Direct Care Professional

PossAbility, LLC•Lawrenceville, IL

2d•$18 - $20

About The Position

PossAbility, LLC is seeking a Direct Care Professional to provide person-centered support to people with diverse abilities and disabilities in Illinois. The role helps individuals live independently and maintain a good quality of life through assistance with daily activities, emotional support, advocacy, community access, and health and wellness needs. Support must preserve each client’s dignity, safety, inclusion, and independence. The professional assists with personal care and other daily living activities; supports mobility and safe transfers; helps clients access appointments, employment opportunities, and social activities; and assists with medication routines, meals, housekeeping, and laundry. The role also requires compliant documentation, confidentiality, mandated reporting, communication with supervisors and natural supports, participation in the treatment team, and ongoing training.

Requirements

At least 1 year of direct care experience.
At least 1 year of experience working with individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
At least 1 year of in-home care experience.
Basic knowledge of personal care, household management including housekeeping, laundry, and financial support, and meal preparation including special diets and nutritional values.
High school diploma or GED.
Active Direct Support Professional (DSP) status and inclusion in the HCWR, with completion of an approved DSP training program.
Current CPR and First Aid certificate.
At least 18 years old.
Valid driver’s license and current auto insurance.
Ability to pass required registry clearances and criminal background checks.
Strong verbal communication, active listening, interpersonal, multitasking, critical-thinking, reading-comprehension, teamwork, person-centered, and problem-solving skills; compassionate approach to service and ability to use validation.

Responsibilities

Provide hands-on assistance with dressing, bathing, grooming, toileting, and applicable activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living while maintaining client dignity.
Facilitate community involvement, social inclusion, independence, and community safety; assist with social skills, appointments, outings, job hunting, and employment support.
Support health and wellness by helping clients take medications on time, preparing meals according to dietary restrictions and preferences, and maintaining a clean and safe living environment through housekeeping and laundry.
Assist with transfers using gait belts, mechanical lifts, and safe body mechanics; provide standby assistance and support the use of mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walkers to help prevent falls and injuries.
Follow PossAbility policies, applicable Illinois and federal regulations, the Illinois Administrative Code, and CMS rules and regulations.
Protect client privacy and the security of protected health information in accordance with HIPAA.
Record services, health status, behaviors, unusual events, observations about client functioning, and progress toward goals accurately and in a timely manner.
Immediately report changes in condition and incidents to a supervisor and, when applicable, a guardian; document them according to agency policy.
As a mandated reporter, immediately report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation to appropriate state agencies and internal supervisors as required by law.
Keep personal documentation, contact information, and professional certifications current for personnel-file compliance.
Participate as an inclusive member of the treatment team and communicate evolving client needs and goals, care changes, and concerns to supervisors and the Director.
Maintain clear, proactive communication with supervisors, colleagues, clients, and natural supports such as family members and guardians.
Perform reasonable additional tasks as assigned to support client care, agency compliance, or professional education.
Participate in ongoing training, workshops, and staff meetings, and observe and document changes in client functioning to help improve support strategies.