Direct Support Professional (Springfield, IL)

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Position Summary

To achieve a community-integrated and enriched lifestyle based on values of individual self-worth, dignity, equality, and respect for adults with developmental disabilities.

To assist individuals in living their best lives and maintaining maximum independence.

Duties

• Plans and implements creative classes, outings, and experiences for individuals attending the CIS program.
• Implements activities, experiences, and/or leisure time activities in accordance with daily routines, written schedules, and individuals’ interests.
• Adapts activities to ensure all individuals can participate.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the Implementation Strategies (IS) and Behavior Support Program (BSP) of individuals.
• Trains, coaches, and assists individuals in personal hygiene and activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, toileting, shaving, etc.
• Trains, coaches, and assists individuals in dressing.
• Trains, coaches, and assists individuals in eating meals and clean-up.
• Trains, coaches, and assists individuals in completion of chores including sweeping, washing dishes, wiping tables, etc.
• Trains, coaches, and assists individuals in communication skills.
• Trains, coaches, and assists individuals with mobility, including development of walking and/or use of wheelchairs, walkers, canes, or other equipment.
• Trains, coaches, and assists individuals in appropriate interpersonal interactions in social situations.
• For all of the above, uses instructional methods based on individual needs and goals in order to increase individuals’ independent functioning.
• Reinforces proper behavior, communication, language, interpersonal exchanges, etc.
• Accompanies individuals on medical appointments, other appointments, and/or to community activities events.

• Performs health-related tasks including taking blood pressure, taking temperature, checking skin condition, positioning, administering medications, etc.

• Communicates with coworkers, Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP), behavior analyst, nurse, and supervisory personnel regarding individuals.
• Completes required documentation accurately and on time.

• Achieves competency or certification in first aid, CPR, Medication Administration and other required skills within prescribed timeframes.
• Substitutes for absent co-workers in performance of assigned duties with direction from supervisor.
• Performs miscellaneous duties as assigned by supervisor in order to ensure day-to-day functioning of the home.
• Submits required employee records on time.
• Attends all required trainings and meetings.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience: High School Diploma or GED.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must possess current automobile insurance.
• Must be over 25 to operate an agency vehicle.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Possess strong interpersonal skills for interactions with supervisors, coworkers, individuals, and outside personnel.
• Communicate effectively (verbally and in writing) with supervisor, coworkers, individuals, and outside personnel.
• Follow procedures for delivery of instructional, training, and support services.
• Demonstrate knowledge and appropriate implementation of each designated individual’s needs, goals, interventions and supports.
• Complete required record-keeping with accuracy.
• Efficient use of time, materials, and human resources.

Physical Demands:

• May be required to lift or move objects or people.
• Must have visual, hearing, and learning capabilities sufficient to perform the essential functions defined above.

Environment and Scheduling:

• Work performed in a well-lit, confidential environment.
• Duties may involve contact with individuals who may be hostile, dangerous, threatening, aggressive and/or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Scheduled work hours are 8 hours shifts or as assigned, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.