Direct Support Professional 1:1, IndependenceWorks

Description

One-on-one Direct Support Professional

Atlanta, GA | Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities | Full-Time

Support Independence, Safety, and Meaningful Community Connection

Jewish Family & Career Services of Atlanta (JF&CS) is seeking a caring, compassionate, and dependable One-on-one Direct Support Professional to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through person-centered daily programming, community access, and individualized care.

In this role, you will work directly with clients who may have complex care needs, helping them participate in meaningful activities, build community connections, maintain safety, and develop skills that support as much independence as possible.

The north star for this role is simple: provide respectful, professional, and individualized support that helps each person participate more fully in their community while receiving high-quality care.

The Role at a Glance

• Provides one-on-one support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Supports Community Access Group services, daily activities, volunteer site participation, and community outings
• Assists with personal care, hygiene needs, health monitoring, and activities of daily living
• Maintains daily documentation, including goal tracking, behavior tracking, attendance, communication logs, and progress notes
• Transports clients in an agency vehicle and supports safe participation in community-based activities
• Reports to the Community Advocacy Manager

This is a hands-on, relationship-centered role for someone who brings patience, professionalism, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to helping individuals with disabilities thrive. Some days you will be supporting clients in the day center; other days you will be out in the community, reinforcing skills, encouraging participation, and helping each person work toward individualized goals.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

Direct Support & Personal Care

• Provide observation, instruction, and support for the physical and emotional needs of clients receiving Community Access Group services
• Support daily living and hygiene needs, including toileting, feeding, and other personal care needs
• Monitor health status and help individuals maintain safety during daily programming and community activities
• Teach and reinforce appropriate behaviors in the day center setting and during community outings
• Approach clients and families with compassion, respect, patience, and professionalism

Community Access & Skill Building

• Help clients access community and volunteer sites in ways that support inclusion, learning, and meaningful participation
• Contribute to purposeful schedules that emphasize community inclusion, skill development, and meaningful activities
• Assist with developing natural supports and positive community relationships
• Support clients in building independence while maintaining appropriate safeguards and individualized care
• Provide transportation in an agency vehicle as needed

Documentation, Communication & Teamwork

• Complete goal tracking, behavior tracking, attendance records, communication logs, progress notes, and other required documentation
• Communicate regularly with coworkers and staff regarding client progress, issues, and concerns
• Participate in team and division meetings, ISP meetings, HRST, SIS, trainings, and other required learning opportunities
• Participate in cross-training as required by the agency
• Support additional duties and program needs as assigned

Requirements

You are:

• Caring, compassionate, patient, and respectful in your work with individuals and families
• Reliable, professional, and goal-oriented
• Organized and able to manage multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team
• Creative, flexible, empathetic, and willing to learn
• A clear communicator who can use English effectively in verbal and written communication

You have:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree preferred
• Experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities preferred
• Basic computer skills and the ability to complete required documentation accurately
• Ability to manage time effectively and follow individualized plans, assessments, and daily schedules
• A valid Georgia driver’s license, Georgia vehicle registration, and a privately insured vehicle
• A working cell phone with voicemail and the ability to receive and respond to business-related text messages
• Email capability and the ability to check email at least once each workday

Physical requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, run, listen, smell, and reach with hands and arms while performing job duties
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 80 pounds
• Close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus
• Work environment varies based on location and individual client needs

Why JF&CS?

At JF&CS, direct support work is about dignity, inclusion, and helping people live as independently as possible. You will be part of a mission-driven team that values compassionate care, meaningful community engagement, and high-quality service for individuals and families across Atlanta.

What We Offer:

• $18.00 Per Hour
• Sign-on bonus of $500. Paid after the successful completion of 90 days of employment with the agency and a satisfactory performance assessment. 
• Up to 20 days of paid time off (PTO) annually, prorated in the first year
• Paid holidays
• Comprehensive Health, Vision, and Dental insurance
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Paid parental leave

*Benefits eligibility for positions may vary based on scheduled hours and agency policy. 

Candidates selected for employment must successfully complete a pre-employment background screening and drug screening. Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results for both. In addition, tuberculosis (TB) testing and fingerprinting may be required, as applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: JF&CS is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We embrace our employees’ unique qualities, which fuel interest, innovation, and business success. As an EEO employer, JF&CS will engage in interactive dialogue regarding any accommodation requested based on medical or religious considerations.