Are you a caring and motivated individual? Do you enjoy building relationships and contributing to a positive environment? Do you have a passion for helping individuals develop their independence and achieve personal goals? Are you looking for a career with a purpose?

If so, apply to join the Aspire team as a 1:1 Direct Support Professional (DSP) today! We are looking for a dedicated individual to  provide one to one support to an adult with intellectual and other developmental disabilities within the Academy Program and Residential living experience. Assure a safe, comfortable, and stimulating Academy Program and home experience, where each person thrives and has opportunities for independence. Actively assist/support in the development and maintenance of a consistent, safe, structured, and friendly environment.

Aspire 1:1 Direct Support Professional (DSP) Requirements

Requirements and Experience:

• Proof of High School Diploma or GED
• Valid driver’s license, with 5 years of driving experience with a license, and an acceptable driving record for the past five years
• Must pass required criminal background checks
• Have and present in-person original copies of required I9 documents

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Effective oral and written communication skills; ability to write reports
• Comfortable using various computer software to stay connected (i.e. Outlook, Zoom, online training, Teams, Therap, QuickMAR, StationMD etc.)
• Ability to maintain confidential information
• Ability to deal tactfully, respectfully, and courteously with participants, employees at all levels, families, and the general public

Preferred Experience:

• Personal or professional experience in a caregiver role
• Experience working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities

We offer:

· $19.50 - $20.50/hour (depending on experience)

· Sign-on bonuses for full-time ($1,500) (paid out in three installments over 6 months)

· Referral bonuses

· Paid training

· Retirement plan with matching contributions

· Health and insurance benefits 

· Paid time off benefits

· And more! (see benefits list below)

 At Aspire our values inspire our belief in the power of possible; we empower others to achieve their dreams, lend a hand to others, embrace diversity and celebrate belonging, seek feedback from others to improve, and show respect and build trust.
 

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Position Responsibilities:

The following represents the primary position responsibilities, but other related duties necessary to meet the needs of the organization may be assigned, including location or shift assignments.

Advocacy - assist person supported with achieving personal goals (outcomes); work on person's behalf to overcome barriers; respect each person’s personal beliefs, choices, and interests; honor rights and encourage self-advocacy; actively arrange for and participate with person in activities, outings, hobbies, shopping, etc., that focus on optimum results as they pertain to physical fitness, entertainment, social interaction, community participation, and education. Work with Life Consultant and Team Leader to learn and implement each Person Centered Plan, Clinical Plan, and Health/Wellness activities.

Health Maintenance - provide care and assistance to promote best possible health, including preventative, overall wellness; monitor self-administered medication programs in accordance with the Medication policy and specific requirements according to physician instructions; record information regarding health events, conditions, and status; provide First Aid/CPR with current certification and seek emergency medical care when needed. Provide assistance to medical appointments as requested.

Personal Care -assist person with eating, grooming, dressing, bathing, and toileting; assist with mobility, including lifting from a seated or lying down position and walking while maintaining stability; utilize adaptive equipment as needed.

Living Skills Development - support person supported in developing living skills, including socialization, community activities, healthy meal planning and preparation, money management, household and personal shopping, home care, laundry, household and community safety, infection control, etc.; record progress on skill development and achievement.

Clinical Support- serve as an adult role model and mentor to demonstrate desired behaviors; coach person using approved techniques and strategies; encourage self-expression to avoid maladaptive behavior; provide crisis prevention/intervention including de-escalation and approved physical intervention techniques when necessary to protect the person and others; conduct conflict resolution and the utilization of proactive behavioral interventions gained at avoiding disputes/injuries within the Academy and home; complete incident reports (GERs) before end of shift.

Operational Support - assure the organization, cleanliness, and good condition of household and vehicle; follow safety protocols, including documenting/reporting repairs as needed; complete documentation through online data system (Therap) for record keeping, incident reports (GERS) prior to the end of shift; complete tasks beyond the person's abilities; drive safely and adhere to all traffic laws when transporting people and driving agency vehicles; maintain a working knowledge of Aspire’s mission and vision and follow all agency policy and procedures.

Professional Behavior -act in a professional manner at all times when interacting and communicating with people served, families, team members, visitors, and volunteers; represent self as a positive role model in appearance, speech, social skills, respect, privacy, and friendly customer service while practicing culture sensitivity consistently; maintain regular communication with Team Leader, Life Consultant, and others who need to know to assure quality and consistency in services and supports; review and reply to email correspondence; promptly complete all required documentation; maintain and expand skills and knowledge relevant to providing high quality support and services; actively participate in required certification and agency training and apply information to the job; attend required meetings.

 Physiological Factors:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; bend or stoop; walk and climb stairs; reach with hands and arms, push, pull; talk, hear, and observe. 
• Work requires heavy physical exertion and may include lifting up to 75 pounds. 
• Duties are performed primarily in the Career Center, agency office, and the community. Work areas are restricted to non-smoking. 

Psychological Factors:

• The psychological demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 
• Ability to maintain pleasant working relationships with all stakeholders. 
• Ability to interact positively with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  
• Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize work. 

Aspire was founded in 1960 and is recognized as a leader in providing bold, pioneering, and uncompromising services to adults with developmental disabilities, their families, and the community. In 2019, we joined forces with NorthPointe Resources to be one of the most recognized and respected disability service providers across the Chicago metropolitan area, Lake County (Illinois), and southeastern Wisconsin areas. 

Benefits at Aspire (a waiting period applies for some benefits): 

Full Time (regularly scheduled to work at least 37 1/2 hours per week):

• Health Insurance (including dental and vision)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Benefit Time (Vacation, Sick, Personal)
• 13 Paid Holidays
• 403(B) Retirement Savings Plan with matching contribution
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pet insurance
• Other voluntary Insurances available

Aspire’s priority is keeping our team members and participants healthy and safe. PPE is provided and regular cleaning and disinfecting regiments are followed to maintain a safe work and living environment. Hand sanitizer is available throughout our facilities.  

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, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, 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 an applicant may complete the essential functions of a position. The essential functions of positions are outlined in a position’s job description. To request an accommodation or if you have a question regarding what the essential functions of a position are please contact the People Team at 708.497.4573.