Direct Support Professional; DSP​/CNA -Aurora, IL

Direct Support Professional (DSP/CNA) - Aurora, IL

Association for Individual Development is a non‑profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with physical, developmental, intellectual, mental health challenges, trauma survivors, and those at risk to live lives of dignity and purpose.

Sign‑On Bonus: $1,000
Schedule: Sun 8 am–8 pm; M, Tu, Thu, Fri 3 pm–10 pm

The DSP supports the implementation of each client’s Individualized Strategies under the guidance of a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional.

Key responsibilities include:

• Maintaining a team approach with clients, staff and external agencies.
• Implementing programs from the Individual Plan or Implementation Strategy and documenting per procedures.
• Planning and preparing meals following dietitian‑written menus and client input, ensuring dietary requirements are met.
• Attending to clients’ self‑care needs such as toileting, changing garments, bathing, grooming and cleaning adaptive equipment.
• Obtaining and maintaining medication administration authorization, attending annual training and ensuring medication safety.
• Ensuring safe conditions inside and outside the home, reporting safety concerns, managing maintenance requests and conducting safety drills.
• Maintaining a clean and sanitary environment on a daily basis.
• Responding to emergency situations in line with agency policies.
• Providing transportation for clients in personal or agency vehicles for work, appointments, shopping or social events.
• Monitoring clients’ medical conditions and communicating information to medical appointments.
• Attending all scheduled meetings, shifts and trainings.
• Assisting in training new staff and participating in planning and implementation of community and in‑house activities.
• Facilitating client input meetings and HOME and Community‑Based Settings Rules training activities.
• Executing job responsibilities with minimal supervision and ensuring excellent attendance and punctuality.
• Performing independent building coverage and safety supervision as required.
• Completing required training to meet licensing and program requirements.
• Maintaining written documentation for licensing and program mandates.
• Applying understanding of HOME and Community‑Based Settings Rules in all interactions.
• Familiarity with applicable regulations (CARF, DMH, DHS, DPH, etc.).

• $1,000 sign‑on bonus
• 21 days paid time off plus 10 paid holidays
• Paid training
• Tuition reimbursement
• Health, dental, vision, life, STD, LTD, critical illness and accident insurance
• 401(k) with a 3.5% company contribution after one year

• High School Diploma or GED (required)

• CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) or Autism Certificate desired

• Preferred experience working with developmentally disabled adults

• Climb stairs daily, push/pull, reach, stoop/bend, use step stool daily
• Perform daily housekeeping tasks and assist clients in independent living skills
• Assist clients in situations such as entering a van, bathtub, shower, bed regularly
• Implement behavior support strategies and respond to emergencies
• Walk and stand significantly on a daily basis
• Lift or move up to 50 pounds (two‑person lift or adaptive equipment)

• Computer and software:
  Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams, Zoom, Share Point
• Household appliances: stove, microwave, washer/dryer, dishwasher, counter top appliances
• Alarm systems, telephone, voicemail, office equipment (printer, scanner, copier, etc.)
• Adaptive equipment: hoyer lift, shower chairs, walkers, wheelchairs, etc.
• Agency vehicles with or without wheelchair lifts

• Pass S‑TOFHLA literacy test
• Complete DSP and medication administration training (CPR, First Aid, Infection Control, OIG Rule 50, CPI)
• Maintain medication authorization following policies
• Evening, weekend, overnight, and holiday hours required; schedule subject to change
• Valid Illinois driver’s license; maintain IDOT approved driver status
• Use personal automobile for client transport when necessary, meet minimum liability insurance requirements
• Have personal cell phone with secure messaging apps
• At least 18 years old
• Work scheduled hours at various locations as needed

• Seniority Level: Entry level
• Employment Type: Full‑time
• Industry: Non‑profit Organizations
• Job Function: Other

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Association for Individual Development by 2×.