Lead Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Envision Unlimited•Homer Glen, IL

1d•$25 - $25

About The Position

The Lead Direct Support Professional supports the goals and objectives of a Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) by providing direct services and administrative coordination for clients who reside there. The role helps ensure community living services meet or exceed client and agency expectations, coordinates service activities and client appointments, and monitors reports and supplies. It includes supporting clients’ safety, wellness, independence, daily living skills, schedules, medications, and household activities, as well as maintaining facility safety and cleanliness. The position also has administrative and coordination duties, including maintaining accurate and timely documentation, preparing reports, monitoring vehicles and supplies, assisting with staff schedules and coverage, and providing on-the-job orientation for new hires. The Lead DSP must follow agency and regulatory requirements and respond professionally to challenging behavior in accordance with approved de-escalation, crisis prevention, behavior plan, and safety procedures. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The role requires completion of designated training and certifications within stated timelines, including Safety Care, abuse and neglect training, medication-administration authorization, registry requirements where applicable, defensive driving, and other required annual trainings. The work environment may involve working alone or with others and verbal or face-to-face contact; noise is usually low to moderate.

Requirements

High school diploma; some college is preferred.
Several years of experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a residential setting.
Proof of Direct Service Professional (DSP) training and successful completion of the TABE test.
Valid Illinois driver’s license, which must be maintained.
Ability to distribute medications and meet the role’s medication-administration requirements.
Ability to pass agency background checks required by state regulations for workers serving clients with developmental disabilities.
Some proficiency using Microsoft Office or similar applications.
Ability to take on administrative work and accept responsibility for following agency guidelines and standard operating procedures.
Ability to handle multiple projects or work assignments simultaneously.
Effective communication with clients, coworkers, and supervisors.
Ability to maintain documentation standards for accuracy and timeliness.
Physical strength necessary to respond to situations that may require intervention during client behavioral episodes.
Ability to complete required training and certifications within specified timelines, including applicable CPR and First Aid, Safety Care, OIG-Abuse/Neglect, medication-administration, registry, defensive-driving, and annual training requirements.

Nice To Haves

Some college education.

Responsibilities

Coordinate client service activities and appointments to support timely execution.
Assist with coordinating client appointments, vehicle reports, facility supplies, daily reports, and on-the-job training for new hires.
Maintain accurate and timely CILA and agency documentation, including daily progress reports, Lead CLS shift reports, van logs, shift checklists, custodial accounts, and medication administration record (MAR) sheets.
Monitor daily menus and maintain adequate food and supply purchasing and inventory.
Monitor vehicle use, condition, fuel, and mileage; submit reports, including accident documentation, to the Program Director in a timely manner.
Handle weekly paycard requests, household allowances, and receipts.
Work with the Program Director to prepare work schedules and maintain adequate employee coverage at the CILA.
Attend client staffing meetings when possible and staff meetings as necessary.
Implement individual and group programs that promote clients’ growth, development, and independence.
Help residents prepare daily schedules, including household chores, social activities, meetings, and appointments.
Assist clients with managing allowances and completing affidavits and receipts.
Monitor residents’ wellness and safety, respond appropriately to emergencies, and enforce curfews as required.
Assist residents with medications according to program plan requirements and review facility medication administration records.
Train and support residents in daily living skills, including hygiene and grooming, housekeeping, laundry and clothing care, money management, budgeting, and recreational and leisure activities.
Conduct evacuation and emergency drills according to schedule.
Report known safety hazards and risks to the Program Director and recommend ways to reduce or prevent harm.
Secure doors and windows and maintain working knowledge of security alarms and facility safety requirements.
Monitor facility maintenance to help ensure a clean and healthy environment; perform cleaning and household duties, including vacuuming, dusting, sweeping, and mopping.
Assist with and monitor residents’ daily bedroom maintenance.
Shop for food in accordance with approved menus.
Complete required training and certifications within the specified timelines and maintain required renewals.
Remain calm and professional when responding to hostile or verbally aggressive behavior, maintaining appropriate boundaries and following agency-approved procedures.

Benefits

Blue Cross/Blue Shield medical coverage with HMO and PPO options.
Dental and vision insurance options.
Company-paid life and long-term disability insurance.
Voluntary insurance plans, including pet insurance, AD&D, life, critical illness, and short-term disability.
11 paid holidays.
Paid vacation, sick time, and personal days.
403(b) plan.
In-house training and CEUs.
Employee Assistance Network.
Financial and time-off support for pursuing clinical licensure.
Opportunity for career growth and development.