Residential Support Specialist / DSP

About the Role

This position supports the agency’s mission, vision, values, and strategic plan by providing person-centered supports and services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in a small (3-4 person) group home setting for people with higher behavioral support needs. The role promotes independence, community integration, health, and safety while ensuring compliance with all applicable Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Developmental Disabilities regulations, agency policies, and accreditation standards.

The Residential Support Specialist plays a critical role in maintaining a safe, therapeutic, and person-centered environment while implementing behavior support plans. Approximately 40% of staff time is dedicated to behavioral programming, staff coaching and training, clinical coordination as part of a multidisciplinary team, assuring meaningful activities, promoting best outcomes, and electronic health records documentation.

Responsibilities

• Provide person-centered supports and services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
• Promote independence, community integration, health, and safety.
• Implement behavior support plans in a therapeutic environment.
• Dedicate time to behavioral programming, staff coaching, training, and clinical coordination.
• Ensure compliance with DHS regulations, agency policies, and accreditation standards.
• Assist in the evacuation of residents during emergencies.
• Perform physical activities related to an office environment, including operating office equipment.
• Maintain electronic health records documentation.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Successfully complete and maintain CPR, First Aid, Infection Control, and Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training.
• Complete DSP training in accordance with state regulations and maintain acceptable status on the Health Care Worker’s Registry.
• Obtain and maintain standing as an Authorized Direct Support Person for medication administration.
• Possess a valid driver’s license, automobile insurance, and access to an automobile.
• Have access to a telephone.
• Pass a criminal background check.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.

Qualifications

• Ability to multi-task and manage time effectively.
• Professional interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).
• Strong ethical conduct and business acumen.
• Emotional stability to handle stressful situations regularly.
• Working knowledge of Person-Centered Planning and the Council of Quality Leadership (CQL).
• Ability to perform and maintain certification in CPR, First Aid, CPI, Diet and Nutrition, and Medication authorization.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent walking, sitting, reaching, grasping, and standing.
• Ability to assist in the evacuation of residents in emergencies.
• Operate general office equipment, including multi-line phone, fax machine, printer, copier, and personal computer.