Direct Support Professional Jobs

About The Position

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 Certified Nursing Assistant (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 document behavior accurately; 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; provide instruction, training, and orientation; and participate in team meetings, supervision, and service planning.
• Ability to evaluate functional abilities and support needs, communicate effectively with individuals, families, coworkers, and providers, maintain accurate records, and respond appropriately to emergencies and crisis situations.
• Demonstrated competencies in communication, accountability and responsibility, cooperation and teamwork, creative thinking, customer service, dependability, flexibility, initiative, job knowledge, judgment, professionalism, quality of work, stress management, and personal credibility.
• Successfully meet the physical demands of the role, including frequent walking, standing, kneeling, bending, and reaching; occasional climbing, balancing, and stooping; lifting or moving up to 50 pounds; limited-period computer work; and frequent fine hand-eye coordination, hearing, and visual acuity.
• Comply with mandatory pre-employment drug testing and the agency’s drug- and alcohol-free workplace requirements.

Responsibilities

• Arrange needed medical care and assist individuals in obtaining healthcare services.
• Assist in developing and implementing Individual Service Plans and treatment plans.
• Provide care, companionship, supervision, and support during illness, adjustment, family disruption, or life transitions.
• Counsel and advise individuals regarding behavioral concerns, problem-solving, and daily decision-making.
• Provide instruction and training in activities of daily living in individual and group settings.
• Observe, monitor, and document individual behavior and progress.
• Participate in case reviews and treatment team meetings to evaluate needs and service effectiveness.
• Perform household duties, including cleaning, laundry, dishwashing, and errands.
• Assist with meal planning, grocery shopping, food preparation, and special dietary needs.
• Prepare and maintain records regarding services provided, individual progress, and behavioral observations.
• Report significant changes in condition or behavior to appropriate supervisory personnel.
• Provide transportation to appointments, activities, and community-based services.
• Follow agency policy and departmental protocol regarding self-administration of medication.
• Comply with agency attendance, scheduling, leave, and Fair Labor Standards Act requirements; submit leave requests, supporting documentation, timesheets, and payroll documents according to procedures and deadlines.
• Maintain a neat and professional appearance appropriate to assigned duties and site dress code requirements.
• Observe health, safety, security, and sanitation policies and report hazards or concerns.
• Use agency property appropriately and only for authorized business purposes.
• Support person-centered services that promote dignity, independence, and community inclusion.
• Provide direct care and support in a residential setting, including assistance with personal care, hygiene, nutrition, and daily living activities.
• Promote community participation and social engagement.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and healthy living environment.
• Support individual independence, dignity, and quality of life.
• Report to work as scheduled, communicate anticipated tardiness or absence, use work time appropriately, and request and use leave appropriately.
• Maintain current and active required licensure and certifications and comply with required training, orientation, and competency validations.
• Follow applicable rules, regulations, policies, guidelines, Gateway’s Standards of Conduct, and Employee Ethics requirements.