Direct Support Professionals - Community Day Services (CDS)

The Association for Individual Development (AID) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower people with physical, developmental, intellectual, mental health challenges; those who have suffered a trauma; and those at risk, to enjoy lives of dignity and purpose. We are looking for a Part-time Direct Support Professional in Community Day Services who demonstrates this mission and wants to work for an organization that makes a difference in the community.

About the role

The DSP – Community Day Services (CDS) is assigned to work directly with someone who has an identified, specialized medical support need or behavior support need. The DSP – CDS provides meaningful activities, training, and classes under the direction of the DSP – CDS Instructor and/or Program Manager. Responsibilities include utilizing the person’s Implementation Strategy or Individual Plan and Behavior Support Strategies to implement supports, care, and goals. The role involves supporting clients with maladaptive behaviors, which may include physical aggression, verbal aggression, self-injurious behavior, property destruction, and/or elopement.

The DSP – CDS supports people in conformance with the agency’s mission, maintains documentation and records, and functions as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team. The role also includes providing input to the IDT as needed and ensuring the accuracy and quality of assigned sub-contract work. The Community Day Service program serves people from diverse backgrounds and promotes a positive attitude with peers and community members.

Responsibilities

• Provide enhanced support and supervision as defined in the client’s Implementation Strategies or Individual Plan and Behavior Support Strategies.
• Actively engage, teach, and involve clients in daily, meaningful activities in a variety of settings, including in the community.
• Participate in all program activities alongside clients, including volunteering, outdoor activities, swimming (where applicable), and community outings.
• Compute daily attendance counts and accurately document to enter into the payroll system as assigned.
• Maintain a safe environment for self and clients, and react appropriately to emergency situations whether at the base location or elsewhere.
• Assist clients with personal care tasks and implement training programs for individuals to learn to complete personal care tasks independently.
• Demonstrate good verbal and written communication skills to provide appropriate instruction to clients and ensure accurate documentation.
• Understand and implement objectives, support needs, and personal goals from Implementation Strategies or Individual Plans for clients.
• Facilitate programming or activities as directed, including client swim programs, outdoors, and outside of base location.
• Complete and submit all required documentation in a timely manner, including data sheets, incident reports, and attendance sheets.
• Remain informed of assigned clients' medical and dietary support needs and provide those supports daily and consistently.
• Understand and implement Behavior Support Strategies as assigned, and respond to emergency behavioral incidents should they occur.
• Participate as an active member of the interdisciplinary team, providing input and recommendations to meet the client’s needs effectively.
• Work cooperatively and respectfully with others.

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Benefits

• 21 Days of Paid Time Off plus 10 Paid Holidays (for full-time employees).
• 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.

Requirements

• High School graduate/GED transcript required.
• Minimum of one (1) year experience working with people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities preferred.
• Experience working with people requiring specialized behavioral and/or medical supports preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum age requirement is 18 years old.
• Valid, unexpired, Illinois driver’s license and good driving record as defined by AID’s driver eligibility requirements.
• Minimum liability insurance as defined by AID’s personnel policy.
• Ability to utilize computer-based software like Microsoft Office suite and/or apps like PayCom or Relias, as required.
• Ability to transport clients in agency and/or personal vehicle as assigned.
• Complete DHS-approved Direct Support Person (DSP) training within 120 days of hire OR have already completed DSP training and appear on the Health Care Worker Registry.
• Complete and maintain assigned trainings and certifications as required by program location, including CPR/FA, CPI, Positive Behavior Support, AID’s Health Curriculum, and others as assigned.
• Ability to complete job requirements with minimal supervision.
• Ability to provide crisis intervention when needed and work as part of a team to support individuals with complex needs.
• Attend in-service trainings or staff meetings as required.
• Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrate proficient computer skills.
• Good interpersonal skills and maintain professional interaction with co-workers and supervisory staff.

Skills

• Significant walking and standing daily, with occasional running for short periods of time.
• Ability to push, pull, reach, stoop, and bend.
• Ability to lift or move up to 50 lbs, with no physical or medical restrictions.
• Ability to assist individuals with their physical needs and personal care, including a two-person lift or transfer, with no physical or medical restrictions.
• Ability to intervene physically using applied CPI techniques and/or restraints after training, with no physical or medical restrictions.
• Competency in using a PC computer and printer, household appliances (e.g., stove, microwave, washer/dryer, vacuum), phone and voicemail systems, and office equipment (e.g., copy machines, calculators, shredder, fax machine).
• Ability to use adaptive equipment as assigned, such as Hoyer lift, iPad, communication devices, scales, or other assistive devices.
• Ability to use a walkie talkie or intercom system when assigned.