Direct Support Professional - Behavior Focused

Claratel Behavioral Health•Decatur, GA

About The Position

Claratel Behavioral Health is a public, not-for-profit, community-based behavioral health and developmental disabilities services organization operating in more than 20 locations in DeKalb County, Georgia, with more than 400 direct-care and support staff. The Behavior-Focused Home Direct Support Professional provides compassionate, one-on-one support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities or other conditions involving high behavioral and high-acuity needs. The DSP works with each person to implement their Individualized Service Plan (ISP) and Behavioral Support Plan (BSP) in ways that respect the person's preferences, strengths, communication style, and routines. The role helps individuals understand and reduce maladaptive behaviors by teaching replacement skills, reinforcing progress, and creating supportive environments. The DSP uses proactive, evidence-based behavioral strategies, including sensory regulation, de-escalation, and crisis-prevention techniques, to support safety, independence, and community connection. The DSP observes and responds to distress, documents progress and challenges respectfully, and maintains calm, respectful interactions during heightened moments while centering each person's dignity, choices, and goals. Work takes place in residential homes, community settings, and outdoor environments, with frequent community travel. The role may involve exposure to unpredictable behavior, bodily fluids, noise, and challenging situations. Evening, weekend, holiday, and overtime work may be required based on staffing needs.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Valid Georgia driver's license, acceptable Motor Vehicle Report, and ability to safely operate a 16-passenger van.
Ability to obtain and maintain CPR, First Aid, Mindset/behavioral intervention training, Defensive Driving, and state-required certifications.
Successful completion of required background checks, drug screening, and MVR review.
Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and accurately complete required documentation.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build supportive, professional relationships.
Basic problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to remain calm and effective during behavioral incidents or crises.
Ability to use basic computer systems for documentation and communication.
Respect for cultural, personal, and individual differences.
Ability to safely and effectively use approved physical restraint techniques when necessary.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds unassisted and provide physical support to individuals with mobility needs.
Ability to respond quickly and safely in emergencies using agency-approved intervention methods and training standards.

Responsibilities

Support individuals in personalized activities of daily living and social skills development at home, work, and in the community.
Support individuals' health, safety, and well-being, including following instructions from physicians and nursing staff and meeting dietary needs.
Report changes in an individual's condition and unusual occurrences promptly, and report significant changes immediately.
Report environmental risks, hazards, and barriers to a supervisor or management.
Safeguard individuals' money and possessions and help maintain order and cleanliness in their environments.
Provide input into planning and implementing each individual's care, support, and behavior plans.
Implement ISP and BSP strategies as written and at the frequencies specified.
Collect data accurately and consistently use prescribed support strategies.
Document services, individualized goals, behavior tracking, required notes, communication logs, medication administration records, and other required information.
Support individuals with moderate behavioral challenges, including elopement, physical or verbal aggression, property destruction, and PICA, and de-escalate moderate outbursts.
Complete incident reports in the online system with required details.
Transport individuals to appointments, community activities, and other assigned or desired events, following traffic laws and defensive-driving practices.
Communicate effectively and promptly with appropriate personnel and colleagues about individuals' needs and their environment.
Model socially appropriate behavior, mentor and coach individuals using approved strategies, and use approved interventions when needed to protect individuals and others.
Support individuals' existing relationships and help them expand their networks and explore community membership.
Maintain HIPAA confidentiality concerning individuals, staff, and the agency.
Complete required training by deadlines and attend and participate in home staff meetings.
Contribute ideas to improve service quality and agency operations, and facilitate teamwork through open communication, shared responsibilities, and a constructive attitude.
Interact professionally with colleagues, families, guardians, support coordinators, and approved monitors.
Assist with daily living activities, including cooking, cleaning, laundry, household maintenance, personal hygiene, leisure, communication, safety, health maintenance, medication-related support, and social and behavioral development.
Read the communication log at the start of a shift and complete it at the end with pertinent information.
Plan and prepare meals and grocery shop, following special diets and nutritional instructions.
Follow Supervised Self Administration of Medication (SSAM) and Proxy Caregiver procedures accurately, including medical and nursing instructions.
Complete other duties as assigned.