What are the responsibilities and job description for the Direct Support Professional I position at InCommunity?
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) accurately 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) accurately 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 assisting 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.
Salary : $13