Direct Support Professional - Behavior Focused

Job Summary

Claratel Behavioral Health is an innovative, community-based behavioral health and developmental disabilities services organization offering a full range of mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorder services to underserved individuals. As a public, not-for-profit organization, Claratel Behavioral Health operates in more than 20 locations in DeKalb County, Georgia, with a diverse workforce of more than 400 direct-care and support staff.

A Behavior‑Focused Home Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides compassionate, one‑on‑one support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, or other conditions with high behavioral and high‑acuity needs. The DSP partners with the person to implement their Individualized Service Plan (ISP) and Behavioral Support Plan (BSP) in ways that honor their preferences, strengths, communication style, and daily routines.

This role includes supporting the person in understanding and reducing maladaptive behaviors by teaching meaningful replacement skills, reinforcing progress, and creating supportive environments that promote success. The DSP uses proactive and evidence‑based behavioral strategies including sensory regulation supports, de‑escalation, and crisis‑prevention techniques to help the person feel safe, build independence, and stay connected to their community.

Responsibilities include noticing and responding to signs of distress, documenting growth and challenges respectfully, and maintaining calm, respectful interactions during heightened moments. Throughout all support, the DSP centers the individual’s dignity, choices, and personal goals, ensuring their unique needs as a high‑acuity individual are consistently met in a positive and empowering way.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support individuals in personalized activities of daily living and social skills development. This may include assisting and supporting individuals in all environments (the community, at work and at home) so that the individual is able to learn, practice and master skills that enable him/her to enhance his/her status by assuming valued social roles.• Ensure that the health, safety and well-being of individuals are met. This will include following all instructions given by the Primary Care Physician, Nursing staff, etc. and may include following a well-balanced diet prepared to meet individual needs.• Report changes in the condition of individual and/or any unusual occurrences related to an individual to Supervisor or Management staff in a timely manner. Report any SIGNIFICANT changes in the condition of an individual IMMEDIATELY.• Report environmental risks/hazardous/barriers to Supervisor or Management in a timely manner.• Ensure individual’s possessions are safeguarded. This will include ensuring that the individual’s money and possessions are maintained in a secure manner.• Assist individuals in maintaining order and cleanliness in their environment(s).• Provide input into the planning and implementation strategies of individual’s plan of care (to include the individual’s Support Plan and Behavior Support Plan).• Implement Individual Support Plans (ISP)/Behavior Support Plans (BSP) and strategies as written and at the frequency stated in the ISP/BSP.• Demonstrate accurate data collection procedures and consistent use of described support strategies that promote success.• Document services provided including: individualized service goals (from ISP), behavior support tracking, required notes and all other required documentation.• Support individuals to manage moderate behavioral challenges; includes elopement, physical aggression, verbal aggression, property destruction, and PICA.• Complete incident reports using the online system. Ensure the report includes required information (who was involved, what happened, where did it happen, when did it happen, etc.)• Transport individuals to medical appointments, community activities or other assigned and desired events while ensuring the safe transport of each individual, adhering to all traffic laws and driving defensively.• Maintain timely and effective communication regarding individuals’ needs and their environment with appropriate personnel/colleagues.• Serve as a role model and mentor, demonstrating socially appropriate behaviors and coach individuals using approved techniques and strategies; use approved intervention techniques when necessary to protect individuals supported and others.• Support each individual’s existing relationships and increase their networks of friends and acquaintances.• Ensure that all individuals are supported to explore and express their interest in community membership.• Observe and maintain (HIPAA) confidentiality requirements concerning the affairs of the individuals served, staff and the agency.• Complete all scheduled and required training by the announced deadline, attend and actively participate in home staff meetings.• Actively participate in the agency’s ongoing effort to continually improve the quality of services provided and the effectiveness of the agency’s operations by sharing ideas and insights.• Facilitate teamwork between all team members via open communication, sharing of responsibilities and by demonstrating a positive, constructive attitude.• Interact professionally and effectively with colleagues, families, guardians, support coordinators and approved internal/external monitors.• Provide assistance and/or support with activities of daily living to include but not limited to home living activities such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, dishes, household maintenance, community involvement, personal hygiene, leisure activities, communication, personal safety, health maintenance, self-administration of medication administration/medication management and social/behavioral development.• Document services provided including individualized service goals (from ISP), behavior support tracking, required notes, communication logs, medication administration records (MAR) and all other required documentation.• Maintain proper communication regarding individuals’ needs and home environment with appropriate personnel/home colleagues. Read the communication log when coming on shift and fill it out at the end of the shift with pertinent information regarding the individuals and the home.• Plan, prepare and grocery shop for meals including following special diets and nutritional instruction.• Follow Supervised Self Administration of Medication (SSAM) and Proxy Caregiver procedures without errors; including reading and following medical and nursing instructions.• De-escalate moderate behavior outbursts.• Completes other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Maintains a valid Georgia Driver’s License with an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report and safely operates a 16‑passenger van.
• Ability to obtain and maintain CPR, First Aid, Mindset/behavioral intervention training, Defensive Driving, and state‑required certifications.• Successful completion of all required background checks (criminal background check, drug screening, MVR, etc.).• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and complete required documentation accurately.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build supportive, professional relationships.• Basic problem‑solving and conflict‑resolution skills.• Ability to remain calm and effective during behavioral incidents or crises.• Ability to use basic computer systems for documentation and communication.• Respect for cultural, personal, and individual differences.

Working Conditions

Work occurs in residential homes, community settings, and outdoor environments.

May be exposed to unpredictable behaviors, bodily fluids, noise, or challenging situations.

Maladaptive behaviors include; Physical aggression – punching, kicking, spitting and headbutting

May be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime based on staffing needs.

Frequent travel within the community for appointments, activities, and errands.

Physical Demands

Performs job duties while standing for up to 75% of the scheduled work shift.

Safely and effectively utilizes approved physical restraint techniques when necessary to maintain a secure environment.

Lifts and carries up to 50 lbs. unassisted and provides physical support to individuals with mobility needs.

Must be able to respond quickly and safely in emergencies utilizing agency‑approved intervention methods and training standards.

Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, squatting, and reaching throughout the shift.

May require pushing wheelchairs, assisting with mobility devices, or performing physical interventions using approved techniques.

Pre-employment drug screening may be required. Selected applicant will be subject of an FBI Criminal History Record Check, and the applicant has the right to challenge the contents of their Criminal History Record Information, should they choose to do so. This employer participates in E-Verify.