ENVISION UNLIMITED

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position: Lead Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Department: Community Living Services

Reports To: CILA Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Union Status: Union

Human Resources Review: 10/2026

Purpose:

Ensure that community living services are performed at a level that meets or exceeds client and Agency expectations. This position supports the goals and objectives of the CILA by providing direct service support and administrative coordination to the clients who reside in the CILA. Coordinate the scheduling of service activities to ensure timely execution of client appointments. Review reports to ensure adequate supply levels are maintained.

Summary

DSPs should be aware that people receiving supports may, at times, exhibit hostile or verbally aggressive behavior, including the use of profanity or language that may be offensive. A DSP must remain calm and professional, maintain appropriate boundaries, and respond in accordance with Agency-approved de-escalation, crisis prevention, behavior plan and safety procedures. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Qualifications:

A High School diploma, some college preferred plus several years of experience working with individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities in a residential setting. Must have proof of Direct Service Professional (DSP) training and pass TABE test.

Hold and maintain a valid Illinois driver’s license.

Distribute medications.

Be able to pass agency background checks required by state regulatory mandates for workers serving clients with developmental disabilities.

Some proficiency in using Microsoft Office or similar type applications.

Administrative Responsibilities:

This position has administrative responsibilities including assisting in coordinating activities like client appointments, vehicle reports, facility supplies, daily reports and on-the-job-training coordination for new hires.

Abilities:

Have the ability to take on administrative type work and accept responsibility for adherence to Agency guidelines and standard operating procedures.

Have an ability to handle multiple projects or work assignments simultaneously.

Communicate effectively with clients, co-workers and supervisors to maintain CILA and Agency standards that meet or exceed resident expectations.

Maintain and consistently coordinate Agency and CILA documentation standards for accuracy and timeliness.

Possess the physical strength necessary to respond to situations that may require an ability to intercede in client behavioral episodes.

Documentation:

Monitor daily menus and ensure purchasing and inventory of food and necessary supplies are maintained at adequate levels on the premises.

Monitor vehicle usage, condition, fuel, and mileage. Prepare reports to Program Director including accident documentation in a timely manner.

Perform as necessary any on-the-job-orientation for new hires.

Complete and insure the timeliness of all assigned documents and forms to include daily progress reports, Lead CLS shift reports, van log sheets, shift responsibilities checklist, custodial accounts and MAR sheets.

Handle weekly Paycard requests, household allowances and receipts.

Work closely with Program Director to ensure work schedules are prepared and that adequate employee coverage is maintained at the CILA.

Stay current with all Agency and regulatory requirements involving documentation and quality.

Clients:

Attend client staffing's, if possible.

Implement group and individual programs that promote growth and development of client behaviors leading to higher levels of independence.

Assist residents in preparation of daily schedules to include, performance of household chores, social activities and other meetings and appointments.

Assist clients with managing their allowances, completion of affidavits and receipts.

Monitor residents to ensure wellness and safety, respond appropriately to emergencies and enforce resident curfews as required.

Assist residents in taking medications in accordance with program plan requirements. Review facility medication administration records.

Evaluate and provide training to residents in daily living skills including, but not limited to: personal hygiene and grooming (which may include physically assisting individuals), housekeeping, laundry and clothing care, money management, budgeting and recreational and leisure activities.

Facility:

Implement evacuation and emergency drills and insure that drills are carried out according to schedule.

Report all known safety hazards and risks to the Program Director and make recommendations as needed to eliminate/reduce and prevent safety risks and harm to clients.

Secure doors and windows and have working knowledge of security alarms and other facility safety requirements.

Monitor maintenance of living facility to assure a clean and healthy environment for all individuals. Perform cleaning and household duties such as vacuuming, dusting, sweeping and mopping. Assist and monitor residents with daily bedroom maintenance. Shop for food in accordance with approved menus.

Attend staff meetings as necessary.

TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

As a condition of continued employment, you must complete all required training and certifications within the specified timelines. This includes:

• CPR and First Aid Certification (Must be completed by the date assigned by the Training Manager and renewed prior to the expiration date thereafter.)
• Safety Care Training (This training must be completed by your first day of employment and renewed annually, with each renewal completed within 365 days of the previous completion date.)
• OIG-Abuse/Neglect Training (Must be completed by your first day of employment and renewed annually thereafter.)
• Authorized for Medication Administration (You must become an Authorized Direct Support Professional (ADSP) within 150 days of hire).
• OJT Packet (This training must be completed within 120 days of the hire date for DPSs needing DSP certification (not on the HCWR at time of hire. Once completed employee will be added to DD Aide registry).
• HCWR DD Aide (You must be registered on the Healthcare Workforce Registry (HCWR) portal as a DD Aide within 120 days of hire.)
• Defensive Driving Training via Mineral (This training must be completed within 1 week of your hire date)
• Vehicle Use, Seat Belt and Transportation Safety Policy (Envision Unlimited reserves the right to review a driver’s Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) prior to authorization and periodically thereafter.
• Rule 50/Abuse and Neglect and Program Personnel Compliance trainings (This must be completed no later than the 1st day of work)
• DSP Training Courses via Infinitec (40-hour training, must be completed within 2 weeks of receipt; if applicable)

Annual Trainings (to be completed in Paylocity)

• Bystander Intervention Training
• Ant-Harassment and Sexual Harassment
• Rule 50 Abuse and Neglect
• Bloodborne Pathogens, Standard Precautions and Exposure Incidents
• Confidentiality and HIPAA
• DDD HCBS Waiver
• Defensive Driving
• Policy Reviews: QA105 - Identifying Allegations of Abuse, Neglect, Financial Exploitation, Death, or Serious Injuries of Adults, Harassment, Code of Ethics, QA102 - Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure, Vehicle Use Seat Belt and Transportation Safety Policy

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, physical requirements may include standing, walking, and sitting; seeing; hearing and listening; clear speech; dexterity and use of hands and fingers.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment described here is representative of that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. The work environment may include any or all the following: working alone; working with others, verbal contact with others, and face-to-face contact.

Envision Unlimited offers competitive salaries and a generous benefit package to our professionals:

• Blue Cross/Blue Shield Medical Coverage: HMO, PPO
• Dental and Vision Insurance Options
• Company paid Life and LTD Insurance
• Voluntary plans (Pet insurance, AD&D, Life, Critical Illness, Short Term Disability)
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Paid vacation, sick time and personal days
• 403B plan
• In house training and CEU’s
• Employee Assistance Network
• Support for pursuing clinical licensure (financial and time off)
• Opportunity for career growth & development

OTHER EXPECTATIONS

Employees shall respect the diversity of all individuals (e.g., clients, co-workers, stakeholders) and refrain from any form of discrimination and/or harassment based on religious, marital, ethnic, racial, gender, sexual orientation, or other differences. Employees share the responsibility of creating and maintaining a welcoming and supportive work environment.