Lead Direct Support Professional

Ada S. McKinley Community Services, Inc; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 27,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Paid Sick Time

12 Paid Holidays

Medical

Dental

Vision

403(b) Plan

Life Insurance

Long-term & short-term disability

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Family medical leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Ada S. McKinley Community Services, Inc. is seeking a Lead DSP in Chicago, IL for a full-time shift role. The Lead DSP serves as on-shift team lead, guiding other DSPs and handling responsibilities such as medication administration, documentation, and incident reporting.

Requirements include a High School diploma, DSP training, TABE test, valid Illinois driver’s license, and 1–2 years of DSP/CNA experience. The role emphasizes collaboration, integrity, and adherence to regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• High School diploma and Direct Service Professional (DSP) training.
• Able to pass TABE assessment and background checks.
• Valid Illinois driver's license and medication administration ability.

Responsibilities

• Monitor vehicle usage and prepare reports for the home manager.
• Ensure timely completion of daily progress and MAR documents.
• Administer 4 PM and 8 PM medications per rules.
• Complete weekly MAR reviews and report outcomes to supervisor.
• Assist with weekly food purchases and resident schedules.
• Complete incident reports on shift.
• Take water temperatures and call on-call personnel as needed.
• Maintain clean and safe living environments.

Skills

Cultural sensitivity

Client resources coordination

Team coordination

Evidence-based practices

Engagement strategies

Boundary setting

Documentation skills

Community setting experience

Organizing

Motivational interviewing

Family systems

Education

High School diploma

DSP training

TABE test

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

• Fulltime Role

Position Summary

The Lead DSP position is the team lead while on shift, ensuring services are met. The Lead DSP will provide guidance to other DSPs (non-supervisory guidance) and be required for specific responsibilities during their shift to include, but not limited to, administering medication, monitoring and ordering supplies, ensuring documentation is complete, writing incident reports as needed.

Reporting Relationship

Reports To Home Manager-ECSS

Supervises (Position Title)

None

Principal Duties/Responsibilities

• Monitor Vehicle usage, condition, fuel, and mileage. Prepare reports for accidents to the home manager and the program coordinator and document them on time.
• Ensure the timeliness of all assigned documents and forms, including daily progress reports, van log sheets, shift responsibilities checklist, and MAR sheets, are in the home.
• Administer 4 PM and 8 PM medications per Rule 116 requirements.
• Complete weekly MAR review and report all necessary review outcomes to the home manager and the assigned home nurse as appropriate.
• Assist the home manager with weekly food purchases for the home.
• Assist residents in preparing daily schedules, including household chores, social activities, and other meetings and appointments.
• Complete all necessary incident reports on shift.
• Take and document water temperatures of all water-producing faucets.
• Call on-call personnel as needed.
• Ensure that all living environments are well-kept.

Employee is not assigned any supervisory responsibility of other DSPs.

Education

High School diploma, experience working with individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities in a community living setting. Must have proof of Direct Service Professional (DSP) training and pass the TABE test.

• Hold and maintain a valid Illinois driver’s license.
• Must be able to administer medications.
• Be able to pass agency background checks required by state regulatory mandates for workers serving clients with developmental disabilities.
• Some proficiency in using Microsoft Office or similar type applications

Experience

Requires 1 to 2 years of DSP / CNA / Caregiver is required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (K/S/A)

• This position requires the individual demonstrate the experiences, beliefs, attitude and awareness that indicate cultural sensitivity to the client population served.
• This position requires the individual possess the ability to partner with clients individually and/or in family to help them mobilize resources and build resilience.
• This position requires the individual possess the ability to coordinate effectively with other team members, other agency resources and outside services in addressing client needs.
• This position requires the individual possess an understanding of evidence-informed practices, engagement strategies, boundary setting, concurrent documentation, working in a community setting, organizing, motivational interviewing, and family systems.

Compensation

• Fulltime Role
• $24 hourly

Benefits

• Paid vacation
• Paid Sick Time
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 403(b) Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-term & short-term disability
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Family medical leave
• Tuition reimbursement

Benefit options and eligibility vary by Fulltime and Part-time positions. Compensation within the posted salary range varies based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, and performance at the time of the offer.

Mental/Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is subject to sitting, walking, and standing for prolonged periods; frequently grasps, lifts, holds, or feels objects; occasionally stoops, kneels, crouches, or crawls. The employee frequently is required to use manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination when working with persons served and handling office, medical, or household equipment. The employee is subject to assist and support up to 50 pounds with varying amounts of assistance on a reoccurring basis. The employee is required to have corrected vision and hearing within normal range and the ability to operate a motor vehicle. Must have the ability to perform CPR and First Aid.

Environmental Conditions

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Work is performed in an office or classroom environment.