Residential DSP

Position Summary: Teach, coach, and mentor individuals through applying the Person-Centered Plan (PCP) Implementation Strategies for persons served. The Residential DSP (Direct Support Professional) & DSP Trainee work in a dynamic environment supporting adults with I/DD. The person in this position must be energetic, adapt easily to rapidly changing schedules, work well in a team environment, and demonstrate creative problem-solving skills. The Residential DSP & DSP Trainee will work closely with service recipients and other staff to complete daily activities and provide support. The Residential DSP & DSP Trainee actively support individuals served at Sparc with activities of daily living, to maximize physical, emotional, and intellectual well-being and growth. Universal Competencies: Universal competencies are competency requirements that apply to all Sparc positions (Exempt & Non-Exempt, Part-time, Full-time, PRN, Supervisory and Non-Supervisory). Universal Competencies support our mission and are consistent with Sparc’s core values; they are: Collaboration/Positive Impact: Ability to work with a variety of individuals and teams in a constructive and civil manner, utilizing existing resources, training, and learning to achieve or exceed desired outcomes while integrating Sparc’s core values to “TEACH, COACH, and MENTOR.” Proficiency Levels & Typical Behaviors: Basic

• Grasps the inevitability and challenges of change and adapts accordingly, utilizing learning opportunities to prepare for changing work, methods, and work environment.
• Demonstrates civil and respectful behaviors valued within Sparc.
• Provides and accepts ideas and suggestions in a constructive and helpful manner.
• Exhibits good teamwork. Is approachable, cooperative, and contributes to an overall positive and productive work/team environment.
  
  

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and respectful manner while appreciating the unique contribution of an inclusive workforce that brings together the talents of people across multiple identities. Proficiency Levels & Typical Behaviors: Basic

• Articulates Sparc’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as it relates to each staff member’s role.
• Demonstrates civil and respectful behaviors in support of Sparc’s guiding principles, values, and policies that prohibit “differences in treatment of persons because of race, creed, color, religion, national origins, age, sex, pregnancy, disability, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other associational preferences.”
• Demonstrates a willingness to examine one’s own biases, assumptions, and attitudes.
• Knows where to find diversity-related organizational policies, procedures, and resources.
  
  

Service Excellence/Customer Focus: Ability to meet or exceed service needs and expectations of persons served and provide excellent service in a direct or indirect manner. Ability to effectively transmit and interpret information through appropriate communication with internal and external constituents, stakeholders, and the community. Proficiency Levels & Typical Behaviors: Basic

• Consistently provides exceptional person-centered service.
• Manages expectations of the person served and takes responsibility for enhancing service excellence.
• Communicates understandably; uses appropriate words, grammar, and mannerisms in all mediums.
• Seeks feedback on communication style and effectiveness.
  
  

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Fulfill the role of coach, teacher and mentor with implementing the PCP/IS “Person Centered Plan/Implementation Strategies” while ensuring compliance with appropriate program standards, agency policies, and procedures. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Provision of day-to-day organization and implementation of activities that promote an organized and positive environment. Learning to ensure, as a primary professional working with individuals, an environment that is person-centered, organized, non-reactive, and promotes independence. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Modeling and promoting person-centered, least restrictive, and community-integrated philosophies and supports. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Complete documentation of programmatic progress/daily notes/I-Care Manager and/or data sheets. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• With staff support participates in transporting supported persons to places in the community, day programs/jobs, appointments, and other preferred events. Assists with transfers of supported persons into and out of vehicles as needed and requested. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Works with fellow DSPs, ADSPs, and House Supervisors to complete required documentation, maintain accurate and complete records for the home and persons supported (e.g., incident and injury reports, data sheets, daily notes, etc.), meeting all required time frames for documentation and submission. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Ensures the safety and well-being of persons supported. Assists with maintaining a safe environment and maintaining the environment in a well-kept, clean, and safe manner. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Provide or obtain effective and appropriate first aid and emergency health treatment, whenever required, assuring the safety and well-being of persons supported. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Works with DSPs, ADSPs, and House Supervisors in providing person-centered support for persons receiving services. This may require assisting with the provision of personal care, including but not limited to, assistance with bathing, dressing, eating, shaving, tooth brushing, choosing appropriate clothing, cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene, mobility needs/transferring, etc. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Maintains confidentiality of protected information in regard to persons supported and Sparc. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Performs day-to-day duties in a manner that reflects Sparc’s mission and core values by being actively involved in the program and the people that Sparc programs support. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Must demonstrate exemplary performance, including but not limited to professionalism, dependability, demeanor, attendance, communication, and maintaining confidential information. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Performs other agency-related duties as assigned or required reasonably within the scope of the above-mentioned duties. “Related duties as assigned” are duties that may not be listed explicitly in the class specification or position description but are duties within the general occupational series, and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s class of work. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
  
  

Skills Needed:

• Must be detail-oriented with excellent time management and organizational skills, including a proven ability to meet competing deadlines in a dynamic work environment consistently.
• Must demonstrate problem-solving techniques and the ability to effectively oversee/monitor the program area and duties.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and establish rapport with diverse staff and individuals, including the individuals supported, staff, families, guardians, and members of the Sparc community.
• Must demonstrate the ability to routinely work with confidential information while maintaining compliance with HIPPA and other relevant regulations, rules, standards, and expectations.
• Must have basic knowledge and experience utilizing computers, electronic timekeeping systems, and various software programs, including Microsoft Word and Outlook.
• Must possess recordkeeping skills necessary to effectively document and communicate day-to-day occurrences/activities with persons supported to the appropriate staff and/or supervisor.
  
  

Education/Experience Requirements:

• High school diploma or G.E.D. is required.
• A minimum of one (1) year of work experience in a customer service role and/or healthcare setting is required.
• A minimum of one (1) year of work experience in an independent/autonomous role with minimal supervision is required.
• Previous experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, or elderly populations is preferred.
  
  

Other Requirements:

• A minimum age of 18 years old.
• Must have a current, valid Illinois Driver’s License.
• Must have current, valid proof of automobile insurance.
• Must have reliable transportation to transport persons supported.
• Must possess the physical ability to assist residents with mobility as needed, including the ability to perform physical activities related to providing direct support for individuals served.
• Attend and satisfactorily complete all training requirements and mandatory staff meetings.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule.
• Experience working in a physically demanding position, including the ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 lbs. frequently, the ability to bend, stoop, twist, turn, squat, climb stairs, walk, and stand stationary. Must possess the ability to physically manage any special needs of individuals supported by Sparc, including the ability to lift and transfer supported persons as needed and the ability to assist program staff in emergencies.
  
  

Benefits:

• Flexible work schedules.
• Comprehensive benefits package includes medical, prescription, group-paid life, dental, and vision insurance for full-time staff.
• Pay rate increases for every 5 years of Sparc service
• Ten to twenty-five (10-25) paid vacation days annually based on years of service.
• Employees earn three (3) paid personal days pro-rated based on start date.
• Employees earn eight to twelve (8-12) paid sick days annually based on years of service.
• Retirement savings plan options.
• Pre-tax Healthcare Flexible Spending Account option.
• Pre-tax Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account option.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Supportive, mission-driven work environment.
  
  

Working Conditions:

• Work locations include the residences of the persons supported. Some locations may expose the employee to mild to moderately high noise levels.
• Safety and security procedures for each work site must be followed.
• Staff in this role may be exposed to various illnesses and diseases as well as hazardous and toxic chemicals, with some exposure to physically threatening clients, bodily fluids, bloodborne and airborne diseases, viruses, communicable diseases, etc.