Direct Support Professional ( Grayslake)

This position is based in our Grayslake location.

• Subject Line: Open Position: DSP - Grayslake 
• Attach: Resume / Cover Letter (if available)

Option 2: Complete this Online Application

Please follow this link to appply:  www.littlecity.org/careers/ or send your resume to:  recruiter@littlecity.org

Shifts: Monday to Friday

7:30am-4:00pm (40 hours)

PURPOSE:The Direct Support Person (DSP) is responsible for providing direct supervision and training of individuals in work and/or non-work activities related to their person centered goals and objectives. The DSP is responsible for active engagement which occurs with individuals on a daily basis including appropriate use of communication styles, identifying preferences and supporting choice making.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The list of essential duties and responsibilities, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the task to be performed. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein is such duties are a logical assignment to the position.

1. Advocate for individuals served and promote courtesy, dignity and respect.
2. Promote continuous active engagement to support individuals in their schedule.
3. Implement skill and behavior programs as needed to increase individual skills and independence.
4. Provide assistance as needed or requested with completion of activities of daily living (ADLs) including all areas of personal care such as toileting, oral hygiene, eating, dressing, body positioning or lifting and transfers, and utilizing adaptive equipment.
5. Maintain accurate documentation including daily progress on individual objectives, work or non-work activities, time sheets, assessments and unusual incident reports.
6. Participate in the development of functional objectives most likely to help the individual(s) accomplish personal goals and adhere to support plans as designed through the interdisciplinary team process.
7. Communicate any safety, wellness or atypical behavior pattern concerns immediately or in progress notes, behavior data sheets, seizure or injury reports.
8. Maintain adequate program supplies for the assigned schedule of activities.
9. Ensure the cleanliness of the area and report any safety hazards, accidents or other barriers to promote a positive environment and a safe workplace.
10. Transport individuals to and from community excursions, following all safety procedures including the proper use of safety/seat belts and tie-downs. Account for all individuals before, during and upon return from any activity.
11. May provide coverage to other day program locations on an as needed basis.
12. Responsible for attending and participating in staff meetings and in-service training sessions.
13. Maintain professional behavior and a positive attitude at all times, on or off site.
14. Successfully complete required Little City Foundation training, re-training, or additional training as required by policies, practices or as assigned by the immediate supervisor for specific program needs. Some required trainings include American Heart Association certification in First Aid and CPR, PACE certification for driving positions, Crisis Prevention Intervention and the approved DSP program.
15. Other reasonable duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and be at least 21 years of age.  One year of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavior and/or emotional challenges preferred.  The DSP must be able to speak and write clearly and communicate information effectively in English.  Comfort with technology for computer data entry.  A valid driver’s license, proof of automobile insurance is required.  The DSP must also meet the LCF insurance requirements per policy in order to be maintained on the Approved Driver’s list.  This DSP position is a Pace Certified position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is subject to sitting, walking, and standing for prolonged periods; frequently grasps, lifts, holds, or feels objects; occasionally stoops, kneels, crouches, or crawls. Some use of computer and typing is required. The employee frequently is required to use manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination when working with individuals served and handling office, medical or other equipment. The employee is subject to assist and lift or support up to 50 pounds with varying amounts of assistance on a reoccurring basis. The employee is required to have corrected vision and hearing within normal range and the ability to operate a motor vehicle. Must have the ability to perform CPR and CPI. Occupational exposure to blood, body fluids, infectious substances, including communicable diseases when performing personal care (Category III). Occasional exposure to cleaning agents and disinfectants. Work environment noise level ranges from normal to loud. The physical demands 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.

Disclaimer:  The intent of this job description is to provide a representative level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position.  Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.