Training Counselor/DSP

Ada Brand•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Direct Support Person (DSP) provides direct services to adults residing at Ada S. McKinley Community Day Services. The role supports individuals with daily living skills, personal tasks, and programming, and documents progress toward formal and informal goals in each person’s individual service plan (ISP). Support includes technology, financial and reading skills, and community integration. The DSP implements individualized training programs and helps create a secure, positive environment that supports each person’s needs, self-expression, independence, and goals. The position also sets up work and training situations, helps adapt methods to individual needs, and supports participation and productivity in community and work-related activities. The DSP maintains attendance, production, training, chronological, and progress records for assigned individuals. This is a full-time role, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., paying $20.46 per hour. The position reports to the Lead QIDP and does not supervise other positions.

Requirements

High school diploma or general education equivalent.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Six months of DSP, CNA, caregiver, or similar experience, with an interest in working with disabled individuals.
Demonstrated cultural sensitivity to the client population served.
Ability to partner with clients individually and/or with families to help mobilize resources and build resilience.
Ability to coordinate effectively with team members, Agency resources, and outside services to address client needs.
Understanding of evidence-informed practices, engagement strategies, boundary setting, concurrent documentation, community-based work, organizing, motivational interviewing, and family systems.
Ability to perform CPR and CPI.
Corrected vision and hearing within normal range and ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Responsibilities

Implement training programs to increase individuals’ independence and develop personal care, fine and gross motor, communication, community orientation, perceptual and cognitive, and social skills.
Establish a secure, positive environment that nurtures the needs, self-expression, and goals of individuals served.
Set up jobs and training situations.
Assist in determining simplified work and training methods that meet individual needs.
Facilitate individuals’ inclusion in community experiences and activities.
Help individuals increase productivity, meet quality control standards, and develop appropriate work behaviors in pursuit of rehabilitation and habilitation goals.
Support individuals with daily living skills, including technology, financial, and reading skills.
Implement and document progress toward formal and informal goals and objectives in each individual’s ISP.
Maintain accurate attendance, production, training, chronological, and progress reports for assigned individuals.