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Frequently Asked Questions

Questions?
We’ve got answers.

 

Scroll down to see frequently asked questions about what to expect in a career path with us. You can always reach out to one of our recruiters with your questions about a position or our workplace culture.

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FAQs about working with us

These are the most frequently asked questions we receive from potential job seekers. If you have unanswered questions that this list does not cover or would like to discuss a position, contact one of our knowledgeable recruiters.

Where are your homes and apartments located?

We have 59 group homes throughout the Twin Cities. In addition, we have 9 apartment programs. We employ over 550 dedicated staff members who support over 1,600 people in our group homes and apartments. Check out a map of our locations here.

Our homes and apartments are adapted to meet the range of age and abilities with 24-hour staffing, state-of-the-art keyless entries, safety, security, private rooms, ample living space and on-staff nursing. When you place your loved one in our care, we ensure a positive, safe environment with well-educated, experienced, and certified professionals.

What does a Direct Support Professional (DSP) do?

DSPs work directly with the adults supported in our group homes and apartments, supporting them with anything they need to do in their day-to-day lives. The support level required depends on each person and may include helping with personal care, cooking, cleaning, laundry, and driving them around the Twin Cities for errands, appointments, and social activities.

What are the requirements for employment?

You must be eligible to work in the U.S. and have a valid driver’s license. We require our DSPs to have personal vehicles with working seat belts and possess current auto insurance.

Do you hire PCAs and CNAs?

We hire Direct Support Professionals, and many employees have experience as a PCA or hold a current CNA license, but we do not require it and do not pay more for those credentials.

Information for CNAs and students seeking patient care hours
We hire for the position of Direct Support Professional (DSP). Many of our applicants and employees have experience as a PCA or CNA, but we do not require licensure or compensate a person more for those that hold current licenses. Our Human Resources Department is happy to fill out the Nursing Assistant Registry Update Form for CNAs who are maintaining their license.
 
Our DSPs perform nursing assistant functions, therefore your hours worked should qualify for the renewal of your CNA license. Since we are not a nursing home or certified home health agency, you must also submit a copy of your job description from your supervisor, along with your update form.
 
We provide paid training to all incoming direct care staff, including CPR, First Aid, medication administration, activities of daily living including personal cares, lifting/transferring, providing person-centered service, and more.
 
Students who are pursuing post-secondary education in the field of healthcare may have requirements for patient care hours. The experience you get at our organization can help you gain valuable experience and skills.
 
In addition to medical skills such as learning about medications, helping people at their medical appointments, and assisting with feedings or daily therapies, you will gain experience with “bedside manner” and providing person-centered care.
 
Feel free to contact our Human Resources Department if you have additional questions:
 
Recruiter@Hammer.org or 952-345-8555
What kind of shifts are available?

Afternoons and evenings (2pm – 10pm for example), overnights (awake and asleep), and all hours on weekends are available. It really depends on the needs of the people supported in the group home or apartment program.

We also have office hours for administration staff. Depending on the position you are applying for, you can always discuss options with one of our recruiters when you give them a call.

If I am not available on weekends?

Most of our positions, both full-time and part-time, include at least one weekend shift or shifts every other weekend in our group homes and apartments. There are also opportunities in our central offices and in our case management and care coordination departments.

What is the dress code for DSPs?

Casual and comfortable is fine. No scrubs, please. Staff members need to be able to perform all necessary job duties, while being appropriately covered and safe. We provide personal protective gear to keep everyone save and healthy. We follow the guidelines of the CDC in all our homes, apartments, and in our central office.

What are the training requirements for a DSP?

All new hires are required to go through new employee orientation. We typically hold orientation twice per month. Speak to Human Resources for more information on specific orientation scheduling. We can accept valid CPR and CPI certifications, but we do not accept medication administration certificates from other organizations. Following orientation, direct care staff will have additional training at their home base program.

What other career paths are available?

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.