Direct Support Professional-Afternoon shift

The purpose of this position is to provide direct assistance and supervision with all activities of daily living to individuals in accordance with the mission and philosophy of Covenant Ability Network; standard procedures of good care and safety; established state and federal regulations affecting individuals with developmental disabilities served. 

The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against any qualified individual with a disability. To be qualified for this position an individual must meet the following standards and be able to perform the essential functions of the job:

• Individual must be 18 years old


• Must be legally eligible to work in the United States


• Must have a High school diploma or G.E.D


• Must have a valid Illinois driver's license with a good driving record to maintain insurability in accordance with MVR. Must be at least 21 years of age to provide transportation to individuals served.


• Must pass an Illinois state background check (C.A.N. T’s, Registry, State) with no disqualifying conditions.


• Must pass pre-employment physical and drug test within 3 days of contingent offer of employment.


• Must pass TB test within 30 days of employment.


• Must be able to pass the TABE test at 80%.


• Must be DSP certified within 120 days.


• Must read or write English to maintain proper and general records.


• Must communicate clearly in English with residents and co-workers.


• Must be able to complete all state-required training, including annual training requirements, within mandated timelines.

Skills Required:

• Must be able to communicate clearly in writing and orally to employees, individuals, families, health care, and mental health providers.


• Must be able to work without direct supervision, make decisions based on CANIL policies and procedures and demonstrate reasonable judgment.


• Must be able to work as an effective team member with all colleagues and promote harmonious relations across shifts.


• Must posse strong problem-solving skills.


• Must be able to follow written and verbal instructions.


• Must be able to accurately and prior to the end of each shift complete daily documentation which may include but is not limited to data collection, incident report, medication administration records, narrative descriptions on health, and daily events.


• Must be dependable, respond to management direction, and must be able to improve performance through management feedback.


• When representing CANIL establish and maintain positive working relationships with individuals served, team members, healthcare providers, neighbors, and vendors.

The Direct Support Professional has the following responsibilities:  

1. Ensures the safety, comfort, and well-being of individuals served.


2. Follows all data practices and confidentiality requirements.


3. Provides according to their plan the care and support necessary for activities of daily living. This includes, but is not limited to bathing, dressing, personal grooming, laundry, bed making, and maintaining personal space in a clean and orderly manner.


4. Provides and assists individuals with social experiences, community inclusion, and spiritual expression. 


5. Assists in meal and snack preparation in accordance with individual’s diet orders. Promotes independence as individuals participate in meal preparation and related tasks. Prepare meals and snacks in the absence of the Food Service Manager.


6. Provide a clean and safe living environment for all individuals and report needed maintenance and equipment in need of a repair immediately.


7. Maintain a clean and safe working environment for all employees and report needed maintenance. Keep vehicles clean and report known or suspected poorly operating vehicles and accidents immediately.


8. Provide and explore with individuals’ meaningful ways to spend their time in social, recreational, spiritual, and civic activities.


9. Implement all plans related to each individual’s health care and diet, safety, hygiene, self-help skills, communication and socialization abilities, money management, medication administration, leisure and recreation, self-advocacy, behavior management, and domestic skills.


10. Complete all documentation prior to the end of shift.  This may include but is not limited to: goals, data collection, general progress, activity involvement, administration of medication, and incident reports.


11. After successful completion of Medication Administration training, be responsible for the administration of medication and documentation.  


12. Maintain a clean, sanitary, and pleasant personal appearance for effective role modeling to the residents. Follow the dress code as stated in the Employee Handbook.


13. Attend scheduled meetings as scheduled and ongoing required in-service training for continued staff development and skill acquisition.


14.  As directed by the Coordinator, provide input on the individual’s progress and interdisciplinary program planning. 


15. In coordination with the Coordinator, will develop a monthly activity calendar based on individual interests and within budget.


16. Safely operate the vehicle when transporting residents to and from work, on activities, on routine appointments, and whenever ever operating a vehicle during work time.


17. Have pleasant and cooperative interactions with each individual, their family members, visitors to the facility, co-workers, supervisors, neighbors, and vendors.


18. Provide supervision to each individual according to their plan, consistently involving them in activities and establishing routines.


19.  As directed by the Coordinator assist with the admission, orientation, discharge, and transfer of individuals from CANIL services.


20. Plan and ensure that individual personal needs are met through the availability of adequate services, money, supplies, and shopping opportunities on an ongoing basis.  


21. Perform other duties applicable to the individuals and CANIL needs as assigned.


22. Assist in documentation of monthly home inspections as required. Report all needed maintenance.


23. Conducts drills (fire drills, tornado, severe weather, disaster drills)


24. Provide support in monthly data documentation and collection. Ensuring that materials are replenished monthly in CILA binders and as needed.