Direct Support Professional DSP Caregiver

Our mission at Lifelong Access is to connect individuals with developmental disabilities to their community by helping them break down barriers through a lifetime of meaningful supports. From birth to end of life, Lifelong Access provides a continuum of services and supports for families, children, teens, and adults including residential housing, vocational development, supported employment, high school transition, behavioral health counseling and services, and a wide variety of pediatric therapy supports. Guided by our Core Values, our team members have a strong drive and big hearts for improving the lives of others; a place where we support each other and the individuals who put their trust in us.

Lifelong Access is seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to work in our Supported Living program. DSPs provide the necessary supports and services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) where they live and work. Direct Service Professionals (DSPs) are an integral part of life in the community for individuals with IDD, working directly with individuals to provide support. DSPs will follow each individual’s Person Center Plan (PCP) and Implementation Strategy for all supports provided. DSPs provide assistance with services meant to increase independence and overall life fulfillment, such as daily living activities including personal care, household tasks, transportation, and skill building.

Pay: $18.35/hour (plus $0.50/hour pay increase once med authorization training is completed)
Job Type: Full time and part time opportunities available

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED 
• Desire to make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities, with relevant work and/or volunteering experience preferred
• Attention to detail, especially when adhering to specific protocols and rules while carefully following instructions to care for the needs of the individual supported 
• Must demonstrate a high level of Integrity to ensure individuals supported to feel safe, comfortable, and treated with dignity when tending to personal activities such as bathing assistance and toileting 
• Must demonstrate a high level of trustworthiness and reliability 
• Strong interpersonal skills when working with co-workers and supported individuals, including demonstrating compassion and sensitivity to a supported individual’s emotional needs when they are in extreme distress or pain 
• Must either possess CPR and First Aid certification or be willing and able to complete certification 
• Must be at least 18 years of age 
• Valid Illinois driver’s license with safe driving record 
• Current proof of automobile insurance 

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk; and sit. The employee will also frequently need to converse with adults – some who might be difficult to understand. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, bend, push, pull, reach, and walk for periods of time. Must occasionally be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and distance vision.

The working environment for this job is a changing one that adjusts to the needs of the individuals supported. The environment may at times be fast paced with interruptions, distractions, and deadlines. DSPs need to be flexible and be able to adjust to changing needs or activities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee may be asked to work evenings, weekends and/or holidays to accommodate the needs of individuals being supported.

Here are some of the benefits we will offer you:

• Supportive, positive, and friendly team environment
• Professional development, training, and advancement opportunities
• Flexible schedule options
• Comprehensive benefit plans
• Generous paid time off including vacation, personal time, and holidays

Lifelong Access is an Equal Opportunity Employer.