Direct Support Specialist - Independent Living Advocate

Overview

Little Friends is an equal opportunity employer committed to service excellence. We offer competitive wages, extensive paid training and an excellent benefits package to qualifying employees - including vacation, paid sick leave, medical/dental/life insurance, retirement savings and more. The Direct Support Professional supports individuals with developmental disabilities to have a quality of life, promote the health, safety and well-being of individuals, and advocate for individuals in communicating their needs and goals.

We are looking for a capable direct support professional to care for our residents and encourage them to live independent, productive lives. The direct support professional will follow guidelines and specific instructions pertaining to individual residents  support, treatments, and care. You will assist with personal care needs, support the expression of spiritual beliefs, and encourage meaningful interactions between residents and the community.

You will be an advocate for the whole community with disabilities.

To be successful in this role you need to be mindful of residents  disabilities in an empathetic manner, yet care for them in a way that encourages their independence and inclusion in the community. Top candidates are empathetic, patient, and prudent.

• Establishing a secure, positive environment that nurtures the individuals  needs, self-expression, and goals.
• Overseeing the individuals we serve and taking care of their needs, and performing housekeeping duties as necessary
• Delivering individualized training and care for the individuals in compliance with healthcare professionals  instructions and other specific guidelines.
• Advancing individuals  decision-making, productivity, and participation in a range of activities.
• Promoting independence in daily activities, such as work, learning, and leisure.
• Facilitate individuals  inclusion in the community s experiences and activities.
• Maintaining knowledge of individuals' ISP requirements and needs
• Complying with Little Friends policies and procedures
• Maintaining documentation in compliance with company procedures.
• Operating facility s vehicles in compliance with company policies and governmental statutes
• Shopping for groceries and preparing meals that meet specific client dietary needs
• Encouraging client engagement in social networks and communities
• Other duties as required

• HS Diploma or GED
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must have valid IL driver s license, good driving record and able to transport clients in own vehicle.
• Must be able to pass pre-employment basic education test.
• Direct support: 1 year (Preferred)

• Direct support: 1 year (Preferred)

• HS Diploma or GED
• Must be able to pass pre-employment basic education test.

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

• 10 hour shift
• Full Time live-in weekend shifts
• 4 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• Night shift
• Overnight shift
• Overtime
• Weekend availability
• Weekends only

Naperville, IL

Ability to commute/relocate:
Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Salary: $22.00/hour