Direct Support Professional Community Day Services (CDS) Instructor

Association for Individual Development; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

21 days paid time off

Paid training

Tuition reimbursement

Health, dental, vision, life, STD, LTD

401(k) with company contribution

Job summary

Association for Individual Development (AID) is hiring a Direct Support Professional Community Day Services Instructor in Aurora, IL. The role supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, delivering activities and training per Individual Plans.

Responsibilities include implementing Behavior Support Strategies, documenting progress, and coordinating with the IDT. Requires HS diploma or GED; various degree paths welcomed.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required; 5 years’ experience with intellectual/developmental disabilities preferred.
• Associate’s or higher in Human Services or related field with relevant experience also acceptable.
• Must be able to work with individuals needing behavioral and medical supports; CPI/CPR training preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide meaningful activities, training, and classes under the Program Manager.
• Use Individual Plans and Behavior Support Strategies to implement supports and goals.
• Maintain documentation and participate as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT).
• Ensure accurate and timely sub-contract work and reporting where applicable.
• Assist clients with personal care tasks and teach independence where possible.
• Facilitate programming and activities, including swimming programs, outdoors, and off-site activities.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Team collaboration

Crisis intervention

Education

High School diploma or GED

Associate’s degree in Human Services or related

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related

Tools

Hoyer lift

iPad

Communication devices

Scales

Job description

Job Overview

The Association for Individual Development (AID) is a non‑profit organization whose mission is to empower people with physical, developmental, intellectual, mental health challenges; those who have suffered a trauma; and those at risk, to enjoy lives of dignity and purpose. AID is looking for a Direct Support Professional Community Day Services Instructor who demonstrates this mission and wants to work for an organization that makes a difference in the community.

Job Details

Level: Experienced → Location: Keeler Center 220 - Aurora, IL 60506 → Position Type: Full‑Time → Education Level: High School or GED → Salary: $21.75 per hour → Shift: Monday‑Friday 8:30‑3:30 → Job Category: Health Care

Schedule

Monday‑Friday 8:30a.m. – 3:30p.m.

Responsibilities

The DSP – CDS Instructor is responsible for:

• Providing meaningful activities, training, and classes under the direction of the Program Manager.
• Utilizing the person’s Implementation Strategy or Individual Plan and Behavior Support Strategies and implementing supports, care, and goals or objectives within.
• Supporting people in conformance with the agency’s mission, as assigned by the Program Manager, Director or designee, according to the needs of the person, program and/or the agency as a whole.
• Maintaining all applicable documentation, records and reports related to provided services and supports, and functioning as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team.
• Providing input and information to the IDT as needed.
• Ensuring the accuracy and quality of all assigned sub‑contract work performed, if assigned.
• Managing a safe environment for self and clients, and reacting appropriately to emergency situations at the base location or elsewhere.
• Assisting clients with personal care tasks, and implementing training programs for individuals to learn to complete personal care tasks independently, as assigned.
• Demonstrating good verbal and written communication skills to provide appropriate instruction to clients and accurate documentation.
• Understanding and implementing objectives, support needs and personal goals from Implementation Strategies or Individual Plans for clients as assigned.
• Facilitating programming or activities as directed, including client swim programs, outdoors and outside of base location.
• Completing and submitting all required documentation in a timely manner, including data sheets, incident reports and attendance sheets.
• Remaining informed of assigned clients medical and dietary support needs and providing those supports daily and consistently.
• Understanding and implementing Behavior Support Strategies as assigned, and responding to emergency behavioral incidents.
• Participating as an active member of the interdisciplinary team, giving input and information to the team to meet the client’s needs effectively as requested.
• Working cooperatively and respectfully with others.

Benefits

• 21 days of paid time off plus 10 paid holidays.
• Paid training.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Health, dental, vision, life, STD, LTD, critical illness and accident insurance.
• 401(k) with a 3.5% company contribution after one year.

Education

• High School graduate/GED transcript and five years experience working directly with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
• OR
• Associate’s degree in a Human Services or related field and three years experience working directly with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
• OR
• Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services or related field and one year experience working directly with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

License / Certifications

Completed DHS‑approved Direct Support Person (DSP) training and inclusion on the Illinois Health Care Worker registry preferred.

Experience

Experience working with people requiring specialized behavioral and/or medical supports preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Requires significant walking and standing daily, with occasional running for short periods.
• Must be able to push, pull, reach, stoop and bend.
• Must be able to lift or move up to 50 lbs, with no physical or medical restrictions.
• Must be able to assist individuals with their physical needs and personal care, including a two‑person lift or transfer, with no physical or medical restrictions.
• Must be able to intervene physically using applied CPI techniques and/or restraints after training, with no physical or medical restrictions.

Equipment / Technology

• Using a PC computer and printer.
• Using household appliances competently and safely, such as stove, microwave, washer/dryer, vacuum.
• Using a phone and voicemail system.
• Using office equipment such as copy machines, calculators, shredder or fax machine.
• Using adaptive equipment as assigned, such as Hoyer lift, iPad, communication devices, scales, or other assistive devices.
• Using a walkie‑talkie or intercom system when assigned.

Other Requirements

• Minimum age requirement is 18 years old.
• Valid, unexpired Illinois driver’s license and good driving record as defined by AID’s driver eligibility requirements.
• Minimum liability insurance as defined by AID’s personnel policy.
• Ability to transport clients in agency and/or personal vehicle as assigned.
• Complete DHS‑approved Direct Support Person (DSP) training within 120 days of hire or have already completed DSP training and appears on the Health Care Worker Registry.
• Complete and maintain assigned trainings and certifications as required by program location, including but not limited to: CPR/FA, CPI, Positive Behavior Supports, AID’s Health Curriculum and others as assigned.
• Ability to complete job requirements with minimal supervision.
• Ability to provide crisis intervention when needed, and work as part of a team to support individuals with complex needs.
• Attend in‑service trainings as required.
• Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrate proficient computer skills.
• Good interpersonal skills, and maintain professional interaction with co‑workers and supervisory staff.

Join Our Team

If you align with our mission and values, we invite you to apply for this role and begin a fulfilling career where you can make a difference.