Training Counselor/DSP

Ada S. McKinley Community Services, Inc•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 and objectives in each person’s individual service plan (ISP). Training may cover technology, financial and reading skills, personal care, motor and communication skills, community orientation, cognitive and social skills, and work-related abilities. The DSP promotes community integration and inclusion while fostering a secure, positive environment that supports each person’s needs, self-expression, independence, and goals. This is a full-time role, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with compensation of $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 individuals with disabilities.
Demonstrated cultural sensitivity to the client population served.
Ability to partner with clients individually and/or with families to 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.

Responsibilities

Implement training programs to increase individuals’ independence and 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 suited to the specific needs of individuals served.
Facilitate individuals’ inclusion in community experiences and activities.
Support individuals in increasing productivity, meeting quality-control standards, and developing appropriate work behaviors in pursuit of rehabilitation and habilitation goals.
Maintain accurate attendance, production, training, chronological, and progress reports for assigned individuals.
Assist individuals with daily living skills, personal tasks, and programming, including technology, financial, and reading skills.
Implement and document progress toward formal and informal goals and objectives in each person’s individual service plan.