Community Living Services Direct Support Professional

Jewish Family & Career Services of Atlanta (JF&CS) offers best-in-class, person-centered programs and resources to transform lives. Building on our 125-year history, we are here to help individuals and families of all faiths live to their full potential. Guided by Jewish values, we are a welcoming community, and our experienced professionals bring integrity and compassion to their work in the fields of aging and older adults, career counseling, dentistry, mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and need-based support services. We serve thousands of individuals annually regardless of age, race, religion, national origin or ability to pay.

Working at JF&CS:

At JF&CS, we hold these values close to our heart: Commitment and integrity, compassion and respect, innovation and collaboration, professionalism, and responsiveness to diverse needs. Guided by Jewish values, and voted a Top Workplace for 2022 by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, we are a welcoming community of professionals passionate about making a difference in the community. For testimonials from staff on what it’s like being part of the JF&CS family, you can visit our Careers page.

We are currently seeking a Part-time Community Living Services Direct Support Professional to join our team!

PURPOSE: The purpose of this job is to give individuals with developmental disabilities the tools to live as independently as they possibly can while ensuring continuity, safety and high-quality service in the individual's home residence

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES included, but not limited to:

• Provide training and support to the individuals in all daily living skills including but not limited to nutrition, personal hygiene, health care, safety, communication, interpersonal relations, mobility, financial management, home management and use of leisure time as outlined in the individual service plan (ISP).
• Ensure individuals are taking medication according to prescribed schedule. Schedule medical appointments as directed by the Program Coordinator or Family.
• Accompany individual and facilitate participation in visits for medical care, therapies, personal shopping, recreation and other community activities as needed.
• Provide training and support in the areas of social, emotional, physical and spiritual development.
• Become acquainted with individual's job setting and communicate with key personal supervising the individual (including job coach, support coordinator, day program, etc.).
• Maintain a relationship with and communicate with families and key supports regarding the individual's day to day needs and successes.
• Assist in the development of ISPs as requested by the Program Coordinator.
• Provide transportation in privately own car for individuals as directed by the Program Coordinator.
• Maintain and submit all required paperwork in a timely manner on Therap online portal.
• Assist Program Coordinator in leading regular clients meeting, ensuring participation from individuals and staff, and keeping minutes for each meeting.
• Perform on the job mentoring and training to other DSPs as needed or directed by Program Coordinator.
• Attend and participate in all division staff meetings and other trainings as required.
• Communicate regularly with Program Coordinator on individual's progress, issues and concerns.
• Other duties may be assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The ability to organize, mediate, to be creative, multitask, empathetic, and willing to learn. This includes the development of plans, completion of assessments and daily documentation. Must have knowledge of, or ability to learn: counseling techniques, behavior modification strategies, medical and psychological aspects of disabilities, able to use the English language, and communicate clearly. Must be able to manage time effectively, to work alone and as a team member. Must have a Georgia State Driver's License, Georgia registration and a privately insured vehicle.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, run, listen, smell, and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 80 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and far vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Varies with location and individuals.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate's degree preferred.
• 1 - 2 years experience working with individuals with intellectual & developmental disabilities is preferred.

Candidates who are selected for employment must successfully complete a pre-employment background screening as well as a pre-employment drug screening. Employment will be contingent upon the satisfactory completion of both the background check and the drug screening. Additionally, if applicable, tuberculosis testing (TB) and fingerprinting may also be required.

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.