About the Role
The Life Connection is seeking dependable, compassionate Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to help provide daily support and supervision for adolescent boys (ages 11–20) in state custody. Our youth have histories of trauma, intellectual disabilities, and behavioral/emotional challenges — your role is to provide structure, safety, and encouragement while helping them build life skills and stability.
If you enjoy meaningful work, can stay calm under pressure, and want to truly make a difference, this may be a great fit.
About The Life Connection (TLC)
We are a Qualified Residential Treatment Program (QRTP) located on a 40-acre farm property just outside Hodgenville. We serve up to 40 youth and provide an on-site school program, recreational space, and structured therapeutic programming.
What You’ll Do (Key Responsibilities)
As a DSP, you will support youth through daily routines and therapeutic structure, including:
- Provide prompts/support with daily living tasks (hygiene, grooming, dressing, mealtime routines)
- Maintain a safe, structured environment and supervise youth appropriately
- Assist with group routines and community activities with supervision needs
- Observe, monitor, and document behavior, progress, and any significant changes
- Transport youth as needed for appointments, school-related outings, or approved activities
- Provide emotional support and appropriate guidance
- Follow facility policy and state/federal regulations for youth care and safety
Schedule includes:
- 12-hour shifts (8am–8pm OR 8pm–8am)
- 2-2-3 rotating schedule (work 2 days, off 2, work 3 — then rotates)
- Weekend rotation required
Requirements (Must-Haves)
To be considered, applicants must:
- Be 21 years of age or older (state requirement for foster youth programs)
- Have a valid driver’s license or state-issued ID (driver’s license required for transport duties)
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be able to reliably commute to Sonora, KY
- Consent to and pass:
- Fingerprint Background screening
- Drug screening
Training Provided (Paid Orientation)
We provide all required onboarding and training, including:
- CPR & First Aid
- Safety Care / Crisis Prevention & Intervention
- Facility policies, documentation expectations, and program procedures
Hiring Process
Please watch for an Indeed message after applying — we send a brief set of screening questions to help speed up hiring.
Want to apply in person?
Stop by Monday–Friday between 8:30am–4:30pm to complete an application:
81 Buds Lake Rd., Sonora, KY 42776
270-491-2001 (HR)
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $16.50 per hour
Expected hours: 36 – 60 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Opportunities for advancement
- Paid orientation
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Sonora, KY 42776: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Application Question(s):
- Are you at least 21-years of age? (This is a state requirement to work with foster youth)
- Have you worked for The Life Connection before?
- Are you willing to consent to a fingerprint background check and drug screen as required for employment?
- This role supports adolescent males with trauma histories and behavioral challenges. Are you comfortable working in an environment where youth may display aggression, disrespectful language, or emotional outbursts?
- You will be trained in crisis intervention and de-escalation. Are you willing and physically able to participate in safety intervention techniques if necessary (as trained and permitted by policy)?
- In 2–3 sentences, tell us why you want to work with youth in residential care.
- This position requires 12-hour shifts (8a–8p or 8p–8a) on a rotating schedule. Can you commit to this schedule long-term?
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- Caregiving: 1 year (Required)
License/Certification:
- Drivers License (Required)
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Preferred)
- Night Shift (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Sonora, KY 42776 (Required)
Work Location: In person
