Direct Support Professional

Anixter Center•Chicago, IL

17h

About The Position

Anixter Center is a growing, community focused 501(c)(3) organization with a $17M budget, 22 locations, and 200 staff, located throughout Chicagoland. We have proudly supported hundreds of thousands of people in the area since 1919 and are dedicated to serving people with disabilities, behavioral health challenges, and who are Deaf/DeafBlind/Hard of Hearing. Provide direct support to clients in either residential setting or day programming to enhance quality of life, promote independence, and foster community access. Working hours are dependent upon program needs. Position may have rotating shifts that include weekdays, weekends, and overnights.

Requirements

Demonstrated proficiency in reading, writing, and comprehending English including the ability to pass a literacy test.
Ability to multi-task in a high stress environment.
Ability to interact with diverse personalities, including, but not limited to, clients, parents/guardians, staff, employers, funding representatives, etc.
Ability to participate in and meet all Department of Human Services and related training requirements.
Ability to perform all functions necessary to obtain agency required crisis intervention certification.
Ability to promote and adhere to agency values.
A commitment to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment
High school diploma or GED required.
DSP certified preferred; must be able to obtain DSP certification within six months of employment (provided by agency).
CPR/AED and First Aid certification; must be able to obtain certification within six months of employment (provided by agency).
Valid driver’s license required.
Must meet all requirements to drive agency vehicles.
Capable of navigating the use of public transportation system (CTA/RTA/Metra).

Nice To Haves

Associates or bachelor’s degree in related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Engage and assist clients with completing all daily living activities, including personal, medical, community, hygiene, financial, recreation and general safety.
Administer medications and document all related activities in accordance with related Medication Policies and Procedures.
Complete and/or assist all housekeeping tasks including cleaning bathrooms, kitchen, and client rooms; washing dishes/ doing laundry; dusting surfaces; cleaning refrigerator/stove, and all other duties assigned by manager(s) and director.
Report and document issues with clients regarding overall heath, medication, dental and mental health concerns to manager(s) and/or the agency nurse.
Implements dynamic, person-centered client programming across multiple domains, including but not limited to independent living skills, social/emotional development, communication, problem-solving, vocational development, and safety.
Assists in planning and directly implementing ongoing community-based activities for all clients, in accordance with individual client goals and preferences.
Ensures timely completion of all client paperwork.
Ensures adherence to all mandated reporter, OIG guidelines, and DHS guidelines.
Implements positive and proactive behavior management techniques and interventions as identified in clients’ behavior intervention plans.
Collaborates with co-workers (shift-to-shift) and/or manager(s) regarding clients’ needs and concerns daily.
Maintains a neat, orderly, and safe work environment.
Participates in all required on- and off-site training upon hire and as routinely required.
Maintains professional communication with co-workers and manager(s) as well as clients’ parents/guardians, employers, staff, and other stakeholders, as needed.
Maintain agency mandated crisis intervention and other related trainings deemed mandatory or relevant by Anixter Center.
Provide transportation in agency vehicle and attend client health care appointments, if necessary.
Be flexible and able to change tasks if needed, including working as day program staff, 1:1 staff, or house staff.
Performs all other duties as assigned.