Direct Support Professional 1

Community Link • Breese, IL

11d

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional 1 assists individuals in working toward and achieving outcomes that promote personal growth, community integration, economic potential, and meaningful experiences and interactions. The role supports participants in activities and according to their approved plans, while ensuring their safety and well-being. It also includes providing personal care and transportation, and helping participants communicate and advocate for their preferences. The position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as participant program plans and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and present information effectively in one-on-one and small-group settings.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic, including calculations involving money.
• Ability to follow written, oral, or diagrammed instructions and address problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Ability to develop effective communication skills through instruction and training, adapt to changing program needs, and demonstrate a genuine interest in participants’ welfare.
• Ability to develop basic knowledge of behavior principles through instruction and training.
• Basic computer-operation capability for participant data tracking, incident reporting, and other processes identified by supervisory staff.
• Ability to stay awake during the work shift and drive agency vehicles.
• Ability to assist participants as needed, including maneuvering wheelchairs and assisting with ambulation and transfers.
• Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including lifting up to 10 pounds continuously and occasionally lifting 11 to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Help participants develop and engage in interesting and meaningful activities.
• Provide supports identified in participants’ approved plans.
• Ensure participants’ safety and well-being during program activities.
• Provide personal care, including assistance with restroom use, hygiene, meals, and minor medical issues.
• Encourage and assist participants in communicating and advocating for their preferences.
• Drive participants to and from Community Day Services locations and the community, or provide monitoring oversight as needed.
• Follow agency policies, procedures, and guidelines.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED