Location: Cook County

Full time

Position Summary:

In partnership with adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, their family and friends, Aspire team members and other members of the Community, facilitate life plans and ensure all aspects of each individual’s plans are implemented, coordinated, and monitored to meet quality expectations and regulatory requirements. Communicate and work closely with each person’s team in order to have seamless service delivery that results in positive outcomes for the person and the highest level of proactive customer service.

Position Responsibilities:

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

Facilitates the Person-Centered Plan

• Writes and develops the Implementation Strategies and outcomes according to the Personal Plan.
• Monitors individual status/progress, goal tracking and other reporting forms pertaining to the person to ensure proper data collection.
• Instructs and monitors Direct Support Professionals (DSP) in the Implementation Strategy with Team Leader.
• Monitors implementation of Person Centered Plan by:
• Visiting the individuals where they live, work, and/or learn on a regular basis (including 1 on 1 monthly meetings min. 1 hr and weekly home visits)
• Educating and communicating the service plan vision to team members to ensure methodologies, goals, and data tracking are implemented according to the Plan
• Serves as the key communication point of contact with families, natural supports, and other stakeholders to ensure optimal service coordination and customer experience.
• Ensure regular communication with families and other stakeholders (minimum monthly) and facilitate understanding and transmission of information between families/stakeholders and team members.
• Serve as the main liaison to participants’ other/external service providers
• Coordinate meetings as needed or requested to ensure services promote optimal outcomes.

Advocacy and service coordination

• Advocate for each individual to ensure each is treated with dignity and respect, given the opportunity to exercise their individuality, rights, and has access to explore opportunities of interest.
• Complete/monitor/disburse moneys from participants' bank accounts, maintaining appropriate financial records and distributing quarterly statements to guardians. Ensure all documentation is completed and forwarded on for financial support.
• Ensure compliance with waiver, benefits and entitlements
• Links the person with community agencies/services as recommended or requested.
• Assure compliance with each person’s safety, health and wellness, and human rights.
• Respond to behavioral, medical, or other crisis situations.
• Communicate regularly with Team Leader, Health Advocate and DSPs of all programs to provide services and support to each person in accordance with each Person Centered Plan, including Behavior Enrichment and Health/Wellness.
• Monitors medical care with Health Care Advocate team to ensure required updates/ approvals are provided to guardians and family. Assure all medical information including, but not limited to, hospital stays, medical appointments, dietary changes, medication regimen and medical conditions are communicated with the person’s team and guardian.

Complete documentation, support, and training to promote optimal service quality.

• Maintain the integrity and compliance of the participant’s paper and electronic file. Ensure each participant’s file is up to date and organized at all times and in accordance to DHS, agency and other accreditation standards.
• Complete all required documentation and assignments accurately and timely.
• Provide input and engage in opportunities for committees or special events.
• Provide on-call coverage as scheduled or as assigned.
• Provide coverage of open caseloads as needed
• Make recommendations and assist with changes in the development and delivery of new and/or existing policies, procedures, services, etc., to optimize quality ,
• Remain current with trends in the field of intellectual/developmental disabilities through professional development activities.
• Conduct training for team members as needed to develop a better understanding of participants’ goals, interventions, and/or relationship building.
• Conduct training and/or develop new activities in social and interpersonal skills for participants as needed.
• Maintains Authorized DSP/QIDP/ status within Agency.
• Complete all required trainings including but not limited to AMTS/MANDT, CPR/FA, Clinical Trainings, Rule 50 Abuse Neglect
• Complete other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Reporting to this Position: None

 Aspire offers hybrid work arrangements to allow for work to be performed onsite and remote.  

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor degree in human services related field
• 1 year experience working with persons with disabilities

Additional Licensing/Certifications:

• QIDP Illinois state certified or eligible to complete 40-hour in-house paid certification training
• Valid Driver’s License with good driving record

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

• Effective oral and written communication skills; ability to write reports and routine business correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from families, employees, and the general public.
• Working knowledge of PC operations and software.
• Some knowledge of the methods and practices of sound records management; ability to prepare and maintain records.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional documents, technical procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with employees at all levels, families, and the general public.
• Ability to maintain pleasant working relationships with all stakeholders.
• Ability to interact positively with individuals who are verbally/physically aggressive.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize work.

Leadership Competencies:

• Achieves Results: Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
• Builds Effective Teams: Building strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.
• Cultivates Innovation: Creating new & better ways for the organization to be successful.
• Makes Quality Decisions: Making good & timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
• Tackles the Tough Issues: Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.

Physical Factors:

• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to bend or stoop, walk and climb stairs, reach with hands and arms, push, pull, talk, hear, and observe.
• Able to assist people in moving from one position to another including transferring from sitting to standing, repositioning, transferring from one surface to another, or climbing stairs.
• Duties are performed primarily in residential home, office, classroom, and community settings. Work areas are restricted to non-smoking.

Part Time Benefits 

• Benefit Time (Vacation, Sick)
• 403(B) Retirement Savings Plan with matching contribution
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

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

Voted as one of the 101 Best and Brightest Companies to work for in Chicago. Together, We’re Better!

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 law.

 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 708.236.0979. 

Life Consultant, Case Manager, QIDP, Disabilities,