Direct Support Professional (DSP/CNA) -Aurora, IL

About the role

The Association for Individual Development (AID) is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with various challenges to lead dignified and purposeful lives. We seek a Direct Support Professional who shares our commitment and is ready to contribute to our mission.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a team approach in working with clients, staff, and external agencies.
• Implement specific programs from the Individual Plan or Implementation Strategy, and document services according to program procedures.
• Familiarize and adhere to all agency and program rules and regulations.
• Report concerns or issues to the immediate supervisor promptly.
• Plan and prepare meals based on menus and recipes provided by the dietician, taking into account client input and assistance; ensure adherence to dietary requirements.
• Attend to the self-care needs of clients, including toileting assistance, changing soiled garments, bathing, grooming, shaving, cleaning glasses and adaptive equipment, etc.
• Obtain medication administration authorization at a minimum of one location and maintain this authorization through annual training, following all policies and procedures, and minimizing medication errors.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary environment inside and out of all assigned buildings and vehicles, on a daily basis, including surface, deep, and sanitizing cleaning tasks as assigned.
• Be alert to emergency situations and take appropriate action according to program and agency policies and procedures.
• Provide transportation for clients using personal or agency vehicles for work, shopping, appointments, social events, etc.
• Monitor and relay information about client medical conditions during medical appointments.
• Attend all meetings, shifts, and trainings as scheduled.
• Aid in the orientation and training of new staff.
• Participate in community and in-house activities, conduct monthly client input meetings, facilitate Home and Community Based Settings Rules training activities, and other client meetings as assigned, documenting participation.
• Take verbal and written directions and complete job responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• May be responsible for independent building coverage, including safety and supervision of all clients, per program needs.
• Work scheduled hours at various locations as determined by client and program needs.
• Complete required training as assigned on or prior to the due date to meet licensing and program requirements.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) or Autism Certificate preferred.
• Experience working with developmentally disabled adults preferred.
• Physical requirements: climb stairs daily, no medical restrictions preventing implementation of a lift/transfer or behavioral programs, push, pull, reach, stoop/bend over, use step stool daily, perform daily housekeeping tasks, assist clients in independent living skills, physically assist clients in situations including, but not limited to, getting in and out of van, bathtub, shower, or bed, regularly implement behavior support strategies, respond to emergency behavioral issues, requires significant walking and standing on a daily basis.
• Equipment: computer and software including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and Teams; Zoom platform and application; internet browser and Microsoft SharePoint platform; household appliances including stove, microwave, washer/dryer, dishwasher, and countertop appliances such as microwaves; alarm systems for monitoring fire, weather, security, etc.; telephone and voicemail; office equipment including printer/scanner, copy machine, calculator, shredder, etc.; adaptive equipment as defined in individual strategies including hoyer lift and accessories, shower chairs or benches, walkers, wheelchairs, etc.; agency vehicles with and without wheelchair lifts.
• Additional requirements: must be able to lift or move up to 50 pounds to assist in two-person lift or with use of adaptive equipment, pass S-TOFHLA literacy test, complete required DSP and Medication Administration Training, including CPR, First Aid, Infection Control, OIG Rule 50, and CPI, maintain medication administration authorization by following all policies and procedures, evening, weekend, overnight, and holiday hours required, individual must have and maintain a valid Illinois driver’s license, use of a personal automobile, and minimum amount of automobile liability insurance as defined in the Association’s personnel policy is required, must transport clients in personal automobile when necessary, must have access to a personal cell phone with ability to utilize downloaded applications for secure messaging, must meet and maintain IDOT Approved Driver Status, must be at least 18 years of age.

Benefits

Full-time employees receive a $1,000 sign-on bonus, 21 days of paid time off plus 10 paid holidays, paid training, tuition reimbursement, benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, STD, LTD, critical illness and accident insurance, 401K with a 3.5% company contribution after one year, and more.