Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Glenkirk; Northbrook (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Glenkirk is seeking a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in Illinois to work in direct care with adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, registered with IDHS. The role emphasizes teaching daily living skills, advocacy, and ongoing support to promote independence during community activities and programs.

Responsibilities include implementing care plans, maintaining accurate documentation, and supporting individuals in daily routines, transportation, and safety procedures.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; 18+ years old.
• Experience in human services preferred.
• Willingness to work with individuals with developmental disabilities and provide daily living support.

Responsibilities

• Assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) including hygiene, meal prep, and safe medication practices.
• Maintain clean, safe work environment and adhere to safety drills and cleanliness standards.
• Implement assigned programs and activities to promote independence and IS outcomes.
• Document IS implementation through logs, progress notes, and incident reports.
• Assist with transportation as needed and operate vehicles safely.

Skills

ADL support

Documentation

Safety training

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Hoyer lift

Gait belt

Job description

JOB TITLE: Direct Support Professional (DSP)

JOB STATUS: Non-exempt (hourly)

BASIC FUNCTION: Works in a direct care capacity with adults diagnosed with developmental and intellectual disabilities to teach daily living skills as a certified Direct Support Professional (DSP) registered with Illinois’ Department of Human Services (IDHS).

SCOPE: Provides direct care to and promotes independence of individuals served in all areas of community life through ongoing advocacy, support, active treatment, teaching, and training.

JOB DUTIES

• Participates in implementing basic care needs of individuals served, including all activities of daily living(ADLs), e.g. hygiene, medication administration, meal preparation/cooking, etc.;
• Maintains a clean, orderly, and safe work environment at all times by following daily and weekly cleaning/care of environment tasks and participating in regulatory life safety practices (i.e. safety drills);
• Ensures active treatment is being provided on a daily basis through implementing assigned curriculum/activity schedules to help individuals achieve their Implementation Strategy (IS) outcomes and objectives (i.e. planning/coordinating community integration activities; following Glidepath Curriculum/Day Program curriculum, etc.);
• Properly documents the implementation of each individual’s IS by completing outcome tracking, daily logs, progress notes, behavior tracking, incident reports, 1:1 logs, daily attendance sheets.
• Operates and maintains the cleanliness of Glenkirk vehicles and completes necessary paperwork associated with vehicle trips. Demonstrates the ability use vehicle tie downs and lifts, as needed.
• Maintain certification in required trainings;
• Maintain regular and consistent work attendance;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: High school diploma or equivalent; valid Illinois driver's license (meet and maintain driver eligibility). Must be 18 years old or older.

Experience: Some experience in the human services field is preferred.

Knowledge: Working with individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities is preferred.

Physical Requirements: Able to lift 44lbs; able to lift and move non- & semi-ambulatory individuals with the assistance of mechanical devices (i.e. Hoyer lift, gait belt, etc.); able to assist individuals on/off the bus/van; able to move boxes and/or furniture for cleaning, climb ladder or step stool as required. Able to be trained in and implement all modules of Safety Care crisis intervention training.