Part- time Direct Support Professional

SAVE, Inc. is seeking a compassionate, dependable Direct Support Professional (DSP) to join our Community Day Services (CDS) Program. This is a part-time position, with scheduled hours ranging from 20 to 32 hours per week, operating Monday through Friday, with shifts available from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and/or 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Under the supervision of a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP) and the Director of Day Services, the DSP provides direct care, supervision, and support to adults with developmental disabilities within a structured day-program environment.

This role is essential to promoting consumer safety, dignity, independence, and meaningful engagement. The DSP supports the implementation of individualized service plans, facilitates vocational and skill-building activities, and encourages community integration in alignment with each consumer’s goals and needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the health, safety, and rights of all consumers at all times
• Provide direct support based on each consumer’s Individual Service Plan, Implementation Strategy, and Behavior Plan
• Assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) including toileting, feeding, positioning, and personal care as needed
• Implement and document program goals, vocational tasks, and training objectives
• Accurately complete required documentation including:
• Data sheets
• Incident/accident reports
• Behavior tracking
• Seizure reports
• Attendance and drill documentation
• Supervise consumers during:
• Program activities
• Lunch and breaks
• Transportation
• Community outings and recreational activities
• Maintain a positive, respectful, and engaging environment
• Follow all behavior intervention plans using the least restrictive methods
• Communicate daily program needs, changes, or concerns to QIDPs or supervisors
• Assist with consumer transportation as needed (driving or supervision)
• Immediately report concerns related to abuse, neglect, or critical incidents in accordance with DHS and agency policy
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings as requested
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities preferred, but not required

Required Skills & Knowledge

• Understanding of person-centered services and consumer rights
• Ability to collect and maintain accurate documentation
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions under pressure
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid Illinois Driver’s License and auto insurance
• Current CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain)
• Direct Support Professional Certification

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and assist with transfers
• Ability to lift up to 50–75 lbs with or without reasonable accommodation
• Frequent use of hands and arms for documentation, assistance, and supervision
• Ability to assist consumers using wheelchairs or adaptive equipment

Work Environment (Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm)

• Community day program setting with frequent interaction with consumers and staff
• May involve exposure to bodily fluids and other unpleasant conditions
• Indoor and community-based activities

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities preferred, but not required

Required Skills & Knowledge

• Understanding of person-centered services and consumer rights
• Ability to collect and maintain accurate documentation
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions under pressure
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid Illinois Driver’s License and auto insurance
• Current CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain)
• Direct Support Professional Certification

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and assist with transfers
• Ability to lift up to 50–75 lbs with or without reasonable accommodation
• Frequent use of hands and arms for documentation, assistance, and supervision
• Ability to assist consumers using wheelchairs or adaptive equipment

Work Environment (Monday - Friday)

• Community day program setting with frequent interaction with consumers and staff
• May involve exposure to bodily fluids and other unpleasant conditions
• Indoor and community-based activities

Under the direct supervision of the QIDP and the indirect supervision of the Director of Day Services, the Community Day Service Direct Support Professional (CDS DSP) is responsible for providing direct care and supervision as well as ensure the safety of all consumers in the Community Day Service program.

The CDS DSP is responsible for working directly with program consumers and ensuring they receive all necessary care and supervision as outlined by the consumer’s Implementation Strategy, Personal Plan, Behavior Program, or any other documented plan, or as directed by a QIDP or Program Director. The CDS DSP is responsible for carrying out consumer schedules and is required to have an understanding of the needs of the consumers in his/her program/work area, (personalities, strengths, communication needs, objectives, behaviors).

The CDS DSP is responsible for the implementation of program goals and objectives as stated in the consumer’s Implementation Strategy, Personal Plan, or other annual plan. This includes the ongoing and accurate completion of program data sheets and other required documentation (accident/incident reports, seizure reports, behavior tracking, etc.) and ensuring those reports are completed and disseminated in a timely manner.

The CDS DSP is responsible for ensuring that all of the appropriate materials required to carry out programming/vocational activities are available in their work area. The CDS DSP will keep the QIDPs informed of daily changes in regards to program issues and needs. The CDS DSPs are responsible for maintaining a positive and engaging environment for the consumers that they support