Direct Support Professional

• Implements dynamic, goal-oriented, and person-centered programming across multiple domains, including but not limited to independent living skills, social/emotional development, communication, problem-solving, vocational development, community outings, and safety.
• Assists in planning and directly implementing ongoing community-based activities for all clients, in accordance with individual client goals and preferences.
• Ensure accurate and timely completion of all client documentation and paperwork, including daily attendance, progress notes, and data on all goals and supports developed with client using the agency’s electronic health (EHR) record system.
• Assists and supports clients’ independence in preparation of meals and snacks as needed.
• Assists with personal care activities (including taking clients to the toilet) as needed, support clients’ complete grooming and hygiene activities independently.
• Implements positive and proactive behavior management techniques and interventions as identified in clients’ behavior intervention plans.
• Collaborates with program manager(s) and administration regarding clients’ programming needs and concerns daily.
• Assists with bus, lunch, and break duties as assigned, including potential after hour coverage.
• Participates in monthly team meetings, daily debriefings, and annual client Personal Plan meetings as required.
• In case of absences, vacancies, or other situations, assist program by providing group coverage and client supervision.
• Ensures adherence to all mandated reporter, OIG guidelines, and DHS guidelines. 
• Maintains a neat, orderly, and safe work environment.
• Maintains professional communication with co-workers as well as clients’ parents/guardians, employers, staff, and other stakeholders, as needed.
• Complete and maintain all required and/or mandated onsite or off-site trainings and certifications both upon hire and ongoing such as Department of Human Services, crisis intervention, and other related trainings.
• Maintain the confidentiality of individuals’ records in accordance with agency policies and procedures

• High school diploma or GED required. Associate or bachelor’s degree in related field preferred.
• Minimum of 1 years’ experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred.
• DSP certified or ability to obtain a DSP certification within six months of employment (provided by agency).
• CPR and First Aid certification or ability to obtain certification within six months of employment (provided by agency).
• Ability to perform all functions necessary to obtain agency required crisis intervention certification.
• Basic computer literacy skills including navigation of the internet, training systems, and recall of login credentials.
• Ability to read internal and external documents pertaining to the job function. 
• Ability to write agency required documents pertaining to the job function. 
• Demonstrated proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) preferred.
• Ability to set priorities and multi-task in a high stress environment.
• Ability to interact with diverse personalities, including, but not limited to, clients, parents/guardians, staff, employers, funding representatives, etc.
• Ability to promote and adhere to company values.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet all requirements to drive agency vehicles.
• Capable of navigating the use of public transportation system (CTA/RTA/Metra).

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical Demands:
  • Ability to lift / carry 35 pounds.
  • Physical capacity to assist in behavior management.
  • Physical capacity to assist with activities of daily living (including taking clients to the toilet) in-house or community.
  • Ability to walk and/or push wheelchair in various terrains and circumstances, physically able to use public transportation and assist clients physically in use of the transportation system.
• Work Environment:
  • Client support may take place in a variety of settings such as indoor or and outdoor in various weather conditions. Staff must adapt to situations as needed.