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Direct Support Professional

IDDJesup, GA 31545Full Time$16 – $20/hr
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About this role

Caregiver/Direct Support Professional DSP | Home Health
Location: Georgia
Employment Type: Part Time
Work Location: Field-Based
Schedule: Flexible
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

This position is classified under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and applicable Georgia labor regulations.

About Our Company

OneWell Health Care and its affiliated companies are dedicated to empowering individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and Autism to lead fulfilling, self-directed lives. We provide compassionate, person-centered care that promotes dignity, independence, and inclusion across community and home settings throughout the United States.

Position Summary

The Direct Support Professional (DSP)/Caregiver provides compassionate, person-centered care and support to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Autism, and other approved care needs in home and community-based settings. This position provides assistance with activities of daily living, personal care, skill development, health and safety monitoring, behavioral support, and community participation while promoting independence, dignity, inclusion, and quality of life. The DSP/Caregiver combines the responsibilities traditionally performed under CNA and In-Home Caregiver roles to provide consistent, high-quality direct care services aligned with OneWell Health Care standards and Georgia DBHDD expectations.

Position Scope

The Direct Support Professional (DSP)/Caregiver provides direct care services to individuals receiving home and community-based supports. The position follows individualized service plans (ISP/IPP), approved care instructions, behavioral support strategies, and organizational policies. The DSP/Caregiver works under the direction of supervisors, program specialists, and the interdisciplinary care team to ensure safe, effective, and individualized support. This position is responsible for direct service delivery and does not include authority over hiring, termination, employee discipline, policy development, or modification of individual care plans.

Key Responsibilities

The DSP/Caregiver provides safe, respectful, and person-centered support by assisting individuals with personal care, daily living activities, mobility, meals, medication reminders as authorized, behavioral support, and community participation while promoting independence, dignity, and well-being. The role includes following individualized service plans and care instructions, monitoring and reporting changes in health, behavior, or safety, maintaining a safe environment, supporting household and community routines, completing required documentation and EVV records, following infection control and safety procedures, participating in required training and care coordination activities, and providing transportation or additional support as assigned in accordance with individual needs, applicable certifications, Georgia DBHDD requirements, and OneWell Health Care policies.

Regulatory Frameworks

The DSP/Caregiver must comply with all applicable federal, state, and organizational requirements, including:

  • Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) requirements
  • Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) waiver program requirements
  • Home and community-based service regulations
  • Provider licensing requirements
  • HIPAA privacy regulations
  • Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) requirements
  • OneWell Health Care policies and procedures
  • Individual service authorizations and care requirements

Confidentiality

The DSP/Caregiver has access to confidential individual information and protected health information (PHI).

Employees must maintain confidentiality in accordance with:

  • HIPAA regulations
  • Georgia privacy requirements
  • OneWell Health Care confidentiality policies

Unauthorized disclosure, misuse, or sharing of confidential information may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Documentation Requirements

The DSP/Caregiver is responsible for completing accurate and timely documentation, including:

  • Daily service notes
  • Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) records
  • Individual progress notes
  • Behavioral observations
  • Incident and special incident reports
  • Shift verification documentation
  • Communication records
  • Other required documentation related to services provided

Documentation must accurately reflect services delivered and comply with regulatory and organizational requirements.

Certifications

Required certifications:

Candidates must possess at least one of the following active certifications:

  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  • Home Health Aide (HHA)
  • Personal Care Aide (PCA)
  • Personal Care Technician (PCT)

Additional requirement:

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required for Georgia staff
  • TB screening/testing is required based on applicable program and regulatory requirements. OneWell may coordinate testing through partnered laboratory locations when needed.

Employees must maintain all required certifications according to applicable renewal standards.

Education

Required:

  • High school diploma or equivalent

Additional education or healthcare-related training is preferred but not required unless specified by program requirements.

Experience

Preferred experience includes:

  • Previous experience as a Direct Support Professional, Caregiver, CNA, HHA, PCA/PCT, or similar healthcare role
  • Experience supporting individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Autism, or complex care needs
  • Experience working in home health, residential, community-based, or healthcare environments

Technical Skills

The DSP/Caregiver must demonstrate the ability to:

  • Use electronic documentation systems and EVV platforms
  • Operate smartphone applications and mobile technology
  • Complete electronic service documentation accurately
  • Read and follow individualized service plans and care instructions
  • Communicate effectively using email and electronic systems
  • Follow written policies, procedures, and safety guidelines

Languages

English proficiency, both spoken and written, is required, and the ability to communicate effectively with individuals served, their families, supervisors, and members of the care team is essential. Bilingual skills are preferred based on individual and program needs.

Driver License

A valid driver’s license may be required depending on assignment responsibilities, and employees who are required to drive must maintain an acceptable driving record, reliable transportation when transportation is an essential job function, required vehicle insurance when applicable, and compliance with all company transportation and safety requirements.

Travel Requirement

This is a field-based position requiring travel to individual homes, community locations, program sites, medical appointments, employment locations, and recreational activities, with flexible scheduling that may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts based on individual service needs.

Benefits

Compensation and Financial Benefits

  • Paid sick leave
  • Vacation time
  • Very competitive wages
  • Referral bonuses
  • Weekly direct deposit
  • DailyPay (get paid before payday)
  • Mileage reimbursement (if applicable)
  • Retirement plan benefits 401(k) 

Health & Wellness Benefits (available for full time employees)

  • Medical (PPO, Flex, and HSA plans)
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Critical Illness Insurance
  • Accident Insurance
  • Hospital Insurance
  • Short-Term Disability
  • Long-Term Disability & Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Pet Insurance 

Work-Life Balance & Other Benefits

  • Flexible scheduling
  • Supportive supervisor and work environment 

Legal Disclaimer

This job description reflects the general nature and scope of the role and is not exhaustive. OneWell Health Care reserves the right to revise responsibilities, qualifications, or expectations at its discretion, consistent with applicable law. Employment is at-will and may be terminated by either party at any time, with or without cause or notice.

If you are passionate about supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven environment, we encourage you to apply today.

Join OneWell Health Care — where your work truly changes lives.

Benefits

Health/Dental/Vision insurance401(k) matchPTO & paid holidaysPaid training & continuing educationDailyPay available
OneWell Health Care is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.

Charles Nightlinger

Direct Support Professional

Transcript

0:00

You really don't know the impact you can make on somebody's life until you start doing it.

0:12

My name is Charles Nightlinger, and I started as a Direct Support Professional here at OneWell. You're working and coordinating their schedule for the day — making sure their needs are taken care of first, whether that's medication, appointments, or anything they have planned.

0:30

And most of the time you also have downtime with the individual — going to a park, playing a board game, something that makes them feel fulfilled and like they're really connecting with their staff.

0:46

One individual I worked with had a hard time building connections. He didn't get along with a lot of people — not because he was unfriendly, but because he didn't know how to interact or relate to them.

1:00

I worked with him for several years, and over that time I slowly realized that every day he would come and greet me, where normally he would just run away and hide in his room. By working with him every day and doing his daily routines together, we built up those connections and bonds.

1:22

It got to the point where he would run and greet me at the door — he'd open it because he knew I was coming.

1:30

The team here at OneWell is a lot of different people coming together under one idea: helping our individuals. I started at a DSP-level position, and through hard work and dedication they've continually pushed me up through the different departments in the organization.

1:47

Go for it. Just go into the role knowing that every day is different. There will be challenging days, and there will be days that just skate by where it feels like you clocked in and already had a great day with your individual. Everybody has off days; everybody has amazing days.

Apply for this position

Direct Support Professional · Jesup, GA 31545