start
Your growthPaid training + development
Direct Support Professional Pathways
Choose the path that fits you.
Tell us which situation describes you. We’ll take you straight to the right next step.
$23–$26/hrApproved public DSP range
36 countiesStatewide caregiver profiles
Paid trainingOnboarding + annual development
Real supportCare team + caregiver wellbeing
Watch · 1 minute
See what it means to make your work matter.
Our original recruitment film introduces the relationship-centered spirit behind direct support at Empowered Services.
Life at Empowered ServicesRecruitment film
Read video transcript
Are you looking for a job that’s more than just a paycheck? At Empowered Services, we’re not just a team, we’re a family.
“I don’t just work here. I make a real difference every day.”
We’re seeking compassionate individuals ready to change lives. Join Empowered Services — not just to earn a living, but to make a living matter.
Empowered Services. Where every day is a chance to inspire, empower, and change.
Accessibility: for additional support, call 503-855-3581 or email info@empowered-services.org.
What direct support can look like
Everyday moments can build independence.
Direct support is relational work shaped by the person’s approved plan. You may help with routines, daily living skills, communication, community participation, transportation, or other authorized supports depending on the assignment.
Daily lifeSupport routines, personal goals, and the activities that matter to the person.
SkillsCoach and encourage everyday skills in ways that build confidence and independence.
CommunityHelp people participate in activities, relationships, events, and resources that fit their lives.
CommunicationLearn how the person communicates, what they prefer, and what helps them feel understood.
A team behind the work
Meaningful work should not mean carrying everything alone.
Caregiving can be demanding. Empowered’s care model is designed to support the DSP as well as the person receiving services.
- A personal welcomeA Regional Care Manager welcomes new DSPs and helps connect them to the regional care model.
- Frontline follow-throughCare Managers and Care Coordinators provide communication, delegated DSP oversight, problem-solving, and support around the care relationship.
- Caregiver wellbeingRegular check-ins, self-care, and community care are part of how we support more sustainable direct care.
- Help beyond the shiftThe care team supports changes, required reporting, backup planning, and community connections—not just the hours on a schedule.
How we work
Relationships first. Systems that help people follow through.
The work is human. Our systems are there to support good judgment, communication, growth, and continuity—not replace them.
Connection, not isolation
Town halls, company gatherings, community resources, local events, and care-team relationships create more ways to stay connected to the people around the work.
Room to grow
Training, feedback, leadership opportunities, and succession planning can help people grow while staying connected to meaningful work.
Pay, benefits & support
Practical support for the people doing the work.
Individual postings and employment offers control the final compensation, eligibility, and plan terms for a specific role.
Approved public DSP hourly range. Final rate depends on role, pathway, experience, training, schedule, authorization, and assignment.
Full-time employees working 30+ hours per week are eligible under current plan rules.
Employer match and paid time off are available to eligible employees.
Paid annual training and professional development help DSPs build confidence and skills.
Available for approved customer community outings when the assignment and agency rules apply.
Regular check-ins, clear communication, self-care, and community care help make demanding work more sustainable.
Questions, answered
What DSP candidates ask before they begin.
Six clear answers about the work, compensation, requirements, matching, and application paths.
Do I need prior DSP experience, and what are the usual requirements?
Not always. Reliability, respect, safety awareness, willingness to learn, and the ability to meet the requirements of a specific role matter. Common requirements may include being at least 18, having a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, completing required paid training and onboarding, and successfully completing the applicable Oregon background-check process. Transportation requirements vary by assignment.
Where can I work?
Empowered Services welcomes DSP interest from all 36 Oregon counties. Current openings and possible customer matches vary by county, schedule, authorization, workforce availability, and fit. Review current job listings or include your preferred counties in a caregiver matching profile.
How much do DSP positions pay, and what benefits are available?
The approved public DSP hourly range is $23–$26. Final compensation depends on the role, pathway, experience, training, schedule, authorization, and assignment. Eligible employees may have access to medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k), paid time off, paid training, and applicable mileage reimbursement. Individual postings, plan rules, and employment offers control final terms.
Do I need a caregiver profile before applying to an open DSP job?
No. If a specific DSP position is listed on Careers, you may apply directly through its BambooHR application. A caregiver profile is a separate matching tool for people who want Empowered Services to consider possible customer-caregiver matches. Browse current jobs →
How do I get started if I want help finding a possible match?
Create a caregiver profile with your location, availability, strengths, interests, experience, and support preferences. The matching team can review it when exploring possible customer-caregiver matches. The profile is not an employment application and does not guarantee a match, hours, or employment. If a possible match develops and there is mutual interest, Empowered Services will explain the formal application and hiring steps. Create a caregiver profile →
What if someone has already chosen me as their caregiver?
Use the Empowered Choice pathway. The person receiving support starts Customer Intake, while the chosen caregiver begins the official Empowered Choice Provider application. Authorization, employment, relationship, and program requirements still apply. Explore Empowered Choice →