Direct Support Professionals - Community Day Services (CDS)

ASSOCIATION FOR INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT • Elgin, IL

2d • $20 - $20 • Onsite

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional – Community Day Services (CDS) works directly with people who have specialized medical or behavioral support needs. Under the direction of the DSP–CDS Instructor and/or Program Manager, the position provides meaningful activities, training, and classes and implements the supports and goals in each person’s Implementation Strategy or Individual Plan and Behavior Support Strategies. This includes supporting individuals with maladaptive behaviors, which may include physical or verbal aggression, self-injury, property destruction, or elopement.

The role supports people in accordance with the agency’s mission and the needs of the individual, program, and agency. The DSP maintains documentation and records, contributes to the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), and may be responsible for assigned subcontract work. Community Day Services supports people from diverse backgrounds and promotes a positive attitude among peers and community members.

The listed schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The job details identify the position as full-time, although the description also refers to it as part-time.

Requirements

• High school graduate or GED; transcript required.
• Minimum age of 18.
• Valid, unexpired Illinois driver’s license and a good driving record as defined by AID’s driver eligibility requirements.
• Minimum liability insurance as defined by AID’s personnel policy.
• Ability to use computer-based software such as Microsoft Office, PayCom, or Relias as required.
• 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.
• Complete and maintain trainings and certifications required by the program location, which may include CPR/FA, CPI, Positive Behavior Support, and AID’s Health Curriculum.
• 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, proficient computer skills, and good interpersonal skills.
• Maintain professional interactions with coworkers and supervisory staff.
• Significant daily walking and standing, with occasional short periods of running.
• Ability to push, pull, reach, stoop, and bend.
• Ability to lift or move up to 50 pounds, with no physical or medical restrictions.
• Ability to assist individuals with physical needs and personal care, including two-person lifts or transfers, with no physical or medical restrictions.
• Ability, after training, to intervene physically using applied CPI techniques and/or restraints, with no physical or medical restrictions.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Provide enhanced support and supervision as specified in assigned clients’ Implementation Strategies or Individual Plans and Behavior Support Strategies.
• Engage, teach, and involve clients in meaningful daily activities in a variety of settings, including the community.
• Participate in program activities with clients, including volunteering, outdoor activities, swimming where applicable, and community outings.
• Calculate daily attendance counts and document them for payroll entry when assigned.
• Maintain a safe environment and respond appropriately to emergencies at the base location or elsewhere.
• Assist clients with personal care and implement training programs that help them complete personal care tasks independently.
• Communicate instructions to clients and maintain accurate documentation.
• Understand and implement assigned client objectives, support needs, and personal goals.
• Facilitate programming and activities as directed, including swimming, outdoor activities, and activities outside the base location.
• Complete and submit required documentation promptly, including data sheets, incident reports, and attendance sheets.
• Stay informed about assigned clients’ medical and dietary needs and provide the required supports consistently.
• Implement assigned Behavior Support Strategies and respond to behavioral emergencies.
• Participate actively in the interdisciplinary team and provide input, feedback, and recommendations to help meet client needs.
• Work cooperatively and respectfully with others.
• Ensure the accuracy and quality of assigned subcontract work, if applicable.

Benefits

• 21 days of paid time off and 10 paid holidays.
• Paid training.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, short-term disability, long-term disability, critical illness, and accident insurance.
• 401(k) with a 3.5% company contribution after one year.

What This Job Offers

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