Direct Support Professional

Welcome to your opportunity to change the world! If you have a servant’s heart and want to be part of something truly special, then Caritas Family Solutions needs you. We have been serving the people of Illinois since 1947 and have over 500 committed and mission-driven team members. At Caritas, we do not hire people for jobs, we find new team members for rewarding and life-changing careers that make the world better. 

 If you are kind, patient, and ready to make a difference, we would love to meet you!
 

Full-time employees are offered the competitive benefits outlined below:

• Generous Paid Time Off
• Paid training
• Health Insurance
• Dental and Vision
• Life insurance
• 403(b) with company contribution 5%
• Tuition reimbursement

We know great candidates bring a wide range of experience. If you believe you can be successful in this role, we encourage you to apply — even if you don’t meet every qualification listed.  

Job Title: Direct Support Professional

Status: Nonexempt (hourly - on call as needed)

Reports To: Residential Supervisor

Starting Compensation Pay: $18.35/hr

Purpose: The DSP provides daily living support to individuals with developmental disabilities helping them gain and maintain independence.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist residents with all aspects of home living, including but not limited to: cooking, cleaning, personal development, taking medications, recreational activities.
• Ensure resident medication needs are met by monitoring and documenting medication regimen. Bring any health issues to supervisor's attention
• Provide excellent customer service to residents and families and maintain positive relationships and lines of communication.
• Assists residents with making monetary purchases/exchanges.
• Works with residents in the community in order to assist residents in utilizing resources and developing natural supports.
• Provide training and guidance to residents to support reaching individual goals
• Provide direct personal care or oversight as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Please note that the Responsibilities and Qualifications provide a general overview of the primary duties for this role and the basic qualifications. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.   

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIRED/PREFERRED:

Degree/Field Required: High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Additional Fields of Knowledge Important for the Role: 

• Developmental disabilities and related support needs
• Person-centered care and support practices
• Residential care services and community living supports
• Health, safety, and emergency response procedures
• Documentation and recordkeeping requirements
• Client rights, dignity, and confidentiality standards

Experience Preferred:  Experience working in a residential setting with individuals with developmental disabilities

Licenses/Certifications Preferred: Ability to successfully complete required DSP training and certifications

SKILLS REQUIRED

Manager-Specific: N/A   

Basic: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret simple instructions, short correspondence, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and memos. Ability to document services and write notes in a prescribed format. Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and percentages. Ability to use Microsoft Office applications and enter data accurately into databases.

Social: Ability to communicate effectively with clients, families, coworkers, supervisors, and community members. Ability to respond appropriately to inquiries and concerns while maintaining professionalism and respect. Ability to build positive relationships and provide supportive services to individuals with developmental disabilities.

Problem Solving/Decision-Making: Ability to solve practical problems involving a variety of concrete variables in situations with limited standardization. Ability to exercise sound judgment, interpret instructions provided in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form, and respond appropriately to client needs and changing situations.

Resource Management: Ability to organize assigned responsibilities, maintain documentation, support client activities, manage time effectively, and utilize available resources to ensure quality services and client well-being.     

Technical: Ability to maintain required documentation, complete data entry tasks, use Microsoft Office applications, access agency databases, and follow established reporting and recordkeeping procedures.         

Trauma-Informed:  Must display a willingness to adopt trauma-informed interventions, principles, and practices and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development in trauma-informed care. Recognizes the impact of trauma on individuals, families, staff, and communities and applies trauma-informed principles in all interactions and service delivery.

Proficient Computer Skills In: Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, database management software

Expert Computer Skills In: N/A 

VEHICLE RELATED REQUIREMENTS: 

Access to reliable transportation: Required.

Access to a reliable automobile: Required. 

Proof of continued auto insurance: Required.

Valid driver’s license: Required.

DRUG-FREE WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Caritas Family Solutions is dedicated to maintaining a safe, healthy, and productive environment for our clients and employees. As part of this, a strict drug-free workplace policy is maintained.