ABOUT THE ROLE:  The Direct Support Professional will provide full-time support, training, and service coordination of the individuals served in our Residential Program.

SCHEDULE AND COMPENSATION:

• On-site position.
• Days and hours vary based on the needs of the department.
• Salary range $21.00 - $24.00/hour (non-exempt/hourly)
• Salary based on skills and experience
• Up to 6% annual bonus potential.
• 403b retirement plan with up to a 4% company match.

ABOUT US:  Helping Hand's mission is to transform the lives of all connected to Helping Hand through genuine care and education.  So that, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are equally valued in all communities!  Established in 1955, Helping Hand is proud to serve over 70 surrounding communities by providing accredited and licensed Adult Programs as well as an ISBE-approved non-public Therapeutic Day School. 

Helping Hand has been awarded "Best and Brightest Places to Work" for both Chicago and the Nation for 6 years in a row!  This award is a reflection of the incredible talent and commitment shown by our HH team members every day.

If you're ready to join our incredible team, apply today!

HELPING HAND PERKS:

• Traditional medical (BCBS of IL), dental, and vision insurance.
• Supplemental and voluntary benefit options available with employer-paid Group Life/AD&D, STD, and LTD.
• Team member appreciation events and recognition throughout the year
• Tuition reimbursement 
• Paid holidays
• Paid vacation
• Paid personal days after 1 year of service
• Accrued paid sick time
• Employee Assistance Programs

A TYPICAL DAY FOR YOU AT HH:

• Communicate all individual and client needs to supervisor including schedules, medical, behavioral, and family needs.
• Provide supervision to, and actively engage with individuals while training and supporting through individualized plans in daily living, community integration, leisure, and work skills either individually or in a group setting.
• Assist with ADL's (Activities of Daily Living), feeding, and toileting as per the individualized need of each person served.
• Assist with welcoming, monitoring, and transitioning of new clients into the program.
• Implement and document individual training objectives.
• Participate as a member of the individuals interdisciplinary team and attend team meetings as required.
• Complete all paperwork and required documentation in a timely manner.
• Assist in teaching, training, and supporting new team members on shift.
• Cohesively work with and support volunteers within the program setting.
• Set up programming in the most effective manner to maximize training potential.
• Perform household tasks as assigned including, but not limited to, dishwashing, cooking, laundry, mopping, etc.
• Monitor individuals throughout the shift, remaining awake and alert.
• Monitor and support individuals taking their medications, documenting accurately and promptly.
• Inventory medications and medical supplies, informing the nursing team of re-orders and error immediately.
• Implement activities and recreation per activity calendar.
• Other duties as assigned.

LAND THIS OPPORTUNITY BY HAVING:

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required.

Experience:

• Experience working with intellectual and developmental disability population (preferred).

Skill Sets:

• Ability to fulfill all necessary training requirements of the agency, including but not limited to, crisis management (including de-escalation strategies and physical management techniques) and DSP training within 90 days of hire if applicable.
• Proficient and comfortable with technology such as Microsoft Office, Teams, Zoom, etc.
• Strong problem-solving and time management skills.
• Sound organizational skills and the ability to multitask, prioritizing multiple urgencies as required.
• Strong interpersonal communications skills, both verbal and written.
• Must have valid driver's license with acceptable driving record and ongoing motor vehicle insurance.
• Must be able to meet all PACE certification requirements, if applicable.
• Must be able to safely drive individuals for various programming purposes as well as self-transport to work and site visits.
• Ability to promote and adhere to company values.
• A commitment to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The person in this position needs to occasionally move about to assist clients, access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. 
• The person in this position may encounter clients exhibiting physical aggression; must be comfortable working in periods of crisis and feel comfortable de-escalating individually or as a team.
• The ability to observe details at a close range (within a few feet of the observer). 
• Consistently position self to maintain files in file cabinets or assist clients/students. 
• The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand.  Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. 
• Flexibility to work at any assigned HH site.

Helping Hand welcomes diversity and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.