Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

We provide an array of social and life services focusing on individual enrichment, growth and independence for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Reporting directly to the Resident Services Director (RSD) or Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP), the Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for participating as a member of the facility team to ensure safe and effective residential facilities. The DSP provides direct support, positive direction and assistance to the CILA (Community Integrated Living Arrangement) and/or ICF (Intermediate Care Facility) residents in accordance with program policies and procedures, assisting individuals to be as independent as possible. The DSP at Progressive Housing, Inc. is adaptable, mission oriented, goal driven, highly organized, efficient, a positive role model, and exercises good judgment and decision making skills. Starting rate $20.50 per hour.

Responsibilities:

• Be familiar and comply with current state and federal rules and regulations and perform all assigned tasks in accordance with facility policy and procedures
• Ensure that individuals exercise their rights and are treated with dignity and respect
• Respect and maintain confidentiality of all individuals' personal information
• Responsible for the implementation and documentation of individual goals and objectives
• Be familiar with emergency behavior management techniques as set forth by Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI), standard precautions and infection control techniques, the proper placement and use of emergency equipment and procedures, and good body mechanics to maintain a clean, safe, positive and secure environment at all times.
• Assist individuals with their activities of daily living (ADL) while promoting independence which may include, but not limited to, household chores, recreational activities, physical fitness activities, grooming and dressing, and money management
• Know the whereabouts of individuals you are directly responsible for at all times
• Attend Individual Service Plans (ISPs) meetings and assist in the development of the program plan while working closely with each individual to identify supports that will improve the quality of life and ensuring positive outcomes
• Attend in-service training as required to continue skill development and complete paperwork, as necessary, to meet PHI, federal, and state regulatory requirements
• Assist in the orientation and training of new employees
• Assist with general housekeeping (cleaning, laundry, vacuuming, dusting, mopping, sanitizing, etc.) while promoting involvement of the individual
• Prepare meals, with the assistance of individuals, according to standardized recipes and the designated menu
• Prepare and assist individuals on outings, shopping trips, vacations, home visits and appointments by providing transportation, guidance, and support where needed with guardian approval
• Observe for and report medical concerns and accidents / incidents immediately to the RSD/QIDP and Nurse
• Administer medications and take and record vitals while utilizing nurse protocols as directed
• Report any and all allegations of individual abuse or neglect that is reported to or witnessed to the RSD/QIDP and Office of Inspector General (OIG)
• Other miscellaneous duties as assigned

Position Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Age 18 or older
• Ability to read and comprehend English at an 8th grade level based on standardized testing
• Must be a certified DSP, certified in CPR/First Aid and certified for Medication Administration or enroll in the company provided courses, achieve passing scores and become certified
• Valid Illinois driver's license and comply with company policy for driving company vehicles
• Ability to pass a criminal background check and drug screen
• Able to lift at least 50lbs, daily standing, bending, lifting
• No experience necessary, but prior experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred

This position is currently accepting applications.