What are the responsibilities and job description for the Direct Support Professional (Chicago Heights) - Community Day Services position at Sertoma Star Services?
Direct Support Professional
Department: Community Day Services
Status: Full-time
Who We Are
At Sertoma Star Services, we're on a mission to empower individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and those living with mental illness to reach their goals and lead fulfilling lives. With a strategic presence in South Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, we proudly serve over 2,000 consumers through a diverse range of vocational, educational, therapeutic, and residential programs.
Sertoma Star Services’ roots trace back to the merger of two dynamic social services organizations, New Star and Sertoma Centre combining over 125 years of expertise in providing cutting-edge, person-first services. Our united commitment is straightforward: to transform lives through delivering comprehensive services, choices, and opportunities to those we support in an environment that promotes self-advocacy and personal success.
By joining the Sertoma Star Team you will have a unique opportunity to challenge limits and change lives. Together, we can shape a brighter future for those we serve.
Your Role
As a Direct Support Professional in Sertoma’s Community Day Services (CDS), you will provide individual and group training in a supportive environment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This includes the provision of 1:1 services to specific consumers, as needed. This role is essential to Sertoma’s mission of providing compassionate care and ensuring services are delivered in a person-centered manner. DSPs work Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm (with a paid lunch).
Responsibilities
Status: Full-time
Who We Are
At Sertoma Star Services, we're on a mission to empower individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and those living with mental illness to reach their goals and lead fulfilling lives. With a strategic presence in South Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, we proudly serve over 2,000 consumers through a diverse range of vocational, educational, therapeutic, and residential programs.
Sertoma Star Services’ roots trace back to the merger of two dynamic social services organizations, New Star and Sertoma Centre combining over 125 years of expertise in providing cutting-edge, person-first services. Our united commitment is straightforward: to transform lives through delivering comprehensive services, choices, and opportunities to those we support in an environment that promotes self-advocacy and personal success.
By joining the Sertoma Star Team you will have a unique opportunity to challenge limits and change lives. Together, we can shape a brighter future for those we serve.
Your Role
As a Direct Support Professional in Sertoma’s Community Day Services (CDS), you will provide individual and group training in a supportive environment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This includes the provision of 1:1 services to specific consumers, as needed. This role is essential to Sertoma’s mission of providing compassionate care and ensuring services are delivered in a person-centered manner. DSPs work Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm (with a paid lunch).
Responsibilities
- Develop a rapport with consumers and cultivate a safe and supportive relationship.
- Provide daily supervision and guidance for consumers during skill building activities.
- Develop and implement Personal Plan (PP) for consumers; assist consumers with goals and objectives as stated in their PP.
- Complete all needed documentation on a daily basis, including the implementation of the individual goals, objectives, and service objectives.
- Assist with daily activities, including assisting with personal hygiene, as needed.
- Update consumer case notes on a daily basis.
- Ensure an appropriate staff-to-consumer ratio at all times.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED recognized by the Illinois Department of Human Services required and demonstrated eighth grade reading level as evidenced by standardized testing recognized by the Illinois Department of Human Services.
- Previous experience working with individuals with disabilities preferred.
- DSP Certification upon hire or successful completion within four months of hire.
- Good communication skills, both written and oral.
- Valid driver’s license and documentation of current auto insurance, with an acceptable motor vehicle report. Ability to obtain PACE driving certification within 3 months of hire (applicable to staff hired after 7/1/21).
- Proficient in the use of computers, software applications, and working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite programs. Demonstrated willingness to learn new applications as needed, including Google and Electronic Records/Attendance programs.
Benefits
- Generous paid time off
- 13 Paid holidays
- Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans
- Employer Paid Insurance: Basic Life/AD&D and Long-Term Disability
- Employee Assistance Program
- 403(b) with company match
- Tuition assistance
- Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
Health, Safety, and Culture
Sertoma Star is an equal opportunity employer that embraces the uniqueness of every person. Sertoma understands that in order for you to work effectively and be an advocate of inclusivity, we must foster an environment that is respectful and sensitive to persons of all gender identities and from every cultural, socioeconomic, ethnic, religious, and racial background. Our open-door, team-building concept supports both agency goals and employee success.
Sertoma Star is an equal opportunity employer that embraces the uniqueness of every person. Sertoma understands that in order for you to work effectively and be an advocate of inclusivity, we must foster an environment that is respectful and sensitive to persons of all gender identities and from every cultural, socioeconomic, ethnic, religious, and racial background. Our open-door, team-building concept supports both agency goals and employee success.
