Direct Support Professional (DSP)

About the Role

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) provide assistance and instruction to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to help them achieve greater independence in daily living. DSPs support clients across a variety of tasks, including personal care, transportation, cooking, cleaning, and community participation.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and support with daily living activities, including hygiene, grooming, dressing, toileting, feeding, mobility, exercise, and transfers using proper techniques and equipment.
• Promote client independence, self-help skills, decision-making, participation, and inclusion in community, work, learning, and leisure activities.
• Maintain a safe, positive, and supportive environment while ensuring client safety and following infection control and Universal Precaution standards.
• Monitor and report any suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, changes in client condition, behavioral concerns, or family-related updates in a timely manner.
• Complete accurate and timely documentation, charting, tracking sheets, learning logs, and maintain knowledge of individual client needs and care requirements.
• Support clients with transportation, scheduled appointments, errands, housekeeping duties, and behavior support plans as assigned.
• Maintain professionalism through consistent attendance, punctuality, compliance with company policies and procedures, and effective teamwork.
• Meet all job-related physical and employment requirements, including passing required screenings/tests and safely assisting with lifting, bending, pushing, and wheelchair operation as needed.

Requirements

• High school degree or GED required.
• Valid Georgia Driver’s license with at least three (3) years of driving experience.
• Own a reliable vehicle and maintain a good driving record.
• Pass a criminal background check.
• Maintain at least liability vehicle insurance coverage.
• Ability to work in group home and in-home settings.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with all levels of personnel, internally and externally.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Bending, stooping, lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, and walking for long periods of time.