Residential Direct Support Professional

Are you looking for meaningful experience supporting adults with disabilities? Keshet is seeking caring, energetic individuals who have a passion for helping adults lead meaningful, independent lives within their communities. We have several Direct Service Professionals (DSP) openings in Keshet’s Adult Services, a community-base program. Flexible Hours. Opportunities in Highland Park. Benefits for eligible employees. Free on the job training!

POSTION SUMMARY: The Direct Support Professional is responsible for delivering direct services to adults in Keshet’s Adult Services Program in a manner that respects the person's needs as well as enhances their independence and dignity within their environment and community. These services provide opportunities to experience a meaningful life while also promoting independence and respecting choice. Keshet’s core values are the driving force behind the culture and impact of this organization and consist of positivity, patience, integrity, communication, respect and teamwork.

HOURS: Full and Part Time positions available. 2nd Shift 2:00-9:00pm, 3rd Shift 9pm-9am, and various weekend schedules.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist individuals with food prep, personal health and hygiene needs, banking, laundry, grocery shopping, purchasing of personal items and clothing, housekeeping, personal hygiene, recreation and other appropriate skills related to increased independent living and life skills while maintaining their privacy and dignity.
• Aid, support, and supervision in the learning of residential skills including cooking, menu planning, banking, laundry, grocery shopping, purchasing of personal items and clothing, housekeeping, personal hygiene, recreation and other appropriate skills related to increased independent living and life skills
• Teach, mentor and help develop continued growth in daily living skills according to goals
• Participate in tracking progress towards Personal Plan outcomes and ensure this is recorded timely, consistent, and accurately. Be their champion!
• Provide information, reports and updates to parents or guardians on their resident on a weekly or bi-weekly basis
• Contribute towards providing a stable environment that promotes respect and dignity, individual choice and input, and health and safety at all times.
• Assist residents in the planning of and participation in social, recreational and educational activities, both within the My Life facility and the greater community.
• Maintain an environment in which relationships may develop and in which men and women are actively helped with problems and concerns
• Apply interventions and use techniques learned during Keshet training in emergency and/or crisis situations.
• Participate in monthly staff meetings and other staff in services as scheduled.
• Maintain consistency in all areas by continuing good communication systems with other staff by reading log books, administrative memos, staff meeting minutes
• Light housekeeping of the common areas
• Be reliable and punctual in reporting for scheduled work.
• Be respectful and follow Jewish culture and guidelines set forth in the personnel manual.
• Complete DSP required training- CPR, First Aid, Safety Care, Rule 50, Fire Safety, Bloodborne Pathogens and continuing professional development assigned by Program Managers or Directors.
• Adhere to Keshet policies and procedures outlined in the policy manual, Employee Handbook, and other employee policies.
• Other job duties as assigned

Physical Demands/Working Conditions
Requires concentrated visual and auditory attention; requires frequent standing and walking; lifting and transferring individuals, carrying, reaching, pushing, and pulling; ability to work in environments that could include changes in temperature/humidity, dust, odors, noise, various allergens (both chemical and food related) etc.; ability to work with individuals with disabilities, a variety of illnesses, and medical conditions; working indoors, outdoors, and in vehicles; works around and with others, and alone; may have to walk on slippery and /or uneven walking surfaces; expected to assist individuals receiving services with entering and exiting the vehicle, toileting, cleaning, bathing, cooking and other basic life skills.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Ability to relate to individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with others.
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 21 years old
• Valid Driver’s License and safe driving record
• Ability to relate to individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with others.
• Self-directed but willing to work in a team orientation setting.
• Understands and demonstrates ethical behavior and practices.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Patient, reliable, compassionate, able to work independently, and adaptable.
• Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Good problem-solving skill
• Ability to prepare written reports using proper punctuation, spelling and grammar.
• Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Problem Solving assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.
• Adaptability demonstrate a willingness to be flexible, versatile and/or tolerant in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Exceptional teaching and organizational skills.
• Be respectful and follow Jewish culture and guidelines set forth in personnel manual.
• Proficient computer skills (e.g. email, word processing, basic data entry).
• Ability to represent program participants and program services in a professional manner.
• Physically assist people to perform various tasks (e.g. mobility, daily living skills).
• Physically assist people to perform various tasks
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 25 lbs.

PREFERRED:

• Experience with people with disabilities in the community or in a relevant field
• DSP or CNA training and experience a plus!
• CPR and First Aid Certification *Will provide FREE training if not already certified

KESHET BENEFITS: Eligible employees are offered a full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, voluntary life, short and long-term disability plans, a 401k with company match.