Residential Support Specialist / DSP

EP!C; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

EP!C in Peoria, IL is seeking a Residential Support Specialist to provide person-centered supports to individuals with IDD in a small 3-4 resident group home. The role emphasizes independence, health and safety, and community integration while ensuring compliance with DHS regulations and agency policies.

The position involves delivering structured programming, coaching staff, coordinating with a multidisciplinary team, and documenting care in electronic health records to support meaningful

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Complete CPR, First Aid, CPI training and maintain these certifications.
• DSP training per state regulations and maintain Health Care Worker’s Registry status.

Responsibilities

• Provide person-centered supports in a small 3-4 resident group home.
• Promote independence, community integration, health and safety.
• Ensure compliance with Illinois DHS regulations, agency policies, and accreditation standards.
• Support behavioral programming and document care in electronic health records.

Skills

Multi-tasking

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Ethical conduct

Communication skills

Staff coaching/training

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

MISSON, VISION & VAULES

Support the agency’s mission, vision, values, and strategic plan philosophy

Brief Description

MISSON, VISION & VAULES

Support the agency’s mission, vision, values, and strategic plan philosophy

Manage all responsibilities based on the agency's mission, using individual choice, and all appropriate policies, procedures, and regulations.

Conduct oneself in a way that reflects the highest standards of professional courtesy and ethical practices to people served, staff, guardians, families, and all outside contacts

The Residential Support Specialist is responsible for providing person-centered supports and services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in a small (3-4 people) group home setting for people with higher behavioral support needs. This position promotes independence, community integration, health, and safety while ensuring compliance with all applicable Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Developmental Disabilities regulations, agency policies, and accreditation standards.

Requirements

Education/Experience Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Successfully complete CPR, First Aid, Infection Control, and Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training and maintain these certifications.
• Must complete DSP training in accordance with the state regulations and maintain acceptable status on the Health Care Worker’s Registry under the Healthcare Worker’s Background Check Act.
• Must obtain/maintain standing as an Authorized Direct Support Person for medication administration.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and automobile insurance.
• Have access to an automobile
• Have access to a telephone
• Must be able to perform CPR/First Aid
• Must be able to pass the criminal background check.

Competency Requirements

• Ability to multi-task.
• Effective time management skills.
• Professional interpersonal skills.
• Strong business acumen.
• Strong ethical conduct.
• Must communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to perform and maintain certification in CPR, First Aid, CPI, Diet and Nutrition, and Medication authorization.
• Must possess emotional stability to handle stressful situations on a regular basis.
• Working knowledge of the principles of Person-Centered Planning and the Council of Quality Leadership (CQL).

Physical Requirements

• Frequent walking and sitting.
• Regular reaching, grasping, and standing.
• Must be able to assist in the evacuation of residents in emergencies.
• Other physical activities related to an office environment.
• Operates general office equipment, including multi-line phone, fax machine, printer, copier, and personal computer.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.

Summary

This position serves individuals with complex behavioral, psychiatric, trauma-related, and support needs requiring specialized staffing, structured programming, and enhanced supervision. The Residential Support Specialist plays a critical role in maintaining a safe, therapeutic, and person-centered environment while implementing behavior support plans. While the role provides direct support to people, approximately 40% of staff time is dedicated to support of behavioral programming, staff coaching and training, clinical coordination as part of a multidisciplinary team, assuring meaningful activities and promoting best outcomes, and electronic health records documentation.