Lead Direct Support Professional (Lead DSP)

Envision Unlimited; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Envision Unlimited in Chicago seeks a Direct Service Professional–level coordinator to support residents in a community living setting. The role emphasizes direct service, medication assistance, documentation, and administrative coordination for timely client activities.

The position requires a high school diploma, DSP training, TABE testing, and a valid Illinois driver’s license, with preferred college exposure and strong Microsoft Office skills.

Qualifications

• High School diploma required; some college preferred.
• Direct Service Professional (DSP) training required.
• Must pass TABE test.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license required.
• Experience with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Administer coordination of client appointments and activities.
• Prepare and review daily/shift reports and documentation.
• Monitor medications and ensure medication administration records are accurate.
• Maintain supply inventories and purchase food and necessary items.
• Coordinate scheduling and onboarding for new staff.
• Assist residents with daily living skills and routines.
• Ensure safety, cleanliness, and compliance with agency standards.
• Communicate effectively with clients, coworkers, and supervisors.

Skills

Direct Service Professional training

TABE test

Illinois driver's license

Medication administration

Microsoft Office

Administrative coordination

Effective communication

Documentation & reporting

Emergency response

Daily living skills training

Education

High School diploma

Some college

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Purpose:

Ensure that community living services are performed at a level that meets or exceeds client and Agency expectations. This position supports the goals and objectives of the CILA by providing direct service support and administrative coordination to the clients who reside in the CILA. Coordinate the scheduling of service activities to ensure timely execution of client appointments. Review reports to ensure adequate supply levels are maintained.

Qualifications:

A High School diploma, some college preferred plus several years of experience working with individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities in a residential setting. Must have proof of Direct Service Professional (DSP) training and pass TABE test.

Hold and maintain a valid Illinois driver’s license.

Distribute 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.

Requirements

Administrative Responsibilities:

This position has administrative responsibilities including assisting in coordinating activities like client appointments, vehicle reports, facility supplies, daily reports and on-the-job-training coordination for new hires.

Abilities:

Have the ability to take on administrative type work and accept responsibility for adherence to Agency guidelines and standard operating procedures.

Have an ability to handle multiple projects or work assignments simultaneously.

Communicate effectively with clients, co-workers and supervisors to maintain CILA and Agency standards that meet or exceed resident expectations.

Maintain and consistently coordinate Agency and CILA documentation standards for accuracy and timeliness.

Possess the physical strength necessary to respond to situations that may require an ability to intercede in client behavioral episodes.

Documentation:

Monitor daily menus and ensure purchasing and inventory of food and necessary supplies are maintained at adequate levels on the premises.

Monitor vehicle usage, condition, fuel, and mileage. Prepare reports to Program Director including accident documentation in a timely manner.

Perform as necessary any on-the-job-orientation for new hires.

Complete and insure the timeliness of all assigned documents and forms to include daily progress reports, Lead CLS shift reports, van log sheets, shift responsibilities checklist, custodial accounts and MAR sheets.

Handle weekly Paycard requests, household allowances and receipts.

Work closely with Program Director to ensure work schedules are prepared and that adequate employee coverage is maintained at the CILA.

Stay current with all Agency and regulatory requirements involving documentation and quality.

Clients:

Attend client staffing’s, if possible.

Implement group and individual programs that promote growth and development of client behaviors leading to higher levels of independence.

Assist residents in preparation of daily schedules to include, performance of household chores, social activities and other meetings and appointments.

Assist clients with managing their allowances, completion of affidavits and receipts.

Monitor residents to ensure wellness and safety, respond appropriately to emergencies and enforce resident curfews as required.

Assist residents in taking medications in accordance with program plan requirements. Review facility medication administration records.

Evaluate and provide training to residents in daily living skills including, but not limited to: personal hygiene and grooming (which may include physically assisting individuals), housekeeping, laundry and clothing care, money management, budgeting and recreational and leisure activities.

Facility:

Implement evacuation and emergency drills and insure that drills are carried out according to schedule.

Report all known safety hazards and risks to the Program Director and make recommendations as needed to eliminate/reduce and prevent safety risks and harm to clients.

Secure doors and windows and have working knowledge of security alarms and other facility safety requirements.

Monitor maintenance of living facility to assure a clean and healthy environment for all individuals. Perform cleaning and household duties such as vacuuming, dusting, sweeping and mopping. Assist and monitor residents with daily bedroom maintenance. Shop for food in accordance with approved menus.

Attend staff meetings as necessary.