Direct Support Professional (Springfield, IL)

Individual Advocacy Group; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Individual Advocacy Group in Springfield, IL seeks a dedicated care professional to support adults with developmental disabilities in living independently and with dignity. The role emphasizes individualized activity planning, daily living assistance, and community engagement, delivered through structured IS and BSP frameworks.

You will train and coach individuals in personal care, daily activities, mobility, and communication, while maintaining accurate records and collaborating with a

Qualifications

• Education and experience: High School Diploma or GED.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to follow procedures for instructional and support services.
• Record-keeping accuracy required.

Responsibilities

• Plans and implements creative classes, outings, and experiences for individuals attending the CIS program.
• Implements activities in accordance with daily routines, schedules, and individuals’ interests.
• Adapts activities to ensure all individuals can participate.
• Demonstrates knowledge of Implementation Strategies (IS) and Behavior Support Program (BSP).
• Trains, coaches, and assists individuals in personal hygiene and ADLs (bath, toileting, shaving).
• Trains, coaches, and assists individuals in dressing, eating, and cleaning up after meals.
• Trains, coaches, and assists individuals in completing chores (sweeping, dishes, tables).
• Trains, coaches, and assists individuals in communication skills.
• Trains, coaches, and assists individuals with mobility (walking, wheelchairs, canes).
• Trains, coaches, and assists individuals in appropriate interpersonal interactions.
• Uses instructional methods based on individual needs to increase independence.
• Reinforces proper behavior, communication, and interpersonal exchanges.
• Accompanies individuals to medical appointments and community activities.
• Performs health-related tasks including taking blood pressure, temperature, skin checks, positioning, medications.
• Communicates with coworkers, QIDP, behavior analyst, nurse, and supervisors.
• Completes required documentation accurately and on time.
• Attains competency or certification in first aid, CPR, Medication Administration and other skills.
• Substitutes for absent coworkers as directed.
• Performs other duties to ensure day-to-day home functioning.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Instructional methods

ADL assistance

Team coordination

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Position Summary

To achieve a community-integrated and enriched lifestyle based on values of individual self-worth, dignity, equality, and respect for adults with developmental disabilities.

To assist individuals in living their best lives and maintaining maximum independence.

Duties

• Plans and implements creative classes, outings, and experiences for individuals attending the CIS program.
• Implements activities, experiences, and/or leisure time activities in accordance with daily routines, written schedules, and individuals’ interests.
• Adapts activities to ensure all individuals can participate.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the Implementation Strategies (IS) and Behavior Support Program (BSP) of individuals.
• Trains, coaches, and assists individuals in personal hygiene and activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, toileting, shaving, etc.
• Trains, coaches, and assists individuals in dressing.
• Trains, coaches, and assists individuals in eating meals and clean-up.
• Trains, coaches, and assists individuals in completion of chores including sweeping, washing dishes, wiping tables, etc.
• Trains, coaches, and assists individuals in communication skills.
• Trains, coaches, and assists individuals with mobility, including development of walking and/or use of wheelchairs, walkers, canes, or other equipment.
• Trains, coaches, and assists individuals in appropriate interpersonal interactions in social situations.
• For all of the above, uses instructional methods based on individual needs and goals in order to increase individuals’ independent functioning.
• Reinforces proper behavior, communication, language, interpersonal exchanges, etc.
• Accompanies individuals on medical appointments, other appointments, and/or to community activities events.

• Performs health-related tasks including taking blood pressure, taking temperature, checking skin condition, positioning, administering medications, etc.

• Communicates with coworkers, Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP), behavior analyst, nurse, and supervisory personnel regarding individuals.
• Completes required documentation accurately and on time.

• Achieves competency or certification in first aid, CPR, Medication Administration and other required skills within prescribed timeframes.
• Substitutes for absent co-workers in performance of assigned duties with direction from supervisor.
• Performs miscellaneous duties as assigned by supervisor in order to ensure day-to-day functioning of the home.
• Submits required employee records on time.
• Attends all required trainings and meetings.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience: High School Diploma or GED.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must possess current automobile insurance.
• Must be over 25 to operate an agency vehicle.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Possess strong interpersonal skills for interactions with supervisors, coworkers, individuals, and outside personnel.
• Communicate effectively (verbally and in writing) with supervisor, coworkers, individual, and outside personnel.
• Follow procedures for delivery of instructional, training, and support services.
• Demonstrate knowledge and appropriate implementation of each designated individual’s needs, goals, interventions and supports.
• Complete required record-keeping with accuracy.
• Efficient use of time, materials, and human resources.

Physical Demands:

• May be required to lift or move objects or people.
• Must have visual, hearing, and learning capabilities sufficient to perform the essential functions defined above.

Environment and Scheduling:

• Work performed in a well-lit, confidential environment.
• Duties may involve contact with individuals who may be hostile, dangerous, threatening, aggressive and/or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Scheduled work hours are 8 hours shifts or as assigned, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.