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Care & Support Worker/DSP: 24-hr/full day shifts for $600

Apply now(opens in a new window) Job No: 29693
Division/Organization: BIG C&S
Job Type: Local Student Jobs
Remote Eligbility: Not Remote
Location: 4813 Maher Avenue Madison, WI 53716 (not on bus line)
Salary/Wage Range or Lump Sum: $25.00 to $24.95
Job Categories: Healthcare and Health Sciences

Department Overview:

About Us

Founded by Parents, Driven by Family We are Mark and Amy—parents of four grown sons, including our youngest, Brian (21), who requires 24/7 care due to a rare neurodevelopmental disability. We created this home-based care team so Brian can live a safe, fulfilling life while receiving the round-the-clock support he needs to thrive.

Now in our late 50s and early 60s, our goal is to manage Brian’s care with clear direction and full support, while stepping back from direct 24/7 caregiving so we can enjoy this next chapter of our lives as "empty nesters." We rely on a close-knit, trustworthy team of dedicated caregivers to execute his daily care plan—giving Brian stability and giving our family peace of mind.

Anticipated Start Date

8/23/26

Anticipated Hours Per Week

24

Schedule:

Full day/24-hr shifts:

Sundays (7am Sun to 7am Mon)
Tuesdays (7am Tue to 7am Wed)
Fridays (7am Fri to 7am Sat)

Salary/Wage Range:

Hourly $25.00 to $24.95

Number Of Positions

3

Position Summary/Job Duties:

Direct Care & Support Professional (East Madison)

About the Role

  • We (Mark and Amy) are seeking a dedicated, compassionate person to join our close-knit care team for our 21-year-old son, Brian. Brian lives with a rare genetic mutation (X-linked Intellectual Disability/X-LID) that presents with significant neurodevelopmental delays and atypical behavioral manifestations.

  • If you are pursuing a career or gaining field experience in neuropsychiatry, clinical psychology, neuroscience, occupational therapy, or direct support for adults with complex neurodevelopmental disabilities, this role offers invaluable, real-world experience in positive behavior support, crisis de-escalation, and individualized care.

Shift & Compensation

  • Primary Need: One full day (one 24-hr shift; 7am to 7am) per week

  • Available Days: Sundays (7a Sun to 7a Mon); OR Tuesdays (7a Tue to 7a Wed); OR Fridays (7a Fri to 7a Sat)

    We are looking to hire three individuals.

  • Pay Rate: $600 per 24-hour shift
    • Day rate (5:00 AM – 9:00 PM): $32.50/hr
    • Night rate (9:00 PM – 5:00 AM): $10.00/hr
  • Location: East Side of Madison (near Stoughton Rd & Buckeye Rd).

About Brian & What to Expect

  • Abilities: Brian is fully mobile and highly verbal, with functional abilities similar to a 2-to-6-year-old. He enjoys a structured, engaging routine and has a kind, gentle, and polite baseline personality with zero manipulative behaviors.
  • Behavioral Needs: Due to the combination of low cognition and neurodevelopmental challenges, everyday life can be overwhelming for him. When confused, frightened, or frustrated, he can experience meltdowns or panic attacks (yelling, crying, pacing, and occasionally escalating to aggressive behaviors like pushing or hitting).
  • Support Strategy: Caregivers must bring a calm demeanor, strong patience, and a deep understanding of behavioral regulation. Safety and security protocols are fully established, and comprehensive, individualized training will be provided before you work independently.
  • Overnight Details: Brian typically sleeps 10 hours a night (7:30 PM – 5:30 AM), waking 1–2 times to use the bathroom and get tucked back in. There is a bedroom (separate from Brian's) to sleep in during the overnight hours.

The Power of the Team & Commitment

  • We currently have a high-functioning, collaborative team of caregivers providing 24/7 coverage. We view this as a unified effort: working together toward a single goal—making Brian’s life smoother, safer, and less of a struggle.
  • Because routine, consistency, and familiarity are critical to Brian's emotional well-being (and wanting to avoid the "ripple effect" of frequent change on both Brian and the team), we are ideally seeking someone who can commit for at least one full academic year, rather than just a single semester.

Benefits

  • Paid orientation and comprehensive individualized training
  • Mileage reimbursement (you will need a car b/c he likes to go places)

  • Hands-on experience relevant to healthcare, human services, and neuropsychiatric fields
  • A supportive, communicative, and appreciative family and care team

How to Apply

  • This is vital, meaningful work that directly impacts Brian's quality of life. If you have compassion for adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities and want to be part of a purpose-driven team, we would love to hear from you!
  • Email AMY at amy@bigcs2025.com. Let me know who you are, your contact info, and why you're applying! :)

 

Qualifications:

Qualifications & Ideal Candidate Profile

No prior caregiving experience is required—we will fully train you. What matters most is your personality, mindset, and ability to stay grounded under pressure.

  • An Unshakable, Calm Presence: This job is not for the faint of heart. When Brian experiences meltdowns, he reflects and absorbs the energy around him. You must be able to maintain an outward appearance of being completely calm, cool, and chill—even (and especially) when things get intense.

  • Zero Visible Frustration: Even subtle signs of frustration—like a sigh, an eye-roll, or tense body language—can heighten his distress. Success in this role requires a high level of emotional regulation, deep patience, and an unwavering compassionate demeanor.

  • Team-Minded & Reliable: You appreciate routine, value clear communication, and are committed to showing up consistently for Brian and your fellow teammates.

  • Academic Year Commitment: Ideally looking for applicants who can commit to at least one full school year to maintain stability for Brian.

Bottom Line: We can teach you the protocols, but we can't teach a naturally calm, patient presence. If you have a steady nervous system and a big heart, you will do great here.

Application Instructions:

EMAIL AMY... amy@bigcs2025.com...
Let me know your contact information and why you're applying.

Contact:

Org: BIG C&S
Contact: Amy Guenthner
Web: BIG C&S
Email: amy@bigcs2025.com

Advertised: CST Central Standard Time
Applications close: CST Central Standard Time

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