Direct Support Professional- Full Time

Paycom; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 20,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Orange Grove Center is seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to assist individuals with disabilities in achieving personal goals, safety, and independence. The role involves daily living support, health monitoring, documentation, and community participation.

You’ll work in a team-focused environment at our Chattanooga headquarters, with a flexible shift and opportunities for growth within nonprofit social services. High school diploma or GED and English communication skills are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized support based on each person’s needs and support plan.
• Encourage choice, independence, self-advocacy, and positive life choices.
• Assist with daily living, personal care, mobility, and other activities as needed.
• Support individuals in employment, education, social, recreational, and community activities.
• Build positive relationships while respecting dignity, privacy, rights, and choices.
• Accurately complete required documentation, including notes and records.
• Communicate important information promptly with supervisors, families, and the team.
• Maintain a clean, safe, organized environment.

Skills

English reading/writing

Basic computer skills

Valid driver’s license

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Head Quarters - Chattanooga, TN 37404, Position Type: DSP, Education Level: High School or Equivalent, Salary Range: $14.68 - $16.50 Hourly, Job Shift: Flexible, Job Category: Nonprofit - Social Services, Make an Impact Grow Your Career Join a Mission Change a Life

At Orange Grove Center, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) do more than provide care—they help people live meaningful, fulfilling, and more independent lives.

As a DSP, you will work alongside individuals with disabilities to support their personal goals, health, safety, and independence. Every day brings an opportunity to make a difference while building valuable skills and growing your career.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Support Individuals & Promote Independence

• Provide individualized support based on each person's needs, goals, and support plan.
• Encourage choice, independence, self-advocacy, and positive life choices.
• Assist with daily living, personal care, mobility, and other activities as needed.
• Support individuals in employment, education, social, recreational, and community activities.
• Build positive relationships while respecting the individual's dignity, privacy, rights, and choices.

Health & Safety

• Monitor and respond to individuals' health and safety needs.
• Follow individual health, behavioral, medication, and emergency plans.
• Complete required training and follow procedures for CPR, First Aid, crisis prevention, medication administration, and universal precautions.
• Recognize and immediately report concerns involving health, safety, abuse, neglect, exploitation, or other incidents.
• Safely operate and maintain required adaptive and support equipment.

Documentation & Communication

• Accurately complete required documentation, including daily notes, data collection, medication records, incident reports, and other required records.
• Communicate important information promptly and professionally with supervisors, coworkers, families, and support team members.
• Maintain confidentiality and protect individual information.

Maintain a Safe & Supportive Environment

• Help maintain clean, safe, organized, and welcoming environments.
• Follow safety, emergency, infection-control, and organizational procedures.
• Report maintenance, equipment, or environmental safety concerns promptly.

Professional Responsibilities

• Follow Orange Grove Centers' policies, procedures, Code of Ethics, and individual support plans.
• Arrive on time, remain engaged throughout the scheduled shift, and remain until properly relieved.
• Attend required training, meetings, and professional development activities.
• Work collaboratively as part of a team and demonstrate reliability, accountability, and initiative.

Essential Expectations

• Compassionate – Treat every individual with dignity, patience, and respect.
• Dependable – Show up, follow through, and be someone others can count on.
• Respectful – Honor individual rights, choices, privacy, and independence.
• Attentive – Recognize changes in behavior, health, safety, and individual needs.
• Professional – Communicate appropriately and maintain healthy professional boundaries.
• Adaptable – Remain calm and flexible when situations change.
• Responsible – Follow policies, procedures, support plans, and documentation requirements.
• Team-Oriented – Communicate effectively and work cooperatively with others.
• Growth-Minded – Be willing to learn, complete required training, and develop new skills.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Basic computer skills.
• Valid identification, such as a Social Security card, state-issued ID, or valid driver's license.
• Valid driver's license and an acceptable three-year Motor Vehicle Report.
• F endorsement required, excluding GA or AL driver's licenses.
• Successful completion of required background checks and pre-employment screenings.
• Ability to successfully complete all required training and job-related qualifications.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with reasonable accommodations available as applicable.

At Orange Grove Center, DSPs are more than caregivers. They are advocates, teachers, mentors, problem-solvers, and partners in helping individuals live meaningful and more independent lives.