Direct Support Professional

Job Summary
We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Direct Support Professional to provide essential support to individuals with diverse needs, including those with autism and dementia. The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for our clients by assisting them in daily activities, promoting independence, and ensuring their overall well-being. This position requires a patient and caring individual who is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Responsibilities

• Assisting and teaching individuals with daily living skills and daily personal care routines: (e.g., health, grooming, eating) and personal management needs (e.g., human development, human sexuality) by teaching skills, providing supports, and building on individual strengths and capabilities.
• Assisting with household management (e.g., meal preparation, laundry, cleaning, decorating) and maximizing people’s skills, abilities and independence.
• Dealing with challenging behaviors that the people you support may demonstrate; striving to understand the difference between “behaviors” and mental health issues.
• Making sure incidents of abuse, neglect and exploitation that you observe, or have knowledge of, are reported to OIG within 4 hours.
• Immediately reporting ethical violations you witness, or have knowledge of, to supervisors.
• Promoting a partnership between yourself and the people you support by consulting with him/her and involving him/her in the support process; talking about what things they enjoy doing in the community and what they like to do for fun. Joining in with them in those fun activities if possible.
• Providing opportunities for people to be self-advocates by encouraging and assisting them to speak on their own behalf about living arrangements, work, and social relationships.
• Recognizing the importance of friends, family and community relationships to the people you support.
• Maintaining a collaborative professional relationship with the person supported and all support team members (including family/friends).
• Following ethical standards of practice (e.g., confidentiality, informed consent, etc.)
• Being aware of cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues that could affect your daily practices and interactions with the people you support.
• Knowing the requirements for documentation in your organization and managing these requirements efficiently.
• Following HIPAA laws and requirements.

Requirements

• Must be age 16 or older.
• Must be able to speak and understand English and a language understood by a large percentage of persons served by the Provider.
• Must prove prior employment and residence for two years prior to employment.
• Must have completed eight years of grade school or provide proof of ability to read at an 8th grade level. Please see the Required Documentation for All Levels of Education and Foreign Education
• Must complete Required Registry Clearances & Criminal Fingerprint Background Checks.
• Must successfully complete an approved DSP training program within 120 calendar days of hire or being assigned DSP responsibilities. A DSP training program cannot be completed in less than 21 calendar days from when it starts.
• Must report DSP training to the Health Care Worker Registry within 30 days of completing an approved DSP training program and designated as a "DD Aide" on the Health Care Worker Registry. See Health Care Worker Registry Instruction Manual. Important: At least one fully-trained DSP must be on a program site any time one or more persons are receiving services. A fully-trained DSP is a person identified on the Health Care Worker Registry (HCWR) as a DD Aide.
• Must be certified in First Aid and CPR through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association or hold current certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). First Aid and CPR certifications may be earned during DSP training.

Join us in making a difference in the lives of those we serve by providing compassionate support as a Direct Support Professional. Your dedication can help foster independence and enhance the quality of life for our clients.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $19.50 - $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Night shift
• Overnight shift

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)
• Night Shift (Required)
• Overnight Shift (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Chicago, IL 60620 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $20