Job Description
Job Location: Cobb, Fulton, Dekalb, Gwinnett, Bartow, - GA
Position Type: Full TimeInCommunity 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 (DSP) are expected to model and promote the organization’s mission and values in every aspect of their work.
Position Summary:
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides personalized care and support to individuals with developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, or aging-related needs. DSPs help individuals live fulfilling, independent lives within their communities by offering companionship, guidance, and assistance with daily living activities. Support is tailored to each person’s goals and preferences and may occur across multiple homes or community locations.
DSPs are expected to demonstrate professionalism, compassion, and a commitment to providing excellent service in every interaction.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Support Individual Engagement and Inclusion
- Interact with individuals respectfully and with awareness of both verbal and nonverbal communication.
- Encourage and assist individuals in participating in home and community activities that reflect their interests and choices (e.g., dining out, shopping, sports, church, social groups).
- Support individuals in identifying and working toward personal goals based on their Individual Support Plans (ISPs).
- Teach and assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene.
- Promote positive relationships between individuals, their families, and friends, including helping coordinate visits and participation in special events.
- Respect and support individuals’ personal and family religious or spiritual practices and choices.
- Model appropriate behavior and communication, maintaining professionalism, self-control, and a respectful tone at all times.
- Maintain a safe and comfortable home environment, assisting individuals in making personal choices (e.g., TV, music, or activities).
- Safely transport individuals, following all company and regulatory safety procedures.
Promote Health and Well-Being
- Read and follow each individual’s ISP, medical protocols, and communication logs.
- Monitor and document individuals’ daily activities, health concerns, and behavioral changes accurately.
- Support personal hygiene, grooming, and dressing according to each person’s needs and preferences.
- Observe for changes in health status and promptly report concerns to supervisors or nursing staff.
- Follow medical instructions, medication guidelines, and treatment plans as directed.
- Accompany individuals to medical appointments, ensuring effective communication between individuals and healthcare providers.
- Provide physical assistance as needed, including using mechanical lifts or other equipment safely.
Ensure Safety, Cleanliness, and Meal Preparation
Safety and Emergency Response
- Follow all safety and emergency procedures, including evacuation drills.
- Maintain clear walkways and exits; remove snow or debris when necessary.
- Know how to use emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers and alarms.
- Use adaptive and medical equipment properly as trained.
Meals and Food Handling
- Assist with meal planning, grocery shopping, food preparation, and cleanup.
- Prepare meals according to menus, nutrition guidelines, and individual dietary needs.
- Encourage family-style meals and positive mealtime conversation.
- Follow all food safety and labeling procedures.
Home and Vehicle Maintenance
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe home environment.
- Complete assigned cleaning checklists and laundry duties according to standards.
- Keep company vehicles clean, fueled, and properly documented.
Communication, Teamwork, and Professional Conduct
- Seek guidance from supervisors or coordinators when unsure about procedures or responsibilities.
- Communicate effectively and respectfully with coworkers, both verbally and in writing.
- Collaborate as a team to ensure consistent, quality care for individuals.
- Demonstrate flexibility and cooperation during emergencies or unexpected situations.
- Maintain confidentiality and refrain from gossip or sharing sensitive information about individuals, staff, or the company.
Attendance and Scheduling
- Be punctual and prepared to begin your shift on time.
- Remain on duty until properly relieved by another staff member.
- Follow company attendance and scheduling policies.
Compliance
- Adhere to all policies and procedures as outlined in the InCommunity Employee Handbook and other organizational documents.
Additional Responsibilities for Overnight Shifts
- Stay awake and alert throughout the shift.
- Follow the Overnight Shift Checklist, including safety, cleaning, and documentation tasks.
- Check on individuals at designated times, providing assistance as needed.
- Support morning routines when applicable.
- Follow health-related protocols and contact supervisors with any concerns.
- Complete assigned household duties before shift end.
Core Competencies, Values or Attributes
These core competencies describe the skills and behaviors we expect of everyone at InCommunity. They help us create a strong, respectful, and inclusive workplace where people feel valued and supported.
- Person Centered Support- The ability to understand and commit to established guidelines that assists in listing individual’s needs, preferences and goals in the order of importance and involving them in all decision-making processes.
- Health, Wellness & Safety - The ability to understand and ensure appropriate support for the health, wellness and safety of individuals, including emergency preparedness and incident reporting. The ability to ensure independence, decision-making and self-advocacy.
- Advocacy and Community Inclusion - The ability to advocate for individuals with IDD, promoting their rights and facilitating their inclusion and participation in community life. The ability to support individuals based on their own needs, goals and choices.
- Cultural Awareness and Responsiveness - The ability to ensure services and support are culturally appropriate and respectful of the unique characteristics and backgrounds of the individuals receiving services and staff providing support.
- Knowledge of Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services & Regulations - The ability to understand federal and state regulations governing IDD programs and services. This includes best practices and behavior management techniques.
- Problem-Solving & Decision Making - The ability to identify challenges, analyze information, and make sound decisions involving individual care, service delivery and staff supervision.
- Promoting Professionalism and Ethical Practice - The ability to exhibit self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy and respect for diversity.
- Communication and People Skills - The ability to build relationships and possess effective communication skills with staff, individuals, families and other stakeholders. This includes active listening and adapting communication styles to diverse needs.
POSITION SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
- Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions; keeps commitments; commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan. [Bullet-pointed list of recommended
Affirmative Action/EEO statement
InCommunity is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and stakeholders.
Disclaimer
This position description is intended to outline the general nature, duties, and responsibilities of the role. It should not be considered an exhaustive list of all tasks, responsibilities, or qualifications required. InCommunity reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as business needs evolve.
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have received and reviewed this position description. I understand the responsibilities described and that my employment with InCommunity is at-will, meaning either I or the organization may end the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice or cause, subject to applicable law.
QualificationsEducation, Certifications & Experience Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- At least six (6) months of experience in developmental disabilities, mental health, or aging services preferred.
- Personal or volunteer experience supporting individuals with disabilities may be considered.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and meet company driving standards, if applicable.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- This position has no supervisory duties.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
- Work is primarily performed in community residential homes, day programs, or other community settings.
- The environment may include exposure to typical household conditions (e.g., cleaning agents, cooking equipment, and noise from televisions or household activities).
- DSPs may also support individuals during community outings, which could involve varying weather conditions, public spaces, and transportation.
- The position involves regular contact and interaction with individuals who may display challenging behaviors, requiring calm, respectful, and professional responses.
- Work schedules may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts based on the needs of the individuals supported.
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting are required throughout the shift.
- Must be able to assist individuals with mobility needs, including transferring in and out of wheelchairs, beds, and vehicles using proper lifting techniques or mechanical lifts.
- May need to lift or move items or individuals weighing up to 25 pounds (occasionally more with team assistance or mechanical support).
- Must be able to perform household tasks such as cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, and light maintenance duties.
- Must be able to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations, including fire drills, medical incidents, or behavioral interventions.
- Visual and auditory acuity is required to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals and to observe changes in behavior or health.
- Position requires the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, if assigned to transport individuals.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and organizational policy.
Travel Required
This position requires frequent travel throughout Metro Atlanta area.
