Direct Service Professional

Claratel Behavioral Health; Lithonia (GA); On-site; USD 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

20 days PTO

10 paid holidays

Employer-funded retirement

Health benefits

Job summary

Claratel Behavioral Health in Georgia is seeking a Direct Service Professional to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across home, work, and community settings.

You will empower daily living, promote independence, ensure safety, and collaborate with families and teammates. This role offers full-time and part-time openings with competitive pay and benefits.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid Georgia driver’s license with an acceptable MVR.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs unassisted and assist individuals with mobility needs.
• Regular bending, squatting, standing, and moving throughout your shift.
• Strong communication skills, basic computer literacy, and the ability to manage conflict effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide support across home, work, and community settings to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Record progress, behavior support tracking, incident reports, and communication logs accurately.
• Transport individuals safely to appointments, activities, and events.
• Collaborate with teammates, supervisors, and families to ensure the best support and ongoing professional development.
• Follow care plans and safety procedures, reporting environmental risks as needed.
• Turn daily moments into meaningful experiences with care and commitment.

Skills

Communication skills

Computer literacy

Conflict management

Mobility assistance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

• Maintain clear communication logs during shift transitions.

About Claratel Behavioral Health

Claratel Behavioral Health is an innovative, community-based behavioral health and developmental disabilities services organization offering a full range of mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorder services to underserved individuals. As a public, not-for-profit organization, Claratel Behavioral Health operates in more than 20 locations in DeKalb County, Georgia, with a diverse workforce of more than 400 direct-care and support staff.

If you are passionate about driving change in behavioral health and developmental services and are eager to work in an environment that values innovation and inclusivity, Claratel Behavioral Health is the place for you. Here, your work is impactful, your growth is prioritized, and your well-being is supported. Together, we can forge pathways to a healthier future for all.

Direct Service Professional

Claratel Behavioral Health is an innovative, community-based behavioral health and developmental disabilities services organization offering a full range of mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorder services to underserved individuals. As a public, not-for-profit organization, Claratel Behavioral Health operates in more than 20 locations in DeKalb County, Georgia, with a diverse workforce of more than 400 direct-care and support staff.

If you are passionate about driving change in behavioral health and developmental services and are eager to work in an environment that values innovation and inclusivity, Claratel Behavioral Health is the place for you. Here, your work is impactful, your growth is prioritized, and your well-being is supported. Together, we can forge pathways to a healthier future for all.

About The Role

As a Direct Service Professional, you’ll provide support across home, work, and community settings, helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities build life skills, connect with others, and achieve their personal goals. Every day is an opportunity to make an impact.

Multiple Shifts Available

• Full-Time & Part-Time Openings.

Job Responsibilities

With care and commitment, our Direct Service Professionals turn everyday moments into meaningful experiences for residents. Claratel Behavioral Health will provide you with the training and resources to succeed in this role.

• Empower daily living – Support with activities like cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene, health maintenance, and self-administration of medication.
• Foster independence – Teach and encourage social skills, community involvement, and problem-solving so individuals can thrive. Provide input and implement Individual Support Plans (ISP)/Behavior Support Plans (BSP) and strategies as instructed.
• Ensure safety and well-being – Carefully follow care plans, medical instructions, and dietary needs. Report environmental risks or barriers and safeguard the individual and their possessions by following all policies and procedures.
• Be a mentor and role model – Demonstrate positive behaviors, coach individuals through challenges, and support them in building meaningful relationships.
• Prepare Documentation – Record progress, behavior support tracking, incident reports, and communication logs accurately and on time.
• Provide Transportation – Transport individuals safely to appointments, activities, and events that enrich their lives.
• Collaborate and grow – Work closely with teammates, supervisors, and families to ensure the best support, while continuing your own professional development.
• Innovate – Actively participate in the agency’s ongoing efforts to continually improve the quality of services provided and the effectiveness of the agency’s operations by sharing ideas and insights.

Residential Setting Responsibilities

For positions within residential homes, you’ll also:

• Assist with daily household routines (laundry, meal planning, grocery shopping, chores).
• Follow all medication administration procedures accurately (SSAM/Proxy Caregiver).
• Maintain clear communication logs during shift transitions.

Essential

Candidate Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid Georgia Driver’s License with an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report (MVR).
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. unassisted and help individuals with mobility needs
• Regular bending, squatting, standing, and moving throughout your shift
• Strong communication skills, basic computer literacy, and the ability to manage conflict effectively.

Desired

• 6+ months of experience working with individuals who have intellectual or developmental disabilities.
• Familiarity with medication administration, behavioral support, or person-centered planning.

Compensation

• $15.36 per hour

Benefits

In addition to competitive pay:

• A generous paid time off plan (earn 20 days your first year)
• 10 paid holidays
• We offer our eligible employees an array of benefits that support their physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing.
• Coverage options, provided through the state health and flexible benefit programs, include health, dental, vision, life, disability, and much more.
• We also offer a fully employer-funded retirement plan and the option to make personal retirement contributions.
• Our benefits are designed to help provide peace of mind and financial security for you and your family, ensuring you can focus on making a difference in the lives of others.

Pre-employment drug screening and successful completion of a criminal history background check is required.

Claratel Behavioral Health participates in E‑Verify (Company ID: 226305)

Claratel Behavioral Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates who may require an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act or similar law to perform the essential functions of this job are encouraged to contact Human Resources at [e-mail].