Direct Support Professional III

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 III (DSP III), are expected to model and promote the organization's mission and values in every aspect of their work.

Position Summary:

The Direct Support Professional III (DSP III) is the organization's most senior-level, experienced direct support professional who provides exceptional person-centered services while serving as a lead resource within the home. The DSP III models best practices, mentors DSP (Uncertified), DSP I and DSP II staff, supports day-to day operations, promotes regulatory compliance, and assists leadership in maintaining high-quality services that meet DBHDD, CARF, and InCommunity standards.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Support Individual Engagement and Inclusion

• Provide high-quality person-centered support that maximize independence, dignity, and choice.
• Partner with the individual, the Community Area Manager, Support Coordination, and other members of the individual's care team to develop Individual Service Plans (ISPs), Behavior Support Plans, and risk mitigation strategies that support the individual in achieving goals and leading a healthy, safe, and joyful life.
• Assist individuals with activities of daily living (e.g., bathing, eating, toileting, dressing), administration of medication (as authorized), and participation in community-based activities (e.g., church, social groups, sports, dining out, etc.) that reflect their individual interests and choices.
• Provide one-to-one support for individuals who require one-to-one care and are authorized to receive such services in accordance with their prior authorizations.
• Provide increased care and supervision to individuals requiring intensive supports.

Promote Health and Well-Being

• Administer medications and treatments in accordance with certification and organizational policy.
• Monitor implementation of Individual Service Plans (ISPs), Behavior Support Plans, HRST recommendations, and nursing directives.
• As requested by the Community Area Manager, transport and accompany individuals to medical appointments and ensure that appropriate information from the appointment (including any changes to medications, diagnoses, etc.) is communicated to staff and documented in Therap and other appropriate databases within 24 hours of the appointment.
• Promote positive relationships with families, guardians, day programs, medical providers, and community partners.

Ensure Safety, Cleanliness and Meal Preparation

• Maintain a safe, clean, and comfortable home environment.
• Identify health, safety, maintenance, staffing, and compliance concerns and communicate them promptly.
• Support emergency preparedness, incident response, and follow-up activities.

Communication

• Ensure accurate completion of Therap documentation, shift notes, medication records, and required documentation (e.g., achieve a score of at least 90% on weekly documentation audits).
• Communicate important health, behavioral, medical, and service-related information to the appropriate team members in a timely manner.

Teamwork and Professional Conduct

• Serve as the lead DSP on assigned shifts and assist with coordination of daily operations.
• Mentor, coach, and provide on-the-job shadowing and training to DSP (Uncertified), DSP I, and DSP II staff.
• Model best practices in documentation, professionalism, and regulatory compliance.
• Participate in training, performance improvement initiatives, and leadership development.
• Collaborate with the Community Area Manager and interdisciplinary team to support high-quality services.
• Other duties as assigned.

Attendance and Scheduling

• Demonstrate dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Assist with coordinating shift coverage and daily staffing needs as directed by the Community Area Manager.
• Support continuity of services by communicating scheduling concerns promptly and assisting with daily operational needs during assigned shifts.

Compliance

• Provide transportation services for individuals and safely operate organization-owned vehicles in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations.
• Assist the Community Area Manager with audits, quality assurance activities, home readiness, and corrective actions.
• Monitor compliance with Individual Service Plans (ISPs), Behavior Support Plans, HRST recommendations, nursing directives, and organizational policies.
• Model best practices in documentation, professionalism, and regulatory compliance.
• Follow all applicable federal, state, DBHDD, Medicaid, CARF and InCommunity policies, procedures and standards.

Education, Certifications & Experience Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; associate's degree in human services or a related field preferred.
• Five years of direct support experience, including demonstrated leadership, mentoring, coaching, strong documentation skills, and knowledge of Medicaid, DBHDD, licensing, and regulatory requirements.
• 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 certifications, or the ability to obtain and maintain required certifications within established timeframes.
• DSP III certification through the University of Georgia, the National Association of Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), or another Incommunity approved accredited training program required, obtained certification within the required timeframe.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have formal supervisory authority but serves as the lead Direct Support Professional by providing day-to-day functional leadership, coaching, mentoring, and on-the-job training to DSP staff. The DSP III also supports the Community Area Manager by assisting with daily operations, quality assurance, and continuity of services during planned absences, emergencies, or as assigned.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Work is performed in residential homes and community settings.
• Requires standing, walking, bending, lifting up to 50 pounds, and assisting individuals with mobility and transfers.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel Required

Frequent local travel between residential homes, community activities, and medical appointments in an organization-owned vehicle, which is typically a mini-van or other ADA-equipped vehicle.