Community Options Direct Support Professional (DSP)
- Candidate must have open schedule availability (Schedule could include 1st, 2nd & 3rd Shifts
- Does Not Have Set Schedules)
- Flexible Hours
- Includes Weekends.
All DSP positions require a High School Diploma or GED. This DSP position candidate must have a valid driver's license and a reliable/insured vehicle. Supporting individuals in a Host Home or Supported Living or Apartment setting. Flexible hours that can range from 4 hours to 6 days. Relief staff stay in the residence while a provider or guardian is away. Attend and support on Host Home vacations. Provide transportation where individuals need. Support independence by observing and documenting daily activities. Provide natural learning opportunities. Assist in leisure activities such as exercise, reading, etc. Essential Duties/Responsibilities Support and educate the philosophy through the agency's mission, vision, values, and strategic plan. Manage all responsibilities based on the agency mission, using individual choice and all appropriate policies, procedures, and regulations. To conduct oneself in a manner that reflects the highest standard of professional courtesy and ethical practices to people served, staff, guardians, families, and all outside contacts. Program/Department Development, and Coordination Assists individuals in maintaining their home, reporting needed repairs or modifications to the appropriate parties within established timeframes. Recognizes individual differences and adapts teaching/ interacting style to best support the person's needs. When necessary, assist individuals with personal needs such as transferring, toileting, eating and grooming Delivers services and supports as outlined in everyone's Person-Centered Plan ensuring that activities and supports reflect individual preferences. Advocates for individuals through knowledge of personal references, protection from abuse and neglect or other rights violations, and supporting the development of personal relationships. Assure that the basic civil, human and legal rights of all persons are respected Assist the individuals in striving toward independence in accordance with goals and objectives in the Personal Plan on the individualized Service Plan Complete EP!C DSP training Maintain current CPR, First Aid, Infection Control, Med Authorization status and be able to perform all related tasks. Complete annual training refresher based on EP!C policy and state regulations Attend all in-service training, community outings, Community Options meetings, and individual Discovery Meetings designated by Supportive Living Manager As applicable, obtain and maintain "authorized status" as designated by the RN by successfully competing medication training and by competently and accurately administering and supervising medications Perform all safety and emergency procedures in a calm, accurate and professional manner Communicates regularly with their supervisor, QIDP, nursing, and other team members regarding progress towards outcomes, health and safety, and other issues that may arise. Follow and implement all pertinent agency policies, departmental protocols, and procedures. Provide required documentation regarding program delivery, medication administration, financial records, and all other requested documentation. Complete a minimum of 35 billable hours per week full time and 15 billable hours per week part time Supervise the individuals in community and at home throughout assigned shift As a mandated reporter, ensure allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation are reported as required by EP!C policy and government regulation Provide needed transportation to people supported using an EP!C vehicle or their vehicle as required. Act as a positive role model for individuals at all times Provide natural learning opportunities to teach independent living skills in accordance with the principles of normalization Involve the individual with a variety of in-home and community leisure activities in accordance with the principles of age-appropriateness and normalization Maintain documentation on all client structure programs and goals on specified data collection forms at the frequency indicated on the ISP in accordance with pertinent CILA and agency guidelines Provide required documentation regarding program delivery, medication administration, financial records and all other requested documentation Maintain progress note documentation in the areas of basic living skills, leisure activities and general progress as required Complete medication sheets as self-administration of client medications is supervised Maintain accurate financial records by retaining all receipts of bank transactions and expenditures Maintain other necessary documentation (e.g. mileage sheets, GERs, etc) Practice safety procedures and maintain acceptable standards of personal hygiene Report any concerns of the home environment (inside and outside) to assure the home is safe, clean and in orderly fashion. Request information, instructions and guidance form Host Home Program Manager in order that effective program service delivery may be maintained. Interact with all of Host Home individuals, EP!C staff/providers individuals from monitoring agencies/committees, parents, home members, other professionals and other relevant individuals in a professional manner Facilitate interdepartmental communication on an ongoing basis Marginal Responsibilities Perform other duties as assigned. As a mandated reporter ensures all allegations, abuse, and neglect are reported as required. Education/Experience Requirements Must be a minimum of 18 years of age Must possess a valid driver's license Must possess a high school diploma or GED Previous experience working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities Must carry personal liability insurance Have access to an automobile Have access to a telephone Must be able to perform CPR/First Aid and be able to lift 50 lbs. Must be able to pass the criminal background check. Competency Requirements Must communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Mobility to perform assigned duties in various environments including bending, kneeling, standing, repeated lifting. Must be able to assist in the evacuation of residents in emergencies. Ability to perform and maintain certification in CPR, First Aid, CPI, Diet and Nutrition, and Medication authorization. Must possess emotional stability to handle stressful situations on a regular basis and the ability to cope with illness, death, and dying. Must possess excellent organizational and time management skills. Knowledge of the principles of Person-Centered Planning and the Council of Quality Leadership (CQL). Will be required to drive a motor vehicle (EP!C's and employee's) as part of his/her employment responsibilities with EP!C. A valid Illinois Driver's License and insurance is required and must be maintained at all times while employed by EP!C. To perform job successfully the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactory and have a flexibility to work evenings and weekends as necessary. Able to operate general office equipment that may include but not limited to multi-line phone, fax machine, printer, copier, and a computer. Physical Requirements Frequent walking and sitting. Regular reaching, grasping, and standing. Other physical activities related to an office environment. Ability to lift 50 lbs. The Direct Support Professional (DSP) will provide high-quality, person-centered support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in a Host Home setting. This position is responsible for offering relief hours to ensure continuity of care and support in the home environment. The DSP will promote independence, dignity, and inclusion by assisting with daily living activities, fostering community involvement, and supporting each person's goals and preferences in a safe, respectful, and inclusive manner. All services will be delivered in compliance with the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) regulations, including but not limited to Rule 115 (CILA Program), Rule 116 (Medication Administration), and applicable DSP training requirements, as well as agency policies and procedures.
