Job Description

Job Location: Head Quarters - Chattanooga, TN 37404,

Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: High School or Equivalent,

Salary Range: $14.68 - $15.68 Hourly,

Job Shift: Flexible,

Job Category: Nonprofit - Social Services, $500 Sign On Bonus!

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

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Orange Grove Center, you will help individuals achieve greater independence, safety, and quality of life through person-centered support.

• 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

Successful DSPs are

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: 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.