Life Consultant (Case Manager) - QIDP in HILLSIDE, Illinois at Aspire Chicago

Connect People. Build Community. Change Lives.

About Aspire

Since 1960, Aspire has been creating boundless opportunities for people with disabilities. We believe in working together to pursue greater possibilities, foster meaningful connections, and build communities where everyone belongs. Every member of our team plays a role in advancing this mission!

The Role

The Life Consultant / Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP) plays a vital role in empowering adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their personal goals and live more independently. This role develops, coordinates, and monitors person-centered plans while ensuring services are individualized, effectively implemented, and aligned with regulatory requirements and quality standards.

Working collaboratively with individuals, families, Aspire team members, and community partners, the Life Consultant coordinates services, supports staff development, monitors progress, and advocates for each person's rights, well-being, and opportunities. Through proactive communication, team collaboration, and individualized support, this role helps create meaningful, lasting outcomes for the people Aspire serves.

What You'll Do

Person-Centered Planning & Implementation

• Develop and write implementation strategies aligned with each individual's Personal Plan.
• Track progress, monitor goals, and ensure accurate data collection and reporting.
• Ensure services are implemented and coordinated effectively and aligned with quality expectations.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Train and support Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in implementing individual programs and service plans.
• Partner with Team Leaders to promote consistency and effectiveness in service delivery.
• Communicate regularly with interdisciplinary teams to support coordinated services and positive outcomes.

Direct Engagement & Monitoring

• Conduct weekly home visits and monthly one-on-one meetings with individuals, with each meeting lasting a minimum of one hour.
• Observe services and ensure adherence to individual service plans, methodologies, and regulatory standards.
• Provide coaching and guidance to staff to strengthen program implementation and outcomes.

Family & Stakeholder Coordination

• Maintain regular communication with families at least monthly.
• Serve as the primary liaison to external service providers and support networks.
• Coordinate meetings and team staffing to address individuals' evolving needs, goals, and support requirements.

Advocacy & Individual Support

• Advocate for each individual's dignity, rights, and access to individualized opportunities.
• Connect individuals with community resources and services that support their goals and well-being.
• Respond effectively to behavioral, medical, or crisis situations.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Collaborate with Health Care Advocates to monitor medical care and communicate relevant updates.
• Ensure compliance with safety, wellness, and human rights standards.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and compliant documentation in paper and electronic files.
• Support financial oversight, including documentation and reporting related to participant funds.
• Maintain compliance with waiver programs, benefits, and entitlements.

Training & Professional Development

• Conduct staff training on individual goals, interventions, and relationship-building.
• Facilitate participant skill-building activities, including social and interpersonal skill development.
• Stay current on industry trends, regulations, and best practices.
• Maintain required certifications and complete ongoing training, including CPR/First Aid, Rule 50, SafetyCare, and other required programs.

Additional Responsibilities

• Provide on-call coverage as assigned.
• Complete all documentation and assignments accurately and on time.

Who You Are

• A person-centered advocate who respects individual dignity, rights, preferences, and goals while supporting greater independence.
• A collaborative relationship-builder who works effectively with individuals, families, DSPs, Team Leaders, interdisciplinary teams, and community partners.
• An effective communicator who can share information clearly, maintain consistent communication, and coordinate services across multiple stakeholders.
• An organized and detail-oriented professional who can manage documentation, monitor progress, track goals, and meet regulatory requirements.
• A proactive problem-solver who responds thoughtfully to changing needs and can navigate behavioral, medical, or crisis situations effectively.
• A supportive leader and trainer who can coach staff, strengthen program implementation, and promote consistent service delivery.
• A strong advocate who connects individuals with resources and opportunities that align with their interests, needs, and personal goals.
• A professional committed to quality and compliance who understands the importance of safety, confidentiality, accurate records, and regulatory standards.
• A lifelong learner who values ongoing training, professional development, and staying current with industry best practices.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Illinois QIDP certification or eligibility for certification.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license with a good driving record.
• CPR/First Aid certification.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of records management practices.

Preferred Skills & Competencies

• Experience supporting individuals with Autism, CP/DS, and clinical support plans is strongly preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with individuals, families, team members, and community partners.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
• Professionalism, empathy, cultural awareness, and emotional intelligence.
• Ability to navigate conflict and remain calm and supportive in challenging situations.
• Flexibility, accountability, and adaptability in response to changing needs.
• Commitment to confidentiality, dignity, and person-centered values.

Why Aspire?

• Make a direct, visible impact on people's lives every day.
• Advocate for independence, dignity, and person-centered support.
• Collaborate with families, providers, and community partners to create meaningful outcomes.
• Join a mission-driven organization focused on growth, innovation, and inclusion.
• Help individuals build confidence, strengthen relationships, and achieve meaningful, self-directed lives.

Full-Time Benefits (for employees regularly scheduled to work 37.5+ hours per week)

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Options
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time)
• 13 Paid Holidays
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with Employer Match
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pet Insurance

If you're passionate about supporting individual goals, promoting independence, and advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we'd love to hear from you. Join a mission-driven team where your compassion, leadership, and collaboration help individuals work toward greater independence and meaningful outcomes!

Apply today and help individuals reach their goals, strengthen their support networks, and live more fulfilling lives in their communities!

Aspire is an equal employment opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Aspire is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities so that applicants may complete the essential functions of a position. The essential functions of each position are outlined in the job description. If you require an accommodation or have questions regarding the essential functions of a position, please contact Catelen McLeod at cmcleod@aspirechicago.com.

• Please use the subject line “Accommodation Request – Applicant” when emailing for assistance.