PT/FT DSP (Community Options/Supported Living)

Community Options Direct Support Professional (DSP) – candidate must have an open schedule with flexible hours that can include 1st or 2nd shifts, weekends, and days ranging from 4 hours to 6 days per week.

About the role

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides high-quality, person-centered support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in Host Home, Supported Living, or Apartment settings. This position offers relief hours to ensure continuity of care while the primary provider or guardian is away, including staying in the residence and supporting individuals on vacations. The DSP promotes independence, dignity, and inclusion by assisting with daily living activities, fostering community involvement, and supporting each person’s goals and preferences in a safe, respectful, and inclusive manner.

All services are delivered in compliance with Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) regulations, including Rule 115 (CILA Program), Rule 116 (Medication Administration), and applicable DSP training requirements, as well as agency policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Support and educate individuals based on the agency’s mission, vision, values, and strategic plan.
• Manage responsibilities using individual choice and agency policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Maintain professional courtesy and ethical practices with individuals served, staff, guardians, families, and outside contacts.
• Assist individuals in maintaining their home, reporting needed repairs or modifications.
• Adapt teaching and interacting styles to meet individual needs.
• Assist with personal needs such as transferring, toileting, eating, and grooming when necessary.
• Deliver services and supports as outlined in each individual’s Person-Centered Plan, reflecting personal preferences.
• Advocate for individuals through knowledge of personal preferences, protection from abuse and neglect, and support for personal relationships.
• Respect and uphold the basic civil, human, and legal rights of all individuals.
• Support individuals in striving toward independence in accordance with goals in the Personal Plan and Individualized Service Plan.
• Complete EP!C DSP training, maintain current CPR, First Aid, Infection Control, and Medication Authorization certifications.
• Complete annual training refreshers based on EP!C policy and state regulations.
• Attend in-service training, community outings, Community Options meetings, and individual Discovery Meetings as designated by the Supportive Living Manager.
• Obtain and maintain “authorized status” for medication administration as designated by the RN.
• Perform all safety and emergency procedures in a calm, accurate, and professional manner.
• Communicate regularly with supervisors, QIDP, nursing, and other team members regarding progress, health, safety, and other issues.
• Follow and implement all agency policies, departmental protocols, and procedures.
• Provide required documentation regarding program delivery, medication administration, financial records, and other requested documentation.
• Complete a minimum of 35 billable hours per week (full-time) or 15 billable hours per week (part-time).
• Supervise individuals in community and at home throughout assigned shifts.
• Report allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation as a mandated reporter, per EP!C policy and government regulation.
• Provide transportation to individuals using an EP!C vehicle or personal vehicle as required.
• Act as a positive role model for individuals at all times.
• Provide natural learning opportunities to teach independent living skills in accordance with the principles of normalization.
• Involve individuals in a variety of in-home and community leisure activities based on age-appropriateness and normalization principles.
• Maintain documentation on client programs and goals, including progress notes, medication sheets, financial records, and other required forms.
• Maintain accurate financial records, including receipts of bank transactions and expenditures.
• Report concerns about the home environment to ensure safety, cleanliness, and order.
• Interact professionally with individuals, EP!C staff, monitoring agencies, parents, home members, and other professionals.
• Facilitate interdepartmental communication on an ongoing basis.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum of 18 years of age.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable, insured vehicle.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Previous experience working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Personal liability insurance.
• Access to a telephone.
• Ability to perform CPR/First Aid and lift 50 lbs.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.

Qualifications

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Mobility to perform duties in various environments, including bending, kneeling, standing, and repeated lifting.
• Ability to assist in the evacuation of residents in emergencies.
• Emotional stability to handle stressful situations, illness, death, and dying.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Knowledge of Person-Centered Planning principles and the Council of Quality Leadership (CQL).
• Ability to operate general office equipment, including multi-line phones, fax machines, printers, copiers, and computers.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as necessary.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent walking and sitting.
• Regular reaching, grasping, and standing.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Other physical activities related to an office or home environment.