Direct Support Professional

SUMMARY:

Work cooperatively as a team to ensure the needs of the clients are addressed, including effectively communicating need for support, client information, etc. All homes located in the Rogers Park Neighborhood.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Assist clients to be as independent as possible at home and in the community
• Provide input regarding development of appropriate outcomes for clients, and incorporating client choice
• Write progress notes as to time spent and interactions with clients daily
• Work with case manager to document work and progress towards outcomes as stated
• Assist clients in Activities in Daily Living as needed this includes but is not limited to personal medical, community, hygiene, financial, recreation, and general safety in their home.
• Ensure clients are actively involved in their own daily program as outlined in their personal plan
• Coordinate services provided to clients in cooperation with program Case Managers
• Report and document issues with clients regarding overall health, medication, dental and mental health concerns to program manager and case managers as appropriate.
• Provide transportation as necessary to participate in grocery shopping or other needed community appointments.
• Be able to check medication of clients who medicate independently to ensure they are continuing to follow guidelines for medicating independently. Report any issues to the program manager
• Arrange and accompany individuals to appointments, as directed by ICILA program manager.
• Assist and provide training to residents with public transportation.
• Assist with nutritional planning, preparing, and cooking meals, and grocery shopping
• Assist in meal preparation
• Complete and/or assist all housekeeping tasks including the bathroom, kitchen, client rooms; washing dishes/pots; doing laundry; dusting surfaces; cleaning refrigerator/stoves
• Provide necessary guidance and support to clients in resolving problems
• Provide crisis intervention which may require physical intervention
• Provide emergency assistance/program coverage during scheduled hours, at other sites as directed.
• Complete other duties as directed

REQUIREMENTS

• Complete all classroom, online and on the job (OJT) training within 90 days of hire
• High school diploma or GED required
• Demonstrated proficiency in reading, writing, and comprehending English including the ability to pass a literacy test.
• DSP certified preferred; must be able to obtain DSP certification within six months of employment (provided by agency).
• For advocates that will be support clients who use ASL as a mode of communication, they will be required to pass the Sign Language proficiency test
• Ability to promote and adhere to agency values
• A commitment to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment
• Valid driver's license

SUPERVISION

• None

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment characteristics 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.

• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.