Direct Support Professional - Community Day Services

ASSOCIATION FOR INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT • Aurora, IL

1d • $20 - $20

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional – Community Day Services (DSP–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 role provides meaningful activities, training, and classes, and implements each person’s Implementation Strategy or Individual Plan and Behavior Support Strategies. The position includes supporting people with maladaptive behaviors, which may include physical or verbal aggression, self-injury, property destruction, or elopement. The DSP–CDS maintains service documentation and records, contributes to the Interdisciplinary Team, and provides services that respect diverse backgrounds and promote a positive attitude toward peers and community members.

The position is based at CDS STARS Aurora in Aurora, Illinois. It is full-time, with a Monday–Friday schedule from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The role involves activities at the program location and in the community, personal care support, and responding to emergencies and behavioral incidents. Employees must be able to meet the listed physical requirements, including lifting or moving up to 50 pounds and assisting with transfers.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 18 years old.
• Valid, unexpired Illinois driver’s license and a good driving record under AID’s driver eligibility requirements.
• Minimum liability insurance as defined by AID’s personnel policy.
• Ability to transport clients in an agency or personal vehicle when assigned.
• 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 assigned training and certifications required by the program location, including CPR/FA, CPI, Positive Behavior Supports, and AID’s Health Curriculum as applicable.
• Ability to complete job requirements with minimal supervision and work as part of a team supporting people with complex needs.
• Attend required in-service training.
• Effective written and oral communication skills and proficient computer skills.
• Good interpersonal skills and professional interactions with coworkers and supervisory staff.
• Pass the S-TOFHLA literacy test.
• Ability to walk and stand for significant periods daily, 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 to intervene physically using applied CPI techniques and/or restraints after training, 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 defined in assigned clients’ Implementation Strategies or Individual Plans and Behavior Support Strategies.
• Actively engage, teach, and involve clients in meaningful daily activities in varied settings, including the community.
• Participate in program activities alongside clients, including volunteering, outdoor activities, swimming where applicable, and community outings.
• Compute daily attendance counts and accurately document them for payroll-system entry when assigned.
• Maintain a safe environment and respond appropriately to emergency situations at the program location or elsewhere.
• Assist clients with personal care and implement training programs that help them learn to complete personal care tasks independently.
• Provide appropriate instruction to clients and maintain accurate written documentation.
• Understand and implement assigned client objectives, support needs, personal goals, and Behavior Support Strategies.
• 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 support needs and provide the required supports consistently.
• Respond to emergency behavioral incidents and provide crisis intervention when needed.
• Participate as an active member of the interdisciplinary team, contributing input, feedback, and recommendations about client needs.
• Work cooperatively and respectfully with others.
• Maintain the accuracy and quality of assigned subcontract work, if applicable.

Benefits

• 21 days of paid time off.
• 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