Direct Support Professional
About The Position
The Direct Support Professional assists individuals receiving services with activities of daily living in a 24-hour, seven-day residential setting. The role provides direct care, supervision, support, and training to promote independence, community integration, health, safety, dignity, and quality of life. It includes assisting with personal care, healthcare access, transportation, household activities, meals, and implementation of Individual Service Plans and treatment plans. The employee observes and documents behavior and progress, reports significant changes to supervisory personnel, and participates in case reviews and treatment team meetings. The position operates primarily in a residential setting, with routine travel into the community and between Gateway locations. Duties may include housekeeping using cleaning products and supplies, and use of standard office equipment. The employee may be required to remain at or return to work during agency incidents or emergencies and may work non-traditional schedules as necessary to support agency operations.
Requirements
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
- One year of experience providing social, direct care, or support services to individuals with special needs in a human services setting; or CNA certification; or an associate degree in a related field; or two years of equivalent direct support or human services experience.
- Valid Georgia Driver’s License required.
- Maintain applicable certifications, licenses, continuing education, competency validations, and mandatory annual or recurrent training.
- Knowledge of state, local, and federal regulations applicable to developmental disability services.
- Knowledge of personal care, hygiene, health-related support services, basic housekeeping, residential care, safety practices, emergency response, Individual Service Plans, and person-centered service delivery.
- Ability to observe, monitor, and accurately document behavior and progress.
- Ability to assist and supervise individuals with activities of daily living and develop and implement individual support activities.
- Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely and efficiently.
- Ability to provide instruction, training, and orientation services and participate in team meetings, supervision, and service planning.
- Ability to evaluate functional abilities and support needs.
- Ability to communicate effectively with individuals, families, coworkers, and providers.
- Ability to respond appropriately during emergencies and crisis situations.
- Must successfully complete mandatory pre-employment drug testing.
Responsibilities
- Provide direct care, supervision, companionship, and support to individuals in a residential setting.
- Assist individuals with personal care, hygiene, nutrition, healthcare access, and activities of daily living.
- Assist in developing and implementing Individual Service Plans and treatment plans.
- Provide instruction and training in daily living activities and support individual independence.
- Promote community participation, social engagement, dignity, and inclusion.
- Observe, monitor, and document individual behavior, progress, services provided, and behavioral observations.
- Report significant changes in an individual’s condition or behavior to appropriate supervisory personnel.
- Participate in case reviews and treatment team meetings to evaluate needs and service effectiveness.
- Provide transportation and accompaniment to appointments, activities, and community-based services.
- Perform household duties, including cleaning, laundry, dishwashing, errands, meal planning, grocery shopping, and food preparation.
- Support individuals with special dietary needs.
- Follow agency policy and departmental protocol regarding self-administration of medication.
- Observe health, safety, security, and sanitation policies and report hazards or concerns.
- Comply with attendance, scheduling, leave, timekeeping, payroll, training, documentation, and other agency procedures.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Education Level
High school or GED
