Community Direct Support Professional (CDSP)

We are seeking a full-time (40 hr/wk) Community Based Services CDSP. The current caseload will serve participants in and around the Illinois Valley area. Mileage reimbursement for use of personal vehicle is provided.

The Community Direct Support Professional is responsible for coordination, supervision, documentation, and provision of personal support to participants assigned to their caseload. This self-scheduling position requires ability to take initiative to create, manage, and maintain a flexible schedule that reflects needs and requested support hours of the persons receiving services in community based support programs. Excellent organizational skills, electronic documentation abilities and ability to problem solve/employ sound independent judgement will contribute to success in this position.

The Community Based CDSP will support persons receiving services in their homes as well as in the community to develop/maintain skills and participate in various community-based activities (individually or in small groups).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Continuously interact, communicate and actively engage with people receiving services. Actively listen and encourage people to engage in making daily choices.
• Motivate and encourage participation and independence in all areas/aspects of their day. Seek accommodations or make adaptations to facilitate participation to the extent the person is able.
• Enable community integration by finding opportunities, arranging for, providing transportation to, and/or facilitating connections at or within local community-based events/activities.
• Assess people's skills, interests, needs and choices. Ensure communication of these things to the supervisor, Team Leader and/or Nurse for support planning purposes.
• Adhere to Implementation Strategies through delivery of supports identified within plan by providing identified and necessary supports for personal/hygiene, money management/budgeting, healthy choices, wellness, social/emotional, relationship development, safety training, etc.
• Act as a role model and mentor to facilitate appropriate social behavior, personal care, relationship development, and age appropriate dress, habits and attitudes at home, work and community environments.
• Understand and promote the importance of regular exercise to support people in maintaining or improving overall physical and mental health.
• Assure medical needs are met by monitoring for overall wellness and reporting concerns. Assisting to schedule, transport and attend medical appointments as requested.
• Ensure the protection of rights for persons receiving services in compliance with law, Medicaid Waiver Rules and Illinois Mental Health and Development Disabilities Code including rights to equitable treatment, self-determination, privacy, and wage complaints.
• Advocate for and promote self-advocacy for individuals with disabilities.
• Maintain confidentiality of information regarding individuals and families in accordance to agency, State, and Federal regulations.
• Promote and support an environment that feels safe, relaxing, and inviting.
• Maintain open and respectful communication with co-workers, supervisor, Team Leader, Nurse, etc.
• As directed by Supervisor or TL, complete required documentation accurately, objectively and in a timely fashion.
• Safely drive personal vehicle and a variety of agency vehicles, including mini-buses.
• Attend meetings, training events, conferences, etc. as requested by supervisor.

Position Specific Duties:

• The CDSP will demonstrate initiative and organization to create, manage and maintain a flexible schedule that assures support needs of persons receiving services assigned.
• Demonstrates independent judgement and problem-solving skills while working with persons served 1:1 and/or in the community.
• Initiates regular communication with supervisor despite being a field-based worker.
• Ensures self-direction by assisting persons served to create and maintain a preferred and individualized schedule of activities (in-home & community).
• Responsibly maintain and secure agency issued equipment, vehicles and devices (tablets, Chromebooks, computers). Report any problems immediately.
• Support persons receiving services in and across environments, home and community, as requested by supervisor. This may be 1:1 or in small groups.
• Be an advocate and empower self-determination, skill development and community connections.
• Obtain training to enable working free from supervision, with various people and at various locations, as requested by supervisor.

• Able to work free from direct supervision.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED (no online High School Diplomas will be accepted)
• Experience in working with individuals with developmental disabilities is a plus.
• Valid Driver's License with own vehicle
• Pass a drug screen, physical, and a fingerprint background check.

Benefits:

• Sign on Bonus - Earn up to $1,000 in Nine Months
• Start Earning Benefits on Day One
• Paid Training
• Longevity Raises; Vacation, Sick and Personal Time
• Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plans

Salary : $22