Direct Support Professional

Job Title: Direct Support Professional (DSP) 

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) provide essential services to individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental health needs, assisting with home-related activities, personal care, and community integration. DSPs are responsible for enhancing the well-being of individuals through tasks such as housekeeping, personal care, and daily support, all while promoting independence.

Key Responsibilities: 

Personal Care & Support:
- Assist with activities of daily living including bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.
- Provide support with medication administration and health monitoring.
- Assist in nutrition, meal preparation, and feeding when necessary.
- Help individuals develop daily living skills and promote independence according to their Service Plan (ISP/POC).
- Provide positive behavioral support and communication assistance.
- Participate in activities within the home and community as outlined in individual care plans.

Housekeeping & Home Maintenance:
- Light housekeeping duties such as vacuuming, mopping, laundry, and dishwashing.
- Ensure cleanliness and proper upkeep of living spaces, including regular trash removal, bed linen changes, and refrigerator clean-up.

Health & Safety:
- Monitor individuals' health and safety, report any changes in condition to the supervisor, and assist in medical appointments.
- Promote personal hygiene and safe living practices.
- Apply first aid in case of accidents or illness.
- Ensure medical equipment is properly maintained and operable.

Documentation & Reporting:
- Maintain accurate records of daily activities, progress notes, and health monitoring (MAR tracking, bowel movements, etc.).
- Report any suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation to relevant authorities and supervisors.
- Contribute to the development and evaluation of the individual’s ISP/POC.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:
- Minimum of a high school diploma or GED.
- Must have 2 or more years of experience working with individuals who have a dual diagnosis (Mental Illness and Developmental Disability).

Licensing & Certification:
- Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) license preferred
- Current certifications in CPR/First Aid/AED.
- Must pass criminal background checks (local and Cogent) and provide a satisfactory TB screening upon employment and annually thereafter.
- CPI certification required.

Other Requirements:
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Valid Georgia driver’s license with a clean 7-year driving record.
- Authorization to work in the United States.
- Ability to lift at least 50 pounds independently and perform physically demanding tasks such as standing, bending, and kneeling for extended periods.
- Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.
- Annual physical required within one year of employment and annually thereafter.

Additional Duties:

- Transport individuals to and from community services and activities.
- Complete required training within the first 60 days and annual training thereafter.
- Uphold the ethical standards of the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), Department of Human Resources (DHR), and Health Facility Regulations (HFR).