Direct Support Professional

Trinity Services Inc.•Crest Hill, IL

22d•$22 - $22

About The Position

The Independent Living Coach (ILC) supports adults with intellectual disabilities and/or mental illness who receive services from Trinity Services, Inc. The ILC provides guidance, encouragement, and assistance in individuals’ homes and community settings to help them develop skills, achieve personal goals, and build independence and self-confidence. The role includes assistance with personal care, household tasks, health monitoring, and other healthcare needs, as well as coaching individuals in daily activities, life skills, and community participation. No prior experience in the field is required; Trinity Services provides training and ongoing support. The position involves building supportive relationships; promoting learning, dignity, respect, and personal growth; supporting person-centered goals and individual choices; assisting with routines, meals, household upkeep, transportation, and appointments; following individual plans and instructions; communicating with support teams and stakeholders; and accurately documenting services and medication administration. Employees receive paid training, and may need additional training depending on their position or work location.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED from a recognized institution.
Valid driver’s license and a motor vehicle record meeting agency requirements for traffic violations.
Successful completion of the STOFLA reading literacy assessment before the first day of employment.
Ability to complete required training and maintain active CPR, First Aid, and Safety Care certifications, as well as Medication Administration Authorization.
Ability to meet the position’s physical requirements, which may include lifting more than 40 pounds from floor to waist without assistance, pushing and pulling up to 75 pounds, performing deep knee squats, and pushing wheelchairs weighing up to 200 pounds.
Ability to stand or sit for extended periods, operate motor vehicles, use computers and other equipment, and perform physical activities including balancing, climbing, grasping, stooping, crouching, crawling, kneeling, reaching, lifting, and repetitive motions.

Responsibilities

Build meaningful, supportive relationships with individuals receiving services.
Promote learning, respect, dignity, and personal growth.
Support outcomes identified in individuals’ person-centered plans and offer choices that promote independence and self-determination.
Help individuals plan and participate in meaningful activities, remaining engaged throughout assigned shifts.
Respect and advocate for individuals’ needs, preferences, rights, health, safety, and well-being.
Arrive on time and work scheduled shifts.
Provide direct care, guidance, and coaching to support daily routines.
Assist with meal planning and preparation, dietary requirements, cooking skills, shopping within a budget, and following established menus.
Maintain safe, clean, and healthy environments, including cleaning, laundry, disinfecting, and cleaning adaptive equipment as needed.
Drive agency vehicles and accompany individuals to appointments, activities, shopping, work, visits, programs, and other destinations.
Follow Implementation Strategies, Behavior Support Plans, physician orders, and other applicable documentation.
Perform additional duties assigned by supervisors and leadership staff.
Collaborate with the support team to establish realistic, achievable goals.
Promptly report medical or behavioral changes to the nurse, Team Leader, or Program Coordinator.
Communicate with the support team, family members, friends, guardians, physicians, and external stakeholders.
Report facility or environmental safety concerns to the Team Leader or Program Coordinator in a timely manner.
Collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders and pursue continuous learning and professional growth.
Accurately document activities, services, and supports provided.
Administer and document medications according to required training, authorization, and procedures.
Complete required training and maintain active CPR, First Aid, and Safety Care certifications and Medication Administration Authorization.