Direct Support Professional - CDS

Independent Living Coach

The Independent Living Coach (ILC) helps adults with intellectual disabilities and/or mental illness who receive services from Trinity Services, Inc. The ILC provides support and guidance to individuals in their homes and community programs, with the goal of encouraging them to learn new skills and become more independent. ILCs are essential in helping individuals set and achieve their personal goals, building their confidence and self-sufficiency.

The role involves a variety of tasks, including but not limited to assisting with personal care, chores, medical monitoring, and addressing health care needs. ILCs also motivate, encourage, and coach individuals throughout their daily activities to help them thrive. This position requires empathy, patience, and a willingness to work closely with people with intellectual disabilities and/or mental illness, helping them to develop life skills and enhance their quality of life.

Salary: $20.55

Schedule: M-F 8:00 am-4:00 pm

Location: Joliet, Elwood, and Frankfort

Reports To: Team Leader or Program Coordinator

Network Or Department: Network 6

Essential Functions:

Engagement:

• Foster relationships that are meaningful to the people receiving services
• Promote an environment of learning, based on respect and dignity
• Support people receiving services with priority outcomes as identified in their person-centered plans
• Provide choices to encourage independence and individuality
• Assist each person receiving services with planning meaningful, fun activities
• Remain engaged with the people receiving services at all times
• Understand, respect, and advocate on behalf of the people receiving services to help them flourish and to ensure their health, safety and wellbeing
• Arrive on time and work all shifts as scheduled to provide continuity and consistency to the people that receive services.

Services And Supports:

• Facilitate and encourage daily routines including direct care and coaching where necessary
• Assist with meal prep, including following dietary needs, teaching cooking/meal skills, shopping on a budget, following menu plans, etc.
• Ensure a safe and clean environment, including providing assistance as needed with general household cleaning, laundry, disinfecting, cleaning of adaptive equipment, etc.
• Carry out written instructions as documented in Implementation Strategies, Behavior Support Plans, Doctor orders and other written documents as applicable
• Perform other duties as assigned by leadership staff and supervisors

Communication:

• Collaborate with support team members to set attainable goals
• Monitor and report any medical and/or behavioral changes to the nurse and Team Leader or Program Coordinator in a timely manner
• Communicate effectively and thoroughly with all members of the support team, including external stakeholders (friends and family members, guardians, physicians, etc.)
• Promote environmental safety by reporting physical plant issues to the Team Leader or Program Coordinator in a timely manner
• Work collaboratively and maintain a growth mindset with all staff and stakeholders throughout the agency

Documentation:

• Document activities and services provided to people receiving services
• Administer and document medications according to required training

Training:

Trinity Services offers paid training to employees in all positions. Required trainings include Preservice, CPR/FA, Safety Care, Prevention of Abuse and Neglect, Sexual Harassment, and Behavior Support and Implementation Strategy training specific to the person receiving services. Additional training may be required or offered based on position, work location, or other extenuating circumstances.

Physical Demands:

• Be able to lift over 40 pounds from floor to waist unassisted
• Be able to push and pull 75 pounds
• Be able to complete deep knee squats
• Be able to push wheelchairs up to 200 pounds
• Remain in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods
• Operate motor vehicles
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to, stand, sit; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, keyboard, and telephone
• Physical activities that could be used include: driving, balancing, pulling, pushing, standing, climbing, grasping, stooping, crouching, crawling, kneeling, reaching, lifting, and repetitive motion

Qualifications:

• A valid High School Diploma or GED from a recognized school is required
• A valid driver's license and motor vehicle report with minimal traffic violations
• Pass a STOFLA assessment (reading literacy) prior to first day of employment
• Will be trained and required to maintain active CPR, First Aid, and Safety Care certifications as well as Medication Administration Authorization

Classification: Nonexempt

Disclaimer: Duties and responsibilities may change, and new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment.

Statement: Trinity Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti-discrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates. Trinity Services, Inc. prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. Trinity Services, Inc. conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.