DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Direct Support Professional

Annandale Village is a nonprofit community supporting adults with developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries. Our residentsknown as Villagerslive with dignity, purpose, and connection across our campus.

Our Personal Care Homes provide a welcoming residential environment where Villagers receive individualized support while building independence, meaningful relationships, and a true sense of home. Through compassionate care, person-centered services, and a commitment to community, we help each Villager live a meaningful and fulfilling life.

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides compassionate, person-centered support to Villagers living in Annandale Village's Personal Care Homes. This role helps create a safe, welcoming, and home-like environment while supporting each Villager's independence, personal choices, daily routines, relationships, and individualized goals.

The DSP works alongside Villagers to build skills and confidence while providing the level of assistance each individual needs to be successful. Through consistency, encouragement, and meaningful relationships, the DSP helps Villagers experience greater independence, belonging, choice, and quality of life.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Support Villagers with activities of daily living and individualized needs while encouraging independence and active participation.
• Provide assistance and skill development in personal care, household responsibilities, healthy living, and other daily routines.
• Help Villagers develop and maintain skills that promote confidence, independence, and success within their home and community.
• Provide support based on each Villager's abilities, preferences, communication style, and individual goals.
• Create a safe, comfortable, and welcoming home environment that respects Villager preferences, personal belongings, and routines.
• Build positive, trusting, and respectful relationships with Villagers.
• Implement individualized supports and skill-development activities identified through each Villager's service plan and assessment process.
• Encourage Villagers to make choices, express preferences, solve problems, and participate in decisions that affect their daily lives.
• Support the development of communication, interpersonal, social, and independent living skills through meaningful everyday experiences.
• Respect and protect Villager dignity, privacy, rights, relationships, and individual choices.
• Observe Villager progress and communicate information that supports individualized planning and continued growth.
• Maintain awareness of Villager health, safety, emotional well-being, and support needs throughout the assigned shift.
• Follow individualized health, safety, behavioral, and support plans and assist with health maintenance activities as assigned.
• Observe and promptly report changes in a Villager's health, behavior, mobility, or overall well-being.
• Respond appropriately to incidents, accidents, behavioral concerns, and emergencies according to established procedures.
• Follow infection prevention, emergency response, and organizational safety practices.
• Provide support in a manner that balances Villager health and safety with dignity, choice, and independence.
• Support Villagers in participating in appointments, employment, recreation, shopping, social activities, and other meaningful community experiences.
• Safely transport or accompany Villagers to community destinations as assigned.
• Encourage Villagers to pursue activities and experiences that reflect their interests, preferences, and personal goals.
• Provide the appropriate level of support during community activities while promoting independence, inclusion, and self-advocacy.
• Assist Villagers with safely navigating the Annandale Village campus and broader community based on individual needs.
• Complete required electronic documentation related to Villager services, goals, health, safety, and other assigned areas accurately and timely.
• Communicate significant observations, concerns, changes, or support needs to the appropriate team member.
• Maintain clear communication during shift transitions to support consistency and continuity of services.
• Work collaboratively with Personal Care Home leadership, Nursing, Case Management, Day Programs, and other departments to provide coordinated support.
• Communicate respectfully and professionally with Villagers, families, guardians, coworkers, and other members of the interdisciplinary team.
• Participate in required meetings, orientation, training, and educational activities.
• Maintain Villager confidentiality and follow all applicable policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform other duties in the best interest of Annandale Village and the Villagers we serve.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Ability to successfully complete Annandale Village's required literacy assessment.
• Ability to read, write, communicate, and follow written and verbal instructions effectively.
• Basic computer skills, including the ability to use electronic documentation systems, Microsoft Office, and Outlook.
• Ability to provide individualized support to Villagers with varying abilities and support needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• One year of related work experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, acquired brain injuries, or other support needs preferred.

Employment Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Valid Georgia Class C Driver's License, proof of insurance, and acceptable MVR.
• Must meet Annandale Village requirements for operating organizational vehicles and transporting Villagers.
• Must pass GBI and FBI background checks, including fingerprinting.
• Must pass drug screening and tuberculosis screening.
• Must complete and maintain required CPR, First Aid, and other assigned training and certifications.
• Ability to actively support Villagers throughout daily routines, activities, and community experiences.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, climb, kneel, crouch, and perform other movements associated with providing direct support.
• Ability to assist Villagers with personal care, mobility, positioning, and other individualized needs.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds independently and move up to 75 pounds with assistance.
• Ability to safely assist Villagers into and out of vehicles and transport Villagers as required.
• Ability to perform CPR, First Aid, and emergency response duties.

Personal Skills and Traits

• Genuine commitment to helping Villagers live meaningful, self-directed lives.
• Compassionate, patient, and respectful approach to supporting others.
• Commitment to Villager dignity, choice, independence, and individual rights.
• Ability to build positive relationships while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Dependable, attentive, and accountable.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm and adapt support based on individual Villager needs.
• Positive and collaborative approach to teamwork.

Why Work at Annandale Village

At Annandale Village, you're part of something biggercreating meaningful lives through connection, care, and community.

We offer:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off (PTO)
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee recognition and appreciation programs

Acknowledgement

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and may be modified as needed to meet organizational needs.

Happiness Works Here.

Shifts: 1st - 7:00am-3:30pm (weekend only) 2nd - 3:00pm- 11:30pm (FT,PT,PRN) 3rd- 11:00pm- 7:30am (PRN)