Direct Support Professional - Community Day Services (CDS)

ASSOCIATION FOR INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT•Aurora, IL

2d•$20 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Community Day Services (CDS) works directly with people who have identified specialized medical or behavioral support needs. Under the direction of the DSP–CDS Instructor and/or Program Manager, the DSP provides meaningful activities, training, and classes, and implements supports, care, and goals identified in each person’s Implementation Strategy or Individual Plan and Behavior Support Strategies. The role may involve supporting clients with serious behavioral needs, including physical or verbal aggression, self-injury, property destruction, or elopement. The DSP supports clients in line with AID’s mission and the needs of the person, program, and agency. The position maintains service documentation, contributes to the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), and may be responsible for assigned subcontract work. CDS services are provided to people from diverse backgrounds, with an emphasis on embracing individual differences and promoting positive interactions with peers and community members. The schedule is 40 hours, with 65% of time at Keeler and 35% at Winterberry. The role includes engaging clients in meaningful activities in program and community settings; providing supervision, personal care, and medical or dietary supports; implementing individual goals and behavior strategies; maintaining a safe environment and responding to emergencies; completing accurate and timely records; and participating in team activities and meetings. Duties may also include transporting clients, supporting medical or therapy appointments, administering medication when authorized, and accepting reassignment or cross-training to meet program needs. The position requires a high school diploma or GED, a valid and unexpired Illinois driver’s license with a good driving record, and the ability to meet the listed physical demands. The employee must complete required DSP training within 120 days of hire unless already qualified, and complete and maintain required certifications and trainings, including CPR/first aid and CPI. The role is full-time, day shift, based at the Keeler Center in Aurora, Illinois.

Requirements

High school graduate or GED; transcript required.
Minimum age of 18 years.
Valid, unexpired Illinois driver’s license and a good driving record under AID’s driver eligibility requirements.
Maintain minimum liability insurance as defined by AID personnel policy.
Ability to complete DHS-approved Direct Support Person training within 120 days of hire, or have completed the training and appear on the Health Care Worker Registry.
Ability to complete and maintain required trainings and certifications, including CPR/first aid, CPI, Positive Behavior Support, AID’s Health Curriculum, and other program-assigned training.
Ability to complete job requirements with minimal supervision and provide crisis intervention when needed.
Ability to work as part of a team supporting individuals with complex needs and attend required in-service trainings or staff meetings.
Effective written and oral communication skills and proficient computer skills.
Good interpersonal skills and professional interactions with coworkers and supervisory staff.
Ability to complete Medication Administration training and prerequisites.
Ability to walk and stand significantly each day, with occasional short periods of running; push, pull, reach, stoop, and bend; and lift or move up to 50 pounds, without physical or medical restrictions.
Ability, without physical or medical restrictions, to assist individuals with physical needs and personal care, including two-person lifts or transfers, and to intervene physically using applied CPI techniques and/or restraints after training.
Ability to use a PC, printer, household appliances, phone and voicemail, office equipment, adaptive equipment, and walkie-talkie or intercom systems as assigned.
Ability to use computer-based software such as Microsoft Office, PayCom, or Relias as required.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of experience working with people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities is preferred.
Experience working with people who require specialized behavioral and/or medical supports is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide enhanced support and supervision as specified in clients’ Implementation Strategies or Individual Plans and Behavior Support Strategies.
Engage, teach, and involve clients in daily meaningful activities in varied settings, including community activities, outings, volunteering, and applicable swim or outdoor programs.
Participate in program activities alongside clients and facilitate activities as directed.
Maintain a safe environment and respond appropriately to emergencies, including behavioral incidents.
Assist clients with personal care and implement training that helps them complete personal care tasks independently when assigned.
Understand and implement clients’ objectives, support needs, personal goals, medical needs, dietary needs, and Behavior Support Strategies.
Complete and submit required documentation accurately and on time, including data sheets, incident reports, attendance sheets, and other records.
Compute daily attendance counts and enter information into the payroll system when assigned.
Participate as an active member of the Interdisciplinary Team by providing relevant input, feedback, and recommendations.
Work cooperatively and respectfully with coworkers, supervisors, families, community groups, volunteers, and other program staff.
Complete and maintain required training and certifications, including DSP training, CPR/first aid, CPI, annual OIG Rule 50 training, and other assigned annual training.
Follow the AID Code of Ethics and all program policies and procedures.
Transport clients in personal or agency vehicles, including vans, for community outings, routine transportation, and medical or therapy appointments as assigned.
Complete or maintain Medication Administration training and authorization when required at the regular base location.
Accept reassignment to another AID location or clients, and cross-training, as required by program needs or program closure.
Complete other job-related duties assigned by supervisory personnel.