Direct Support Professional - Community Day Services (CDS)

ASSOCIATION FOR INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT • Yorkville, IL

3d • $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 CDS Instructor and/or Program Manager, the role provides meaningful activities, training, and classes, and implements supports and objectives in each person’s Implementation Strategy or Individual Plan and Behavior Support Strategies. The position may involve supporting people 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 their individual needs, maintains service documentation and records, and contributes to the interdisciplinary team. The role includes activities at the program site and in the community, personal care and medical or dietary supports, transportation, and responding appropriately to emergencies. The position is based at Bridge St CDS in Yorkville, Illinois, and is on-site. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; transcript required.
• At least 18 years old.
• Valid, unexpired Illinois driver’s license and a driving record meeting AID eligibility requirements.
• Minimum liability insurance as defined by AID’s personnel policy.
• 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 assigned by the program, including CPR/FA, CPI, Positive Behavior Support, and AID’s Health Curriculum.
• Complete Medication Administration training and prerequisites.
• Ability to complete job requirements with minimal supervision and provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Ability to work as part of a team supporting individuals with complex needs.
• Attend required in-service trainings and 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 use computer-based software such as Microsoft Office, PayCom, or Relias as required.
• Ability to push, pull, reach, stoop, and bend; walk and stand significantly each day; and occasionally run for short periods.
• Ability to lift or move up to 50 pounds without physical or medical restrictions.
• Ability to assist individuals with physical needs and personal care, including two-person lifts or transfers, without physical or medical restrictions.
• Ability to physically intervene using applied CPI techniques and/or restraints after training, without physical or medical restrictions.
• Ability to transport clients in agency or personal vehicles as assigned.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Provide enhanced support and supervision according to assigned client Implementation Strategies or Individual Plans and Behavior Support Strategies.
• Engage, teach, and involve clients in meaningful daily activities in varied settings, including community activities and outings.
• Participate in program activities with clients, including volunteering, outdoor activities, and swimming where applicable.
• Calculate daily attendance counts and document them for payroll entry when assigned.
• Maintain a safe environment and respond appropriately to emergencies.
• Assist clients with personal care and implement training that helps them perform personal care tasks independently.
• Communicate effectively with clients and maintain accurate service documentation.
• Understand and implement clients’ objectives, support needs, and personal goals.
• Facilitate activities and programming as directed, including swimming and activities outside the base location.
• Complete and submit required data sheets, incident reports, attendance sheets, and other documentation on time.
• Stay informed about clients’ medical and dietary support needs and provide required supports consistently.
• Implement assigned Behavior Support Strategies and respond to behavioral emergencies.
• Participate in the interdisciplinary team and provide input, feedback, and recommendations about client needs.
• Work cooperatively and respectfully with others.
• Complete required trainings, including DSP training, CPR/FA, CPI, annual OIG Rule 50 training, and other assigned annual trainings.
• Follow AID’s Code of Ethics, policies, and procedures.
• Transport clients in personal or agency vehicles as needed, including in large vans, and provide transportation to and from the CDS location or community activities.
• Provide culturally competent and sensitive services and interactions with clients and families.
• Provide support or transportation for medical and therapy appointments during CDS hours when requested by management.
• Collaborate with community groups, volunteer contacts, and staff from other programs.
• Complete or maintain Medication Administration training and authorization if required at the assigned location.
• Accept reassignment to another AID location or clients and cross-training when required by program needs or closure.
• Complete other job-related tasks assigned by supervisory personnel.

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