Lead Direct Support Specialist — Empower Independence

KESHET; Highland Park (IL); On-site; USD 44,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Affordable healthcare plans

Dental

Vision

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

Life insurance

401k with employer matching

Holiday Pay

Paid Sick Time

PTO

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Keshet in Highland Park, IL seeks a Lead DSP to supervise a DSP team, provide direct support to individuals with disabilities, and manage administrative duties within the My Life program. The role requires leadership, strong communication, and a commitment to person-centered care.

Responsibilities include mentoring staff, training, documentation, and collaboration with an interdisciplinary team. Weekend on-call and driving responsibilities may apply.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma, GED, or College Degree
• Must read at an 8th-grade level and pass STOFHLA
• Must be at least 21 years old
• Experience in health care or human services with intellectual/developmental disabilities required
• Must complete DSP training within 120 calendar days of hire; Keshet transfer DSP training if already a DSP
• Must complete First Aid and CPR certification
• Must complete medication administration training
• Valid driver's license
• Computer literacy (Internet, Word, Outlook)
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Able to multitask and work in a team
• Ethical behavior and respectful interactions

Responsibilities

• Provide team leadership to DSPs and ensure adherence to care plans and policies
• Mentor DSPs, facilitate professional development and a positive team culture
• Train new hires on job duties, safety protocols, behavioral management and person-centered care
• Evaluate staff performance and provide feedback to management
• Coordinate communication between DSPs and management
• Be on-call at least two weekends per month
• Provide direct support to individuals with disabilities in daily activities
• Assist with personal hygiene, meal planning, household tasks, and community activities
• Administer medication and document in EMR system
• Complete documentation and data collection by end of shift
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and external stakeholders
• Provide safe transportation and adhere to safety guidelines
• Complete required administrative duties and scheduling
• Advocate for rights of individuals and engage with families and community

Job description

Keshet in Highland Park, IL seeks a Lead DSP to supervise a DSP team, provide direct support to individuals with disabilities, and manage administrative duties within the My Life program. The role requires leadership, strong communication, and a commitment to person-centered care.

Responsibilities include mentoring staff, training, documentation, and collaboration with an interdisciplinary team. Weekend on-call and driving responsibilities may apply.