Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Envision Unlimited•Worth, IL

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) assists individuals with disabilities in achieving and maintaining their maximum level of functioning in independent community living. The position provides direct, hands-on support in a residential Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) setting, including help with personal hygiene, grooming, medication management, transportation, meal preparation, and other daily living tasks. Support may involve individuals with behavioral or medical needs and responding to emergencies using Agency-approved crisis prevention, de-escalation, physical intervention, First Aid, and CPR procedures. The role can include physically demanding tasks such as lifting, transferring, and light housekeeping. Residents may sometimes display hostile or verbally aggressive behavior; DSPs are expected to remain calm and professional, maintain appropriate boundaries, and follow applicable agency procedures and behavior plans. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The position has no supervisory responsibilities. Employees are expected to respect individual differences, refrain from discrimination and harassment, and help maintain a welcoming and supportive workplace.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED; proof required.
Must be able to pass a criminal background check.
Valid driver's license required.
Complete CPR and First Aid certification by the assigned date and renew before expiration.
Complete Safety Care training by the first day of employment and renew annually within 365 days of the prior completion.
Complete OIG-Abuse/Neglect training by the first day of employment and renew annually.
Become an Authorized Direct Support Professional (ADSP) within 150 days of hire.
Complete the OJT Packet within 120 days of hire if DSP certification is needed because the employee was not on the HCWR at hire.
Register on the Healthcare Workforce Registry (HCWR) portal as a DD Aide within 120 days of hire.
Complete Defensive Driving Training via Mineral within one week of hire.
Complete Rule 50/Abuse and Neglect and Program Personnel Compliance trainings no later than the first day of work.
Complete DSP Training Courses via Infinitec (40-hour training) within two weeks of receipt, if applicable.
Complete annual trainings and policy reviews as specified by the employer.
Remain calm and professional, maintain appropriate boundaries, and follow agency-approved de-escalation, crisis prevention, behavior plan, and safety procedures when responding to challenging behavior.
Be able to perform the role's essential functions, which may include lifting, transferring, standing, walking, sitting, seeing, hearing, clear speech, and dexterity and use of hands and fingers.

Nice To Haves

Direct Support Professional experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Monitor and assist residents with personal grooming and appearance as needed.
Transport and accompany residents to appointments and other services, including day program sites, as needed.
Supervise and assist residents with taking medication in accordance with program guidelines.
Help residents prepare daily schedules that include household chores, social activities, meetings, and appointments.
Perform cleaning and housekeeping, including vacuuming, dusting, sweeping, and mopping.
Monitor and assist residents with daily bedroom maintenance.
Respond to medical and behavioral emergencies according to applicable health and safety, aggression management, First Aid, CPR, and other procedures.
Plan menus and assist with meal preparation as required.
Perform other essential responsibilities as needed to meet program requirements.

Benefits

Blue Cross/Blue Shield medical coverage, with HMO and PPO options.
Dental and vision insurance options.
Company-paid life and long-term disability insurance.
Voluntary plans, including pet insurance, AD&D, life, critical illness, and short-term disability.
11 paid holidays.
Paid vacation, sick time, and personal days.
403(b) plan.
In-house training and CEUs.
Employee Assistance Network.
Financial and time-off support for pursuing clinical licensure.
Opportunity for career growth and development.