DSP

Job Description

Job Description

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Avancer Homes, LLC

Department: Residential Services
EEO Code: 9 – Service Worker
FLSA Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt
Reports To: Resident Services Director

Direct Support Professional (DSP) @ Avancer Homes Residential/CILA

 

***$1000 SIGN ON BONUS***

General Function

Implement individual and concurrent programs under the direction of the Associate Executive Director. Provide supervision and oversight of the physical and mental well-being of the individuals served. Provide an abuse- and neglect-free environment for all individuals served and support the Agency's Vision, Mission, and Core Values.

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) play an important role in supporting individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) while promoting independence, individual choice, dignity, safety, and quality of life.

DSPs may be scheduled, assigned, or reassigned to different Avancer Homes residential locations based on staffing requirements, operational needs, and the needs of the individuals served.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Have thorough knowledge of the individuals' programs and be able to demonstrate the implementation of, and rationale for, those programs.

• Implement individual goals and programs as outlined in the Individual Service Plan (ISP).

• Electronically document data regarding individuals' programs as required by the ISP.

• Maintain required daily documentation regarding incidents, activities, and occurrences involving each individual.

• Assist and instruct individuals with medication administration and activities of daily living, including eating, drinking, hygiene, dressing, meal preparation, housekeeping, and laundry.

• Assist and instruct individuals regarding access to community resources, services, activities, and appointments.

• Assist and instruct individuals in the management of their financial resources as required by their program.

• Ensure a safe and comfortable environment that fosters independence, dignity, and individual choice.

• Assist in maintaining a clean, safe, and well-maintained residential home and participate in required inspections.

• Provide input and feedback to the Residential Manager regarding matters concerning individuals served.

• Inform the Nurse of medical concerns, emergency room visits, new medication orders, laboratory appointments/results, follow-up appointments, and other relevant medical matters.

• Participate in emergency evacuation and emergency response procedures to ensure the safety of individuals served.

• Intervene when appropriate, document, and promptly inform administrative staff regarding medical, behavioral, safety, or personal situations involving individuals served.

• Inform the Residential Manager of program supplies and household supplies needed for the assigned home.

• Promptly report safety concerns, maintenance issues, hazardous conditions, and malfunctioning equipment to the appropriate supervisor or designated management representative.

• Assist with transition and transportation duties as assigned. Employees who are twenty-five (25) years of age or older, possess a valid driver's license, maintain a good driving record, and meet Avancer Homes' requirements for operating an Agency vehicle may be asked to transport persons served.

When authorized to transport persons served, employees are responsible for operating Agency vehicles safely and in accordance with Agency policies and procedures; ensuring persons served and necessary equipment are properly secured during transportation; and assisting persons served when entering and exiting vehicles, buildings, and residential homes.

Employees who do not meet the Agency's driving requirements may still be required to assist with non-driving transition duties involving persons served.

• Immediately report all incidents and accidents, regardless of severity, in accordance with Agency reporting procedures.

• Immediately report unsafe or hazardous conditions and malfunctioning equipment to the appropriate supervisor or designated management representative.

• Be knowledgeable about and thoroughly adhere to all Avancer Homes policies, procedures, safety requirements, and professional conduct expectations.

• Ensure the rights, dignity, privacy, and confidentiality of individuals served are protected at all times.

• Attend all required in-services, training sessions, certification programs, and department meetings.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Residential Manager, Associate Executive Director, or Executive Team.

Educational Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.

Special Requirements & Qualifications

Applicants must:

• Be eighteen (18) years of age or older.

• Have no disqualifying criminal history.

• Be currently certified as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in the State of Illinois or have the ability to successfully complete required DSP training and certification.

• Successfully complete required background checks, training, orientation, and other applicable employment requirements.

• Be able to report to the assigned Avancer Homes work location as scheduled.

• Be willing and able to work at different Avancer Homes residential locations when assigned based on staffing requirements, operational needs, and the needs of the individuals served.

• Be able to lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds as required by the position.

• Communicate effectively and professionally with individuals served, coworkers, supervisors, families, and other members of the care team.
  

Employees who are twenty-five (25) years of age or older, possess a valid driver's license, maintain a good driving record, and meet Avancer Homes' requirements for operating an Agency vehicle may be asked to transport persons served.

Previous experience working as a DSP or supporting individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) is preferred.

Relevant certifications or training, including CNA, CPR/First Aid, medication administration, behavioral health, or other healthcare-related training, are preferred.

Scheduling Expectations

Avancer Homes provides residential services that require staffing across multiple shifts, including days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays.

Applicants should clearly identify their availability for:

• 1st Shift

• 2nd Shift

• 3rd Shift

• Weekends

• Holidays

Scheduling and work-location assignments are based on position requirements, staffing needs, operational needs, and the needs of the individuals served.

Tools and Equipment Used

Agency van or automobile when authorized, copier, telephone, fax, computer, and other equipment necessary to perform assigned responsibilities.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

While performing this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, use hands or fingers to handle or operate equipment, talk, and hear. The employee may occasionally be required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach with hands or arms, and run.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

Work is performed at Avancer Homes residential locations and may also include Agency vehicles, community settings, meeting rooms, and other Agency sites.

DSPs may be scheduled, assigned, or reassigned to different Avancer Homes residential locations based on staffing requirements, operational needs, and the needs of the individuals served. Employees are responsible for reporting to their assigned work location as scheduled.

Apploi Applicant Screening Questions

1. DSP Certification

Are you currently certified as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in the State of Illinois?

☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Currently in the certification process

2. DSP/IDD Experience

Have you previously worked as a DSP or with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD)?

☐ Yes
☐ No

If yes, please briefly describe your experience and length of employment.

3. Education & Training

Please list your highest level of education and any relevant certifications or training, including DSP, CNA, CPR/First Aid, medication administration, behavioral health, or other healthcare-related training.

4. Multiple Avancer Homes Locations

DSPs may be scheduled or assigned to any Avancer Homes residential location based on staffing and operational needs. Are you willing and able to work at multiple Avancer Homes locations?

☐ Yes
☐ No

5. Reporting to Work

Are you able to report to your assigned Avancer Homes work location as scheduled?

☐ Yes
☐ No

6. Shift Availability

Please select all shifts you are available to work:

☐ 1st Shift
☐ 2nd Shift
☐ 3rd Shift
☐ Weekends
☐ Holidays

7. Previous DSP Employment

If you previously worked as a DSP, please provide the employer's name, dates of employment, and reason for leaving.

8. Agency Vehicle/Transportation of Persons Served

Are you twenty-five (25) years of age or older and, if required for your assignment, able to meet Avancer Homes' requirements to operate an Agency vehicle and transport persons served?

☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Not Applicable

Disclaimer

The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to represent a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, qualifications, or skills required of employees in this position.

Job duties, schedules, work locations, and assignments may change based on the needs of Avancer Homes and the individuals served. This job description does not establish a contract of employment and is subject to change at the discretion of the employer.