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Gem Support Services

We Change Lives

Every Day

Hope isn’t just a word – it’s a call to action

At Gem Support Services, our mission is to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Every member of our team makes a difference. Join us and be part of a caring community that believes in hope and quality of life for all.

We offer a supportive workplace where you can grow your career while positively impacting others.

Why Work at Gem Support Services

Work With Heart, Grow With Us

Join a mission-driven team where every day brings purpose, growth, and the opportunity to change lives

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Mission-Driven Work

Every job at Gem Support Services is meaningful – we help individuals gain skills, confidence, and dignity. Our work is spiritually driven, serving others with compassion and dedication that makes a real difference in our community.

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Community Culture

We're more than colleagues – we're a community that shares core values of compassion, integrity, and respect. Our team members are bold in advocacy, brave in facing challenges, and brilliant in finding solutions that work.

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Purpose-Built Organization

Gem Support Services was founded to address the struggles families face, often waiting years for quality support services. We built our organization to be part of the solution, shortening waitlists and providing exceptional care.

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Growth Opportunities

365

Days of Impact

United Mission

"Our mission is to become the premier agency in northeast Florida by having a lasting and positive impact on the community of individuals living with an IDD diagnosis and their families. We strive everyday to help the people achieve their best quality of life while catering to their specific needs, desires and goals."

— The Gem Support Mission

Mission-Driven

Every job here is meaningful: we help individuals gain skills, confidence, and dignity. As Jessica Allen leads by example, Gem is spiritually driven to serve others with compassion

Team & Values

Our team is trained, certified, and motivated to uphold the highest standards—quality isn't just a standard, it's our promise. We believe in empowering people with disabilities to reach their full potential through community outreach, partnerships, and person-centered care.

Services We Offer

Become a Gem and make an impact

Gem Support Services is always accepting qualified candidates. Click the button below to start your application process.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Answers for IDD families and prospective staff across Clay, Duval, Nassau & St. Johns Counties.

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Our services

GEM provides Supported Living Coaching, Companion Care, and Respite services through Florida's APD Medicaid waiver program. We support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in their homes and in the community across Northeast Florida.

No — GEM does not currently offer overnight care or group home placements. Our model focuses on in-home and community-based support that promotes independence. We can refer you to other providers in the network if overnight care is needed.

We serve families and individuals throughout Clay, Duval, Nassau, and St. Johns Counties — including Orange Park, Fleming Island, Middleburg, Green Cove Springs, Jacksonville, and Fernandina Beach.

Companion Care focuses on community integration, life skills development, and social engagement. Activities are tailored to the individual — grocery shopping practice, museum visits, library trips, and outings. Staff coach the individual rather than doing tasks for them, building real independence.

Supported Living Coaching helps adults with IDD live as independently as possible in their own home or a community setting. Coaches work on daily living tasks, safety awareness, self-advocacy, and personal goals — always at the individual's pace.

Respite provides temporary relief for primary family caregivers. A trained GEM staff member steps in so you can rest or handle personal needs — without guilt. Respite hours are funded through the APD iBudget waiver.

APD & waiver

Florida residents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, Prader-Willi syndrome, or an intellectual disability (IQ below 70) may qualify. Income does not affect eligibility — all income levels qualify.

Applications are submitted online at apdcares.org. You'll need medical documentation confirming your loved one's qualifying diagnosis. GEM can walk you through every step — we're here to guide you from day one.

Florida's iBudget is an individualized funding system that determines how much Medicaid waiver money is allocated for each person's services annually. You work with a support coordinator to allocate those funds across approved service types like Supported Living, Companion Care, and Respite.

Waitlist times vary and can be lengthy. GEM advocates for your family even before services officially begin — we help you understand exactly where you are in the process and identify steps that may accelerate access.

Yes. You can request an increase through your support coordinator backed by documentation. GEM helps families build that documentation and navigate the formal request or appeal process — including preparing for your annual support plan review.

iConnect is Florida's APD documentation portal where service delivery records are maintained. Families can view their loved one's central record and verify services are being delivered. GEM staff complete full iConnect training prior to beginning services.

For staff

Entry-level pay is $16.00 per hour, increasing to $16.50 after 90 days. We also offer mileage reimbursement for community-based services where the consumer is transported in your vehicle.

Yes. Mileage reimbursement applies when the consumer is in your vehicle. Staff track odometer readings using a mileage form. GEM actively researches free and low-cost community activities to minimize costs for everyone.

All staff must complete a Level 2 background check through Florida's clearinghouse and a local background check — both within 30 days of consumer contact. Fingerprinting is completed through Fieldprint. Staff are added to the agency roster only after clearance is confirmed.

Required trainings include APD Direct Care Core Competencies, Zero Tolerance, HIPAA Basics, Requirements for All Waiver Providers, iConnect modules, First Aid/CPR (in-person), and HIV/AIDS & Infection Control. Most are completed via train.org prior to entering the field.

Shifts are community-focused — outings, life skills practice, and social engagement. One session per week may be dedicated to structured life skills coaching such as grocery budgeting. Your role is to coach, not do things for the consumer. Schedules are flexible and vary by individual.

Administrative office hours are Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 4 PM. Current clients have access to 24/7 emergency support coordination outside of office hours.

For families

GEM leads with a person-centered discovery process before services begin. We ask families to share everything — routines, preferences, communication style, triggers, and goals. Staff are matched based on compatibility and relationship fit, not just availability.

We address continuity directly and proactively. GEM communicates schedule changes before they affect you and works hard to maintain relationship continuity. We understand routine disruption is especially difficult for individuals with autism or sensory sensitivities.

Proactive communication is a core commitment at GEM — not reactive. Families receive regular updates, documented progress notes, and a direct line to agency leadership. You should never be the last to know.

Absolutely — this is one of GEM's key differentiators. We guide families through the iBudget waiver process, APD application, iConnect documentation, and annual support plan reviews in plain language. You should never navigate this system alone.

It means we see your family member as a whole person — not a diagnosis or a billing unit. Goals are built around their interests and life, not just compliance. Staff learn names, routines, and what matters most before services ever begin.

Call or text us at (904) 670-7411 or email [email protected]. We'll talk through your loved one's needs and guide you from wherever you are in the APD process — even if you haven't started yet.

Still have questions?
Call or text (904) 670-7411 · Mon–Fri, 7 AM – 4 PM · 24/7 support for current clients.

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