Direct Support Professional/CNA

Centers for Independence; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Centers for Independence in Wisconsin is seeking a Direct Support Professional (DSP I) / CNA to provide personal care and support to individuals in Employment and Community Services.

You will assist with daily activities, document in the Electronic Health Record, and help individuals participate in enrichment programs while ensuring safety and compassionate, person-centered care.

A CNA certification is required, with safety training within 120 days of hire; this role is full time and union-backed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities in day services, residential, or community settings.
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification required.
• Safety Education and First Aid certification within 120 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Assists with personal care routines including hygiene, toileting, and dressing.
• Supports mealtimes to ensure safety and independence.
• Conducts body checks and reports concerns to the Nurse Manager.
• Documents care, health needs, and program involvement in the EHR.
• Assists with outings and class activities and facilitates program tracks after training.
• Supports individuals with assistive technology per care plans.
• Maintains a safe, clean work environment following infection control protocols.
• Follows agency procedures and reports incidents or hazards.

Skills

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Adaptability

Behavior support

Education

High school diploma or GED

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Tools

Electronic Health Record (EHR)

Job description

Position Type Full Time - Union

Education Level High School Diploma, HSED or GED

Travel Percentage None

Category Health Care

Description

Job Purpose: The Direct Support Professional (DSP) I / CNA provides personal cares and support to individuals participating in Employment and Community Services programming. This role engages individuals served in a variety of enrichment activities and experiences that fosters growth and independence. The DSP promotes the importance of personal care, hygiene, and overall health and wellness. LIFE Services population includes individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and medical support needs. Brain Health Services population includes individuals with traumatic and acquired brain injuries.

Essential Job Functions

• Assists with personal care routines, including hygiene, toileting, and dressing, and participates in all required two-person transfers and Hoyer lift usage.
• Supports individuals during mealtimes to ensure safety, promote independence, and maintain a respectful, pleasant dining environment.
• Conducts body checks during personal care and promptly reports concerns to the Nurse Manager.
• Completes accurate, timely documentation in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) regarding individual care, health needs, and program involvement.
• Serves as secondary staff for outings and class activities and independently facilitates assigned program tracks after training and observation.
• Assists individuals in using assistive technology and adaptive equipment as outlined in their individual care plans.
• Maintains a clean, organized, and safe work environment by following daily checklists and infection control/safety protocols.
• Promotes a culture of safety by following agency procedures and reporting all incidents, hazards, or concerns; performs other duties as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure and Credentials: (Where appropriate, education and/or experience may be substituted)

Minimum Required Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent

Minimum Required Experience: Experience working with individuals with disabilities in a day service, residential or community setting.

Required License - Certification - Registration: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Issued By Governing Body (if applicable): Completion of Safety Education and First Aid certification within 120 days of hire.

Travel Type: None

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic computer proficiency, including use of web-based systems for documentation.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow protocols accurately.
• Adaptable and flexible in response to changing individual or program needs.
• Ability to support individuals with behavioral challenges in a respectful, person-centered manner.

Physical Requirements, Visual Acuity, and Work Conditions

Physical Requirements: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.

Visual Acuity: The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal. Must be able to independently supervise individuals in various settings, ensuring safety through active observation, risk detection, sound judgment, and the ability to respond effectively in emergency situations.

Working Conditions: This position works in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments, which may include exposure to varying weather conditions, loud noise levels, and fluctuating temperatures.