Direct Support Professional I

Georgia Community Support And Solut; Austell (GA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

InCommunity seeks a Direct Support Professional I to provide person-centered support to individuals with disabilities, promoting health, safety, and independence. You will mentor staff, support ISP implementation, and ensure regulatory compliance within community and home settings.

Responsibilities include daily living assistance, medication administration as authorized, transportation, and documentation. A valid driver’s license, CPR/First Aid, and DSP I certification or ability to obtain are

Qualifications

• Six months of direct support experience required.
• Current valid driver’s license and auto insurance.
• CPR/First Aid and Medication Administration certification required.
• DSP I certification through approved program or able to obtain within timeframe.
• Ability to meet InCommunity driving standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide person-centered services to promote choice, dignity and independence.
• Assist with ISP implementation and risk mitigation plans.
• Assist with daily living activities, medication administration, transportation, and community participation.
• Safely transport individuals in company vehicles to outings, work, and day programs.
• Complete required documentation accurately and timely; maintain audit scores.

Skills

Direct care experience

Documentation

Patient-focused

Education

High school diploma or GED

CPR/First Aid certification

Medication Administration certification

DSP I certification (UGA/NADSP or similar)

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Austell - GA, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $12.00 - $13.00 Hourly, Job Shift: Mid-Day, Job Category: Hourly, InCommunity is committed to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live safe, healthy and joyful lives in their communities. We offer a culture of integrity, service, and respect for the dignity of every individual. All employees, including the Direct Support Professional I (DSP I), are expected to model and promote the organization's mission and values in every aspect of their work.

Position Summary:

The Direct Support Professional I (DSP I) provides person-centered support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities while serving as an experienced team member and role model. The DSP I promotes health, safety, independence, community inclusion, and quality of life, assists with training and mentoring staff, and supports compliance with DBHDD, CARF, and InCommunity standards.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

Support Individual Engagement and Inclusion

• Provide person-centered services that promote choice, dignity, and independence.
• Support implementation of Individual Service Plans (ISP), behavior support plans, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Assist individuals with activities of daily living, administration of medication (as authorized), transportation, and community participation.
• Safely transport individuals in company-provided vehicles to community outings, work, and day programs.

Promote Health and Well-Being

• Monitor health and safety concerns and report changes promptly and in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.

Ensure Safety, Cleanliness, Home Maintenance and Meal Preparation

• Maintain a clean, safe, and therapeutic home environment and perform light housekeeping as needed.
• Assist with meal planning, grocery shopping, food preparation, and cleanup, in accordance with individuals' dietary needs and nutritional guidelines.

Communication

• Complete required documentation and reporting (e.g., Therap documentation, shift notes, incident reporting, medication administration, and required records) accurate and timely (e.g., achieve a score of at least 85% on weekly documentation audits).

Teamwork and Professional Conduct

• Collaborate with other team members to ensure quality care for individuals.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings and quality improvement activities.
• Model best practices in documentation, professionalism, and regulatory compliance.

Attendance and Scheduling

• Maintain regular attendance and punctuality
• Report to scheduled shifts prepared to perform assigned responsibilities
• Remain on duty until properly relieved by another staff member
• Follow organizational scheduling and attendance policies.

Compliance

• Model best practices in documentation, professionalism, and regulatory compliance.
• Complete required documentation and reporting (e.g., Therap documentation, shift notes, incident reporting, medication administration, and required records) accurate and timely (e.g., achieve a score of at least 85% on weekly documentation audits).

Education, Certifications & Experience Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least six (6) months of direct support experience required; two (2) or more years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities preferred.
• Current valid driver's license and evidence of personal liability, motor vehicle insurance coverage; the ability to meet InCommunity's driving standards.
• Current CPR/First Aid and Medication Administration certification required, or the ability to obtain certifications within the timeframe established by InCommunity.
• Direct Support Professional (DSP I) certification through the University of Georgia, the National Association of Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), or another InCommunity-approved accredited program required or obtained within the timeframe established by InCommunity.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position has no formal supervisory duties.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• Residential and community settings with moderate noise.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting up to 50 pounds, and assistance with transfers of adults as needed.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Travel Required:

Frequent local travel between residential homes, medical appointments, and community activities.