DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Paycom; Savannah (GA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Gateway BHS is seeking a dedicated caregiver to support individuals in a 24/7 residential setting. You will assist with personal care, daily living activities, nutrition, and community participation, while implementing service plans and documenting progress.

The role requires 21+ years of age, a high school diploma or GED (or CNA/Associate degree), and a Georgia driver’s license. Prior human services experience is valued, with responsibilities including transportation and teamwork in a sensitive

Qualifications

• Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
• One (1) year of experience providing social, direct care, or support services to individuals with special needs in a human services setting; OR CNA certification; OR Associate degree; OR Two (2) years of equivalent experience providing direct support or human services.
• Valid Georgia Driver’s License required.

Responsibilities

• Provides direct care and support services to individuals in a residential setting.
• Assists with personal care, hygiene, nutrition, and daily living activities.
• Implements Individual Service Plans and treatment objectives.
• Promotes community participation and social engagement.
• Maintains accurate documentation and progress records.
• Provides transportation and accompaniment to appointments and activities.
• Maintains a safe, clean, and healthy living environment.

Skills

State/federal regulations knowledge

Personal care

Observation/documentation

Activity of daily living instruction

Team meetings participation

Communication

Safety procedures

Emergency response

Transportation support

Record keeping

Education

High School Diploma or GED

CNA certification

Associate degree in related field

2 years direct support/human services experience

Job description

Job Summary:Assists individuals receiving services with activities of daily living in a 24-hour, seven-day residential setting. Provides direct care, supervision, support, and training designed to promote independence, community integration, health, safety, and quality of life. Observes and documents behavior, assists with personal care, transportation, household activities, and implementation of Individual Service Plans while ensuring person-centered service delivery.Essential Functions:Arranges needed medical care and assists individuals in obtaining healthcare services.Assists in the development and implementation of Individual Service Plans and treatment plans.Provides care, companionship, supervision, and support during periods of illness, adjustment, family disruption, or life transitions.Counsels and advises individuals regarding behavioral concerns, problem-solving, and daily decision-making.Provides instruction and training in activities of daily living through individual and group settings.Observes, monitors, and documents individual behavior and progress.Participates in case reviews and treatment team meetings to evaluate needs and service effectiveness.Performs household duties including cleaning, laundry, dishwashing, and errands.Assists with meal planning, grocery shopping, food preparation, and special dietary needs.Prepares and maintains records regarding services provided, individual progress, and behavioral observations.Reports significant changes in condition or behavior to appropriate supervisory personnel.Provides transportation to appointments, activities, and community-based services.Follows agency policy and departmental protocol regarding the Self-Administration of Medication.Complies with agency attendance, scheduling, leave, and Fair Labor Standards Act requirements.Submits leave requests and supporting documentation in accordance with departmental procedures.Submits accurate timesheets and payroll documentation within established deadlines.Maintains a neat and professional appearance appropriate to assigned duties.Observes agency health, safety, security, and sanitation policies and reports hazards or concerns.Uses agency property appropriately and only for authorized business purposes.Supports person-centered services that promote dignity, independence, and community inclusion.Required Knowledge & Skills:Knowledge of state, local, and federal regulations applicable to developmental disability services.Knowledge of personal care, hygiene, and health-related support services.Knowledge of basic housekeeping and residential care practices.Knowledge of safety practices and emergency response procedures.Knowledge of Individual Service Plans and person-centered service delivery.Ability to observe, monitor, and document behavior accurately.Ability to assist and supervise individuals with activities of daily living.Ability to develop and implement individual support activities.Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely and efficiently.Ability to provide instruction, training, and orientation services.Ability to participate in team meetings, supervision sessions, and service planning activities.Ability to evaluate functional abilities and support needs.Ability to communicate effectively with individuals, families, coworkers, and providers.Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.Ability to respond appropriately during emergencies and crisis situations.Primary Responsibilities, but not limited to:Provides direct care and support services to individuals in a residential setting.Assists with personal care, hygiene, nutrition, and daily living activities.Implements Individual Service Plans and treatment objectives.Promotes community participation and social engagement.Maintains accurate documentation and progress records.Provides transportation and accompaniment to appointments and activities.Maintains a safe, clean, and healthy living environment.Supports individual independence, dignity, and quality of life.Competencies:CommunicationAccountability/ResponsibilityCooperation/TeamworkCreative ThinkingCustomer ServiceDependabilityFlexibilityInitiativeJob KnowledgeJudgmentProfessionalismQuality of WorkStress ManagementPersonal CredibilityRequired Education & Experience:Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.One (1) year of experience providing social, direct care, or support services to individuals with special needs in a human services setting; ORCertified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification; ORAssociate degree in a related field; ORTwo (2) years of equivalent experience providing direct support or human services.Valid Georgia Driver’s License required.Upon appointment to the position, the employee assumes responsibility for meeting and maintaining all minimum qualification requirements, including applicable certifications, licenses, continuing education, competency validations, and mandatory annual or recurrent training. Failure to maintain such requirements may affect eligibility to perform assigned duties.Supervisory Responsibilities:None.Work Environment:This position operates primarily in a residential setting with routine travel into the community. The role regularly utilizes standard office equipment including computers, telephones, photocopiers, filing systems, and related equipment. Responsibilities include housekeeping activities requiring the use of cleaning products and supplies. Some travel between Gateway locations and community-based settings is required.Physical Demands:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.Frequently walks, stands, kneels, bends, and reaches.Occasionally climbs, balances, and stoops.Frequently lifts and/or moves up to 15 pounds.Must be capable of lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds approximately 15% of the time.Must have the ability to sit for limited periods while utilizing a computer.Frequently utilizes fine hand-eye coordination, hearing, and visual acuity.Must be able to travel between Gateway locations and community settings.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Gateway BHS promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment through mandatory pre-employment drug testing.Terms & Conditions:Reports to work when scheduled and begins and ends work as expected.Reports anticipated tardiness or absence to the supervisor.Observes policies regarding meal and break periods.Uses work time appropriately and efficiently.Requests and utilizes leave appropriately.Maintains a professional appearance in accordance with site dress code requirements.Observes health, safety, and sanitation policies.Performs work according to all applicable rules, regulations, policies, and guidelines.Ensures licensure and certification are current and active without suspension or revocation throughout employment.Ensures compliance with required training, including new employee orientation.Does not engage in activities other than official business during work hours.Does not report to work under the influence of alcohol or drugs.Adheres to Gateway’s Standards of Conduct 3.13 and Employee Ethics 3.23.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.Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee in this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.