AGENCY MISSION/ PHILOSOPHY The employee will support the agency’s mission to empower lives through individual care and inclusive community support. We strive to: * Treat everyone with dignity and respect * Honor and support rights and confidentiality * Promote the best possible health with protection from abuse, neglect and exploitation * Engage with honesty, integrity, and ethical standards in actions and communications * Comply with applicable laws and regulations to prevent fraud, waste, conflict of interest, and inaccuracy in record-keeping JOB SUMMARY This position is responsible for providing direct support to assist the individuals who we serve to achieve their desired outcomes and engage in activities of their choosing at home or in the community. * Support individuals in self-advocacy and making informed choices * Assist with bathing, showering, toileting, feeding, meal preparation, grooming/hygiene, wound-care, mobility, and laundry * Provide emotional support to the individuals served * Prepare food items according to dietary needs and preferences * Pass medications in accordance with IDHS Rule 116 * Transport individuals using agency-owned vehicles * Provide and document services and supports as identified on the individual’s Implementation Strategy and as guided by the individual’s desires * Assist in obtaining, counting, documenting, and returning (as required) money used by the individuals served * Complete house safety checks and communicate house safety concerns to your supervisor as they arise * Keep the common living areas of the homes clean and assist individuals, as requested, to maintain their personal living areas * Complete vehicle safety checks and maintain vehicles, as assigned * Order and put away household groceries and supplies, as assigned * Communicate with co-workers, supervisors, and other team members about location/program and consumer needs   SCHEDULE/AVAILABILITY * MUST BE AVAILABLE to work at least one shift during two out of these three holiday seasons: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. * Shifts available are primarily weekends and evenings * At minimum, the person must be available to work at least one weekend shift on 3 weekends per month.  ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS * Possess a valid driver’s license with the ability to drive in the daytime or at night * Must be at least 18 years old * Provide proof of a high school diploma (via transcripts) or GED from an accredited school * Must pass a criminal background check, as required by the Healthcare Worker Background Check Act (225 ILCS 46), and a DCFS Child Abuse and Neglect background check * Successfully complete and maintain American Heart Association or American Red Cross CPR/First Aid certification * Successfully complete Direct Support Person training in accordance with IDHS requirements * Pass the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S-TOFHLA) * Successfully complete medication administration training and annual recertifications to maintain medication administration status   WAGES * This position starts at $18.75 per hour as staff members receive paid training to prepare them for their job duties. (Individuals who live in a college dormitory and are unavailable to work during holidays and summers would start at $18.25 per hour.) * After initial training is complete, the employee will receive a $0.25 per hour raise. * After medication administration training is complete, the employee will receive an additional $0.25 per hour raise.   PAY SCHEDULE Staff are paid every two weeks with a direct deposit option available upon request   BENEFITS * 40 Hours of Paid Leave * Profit-Sharing (eligibility criteria applies) * Employee Assistance Program * Referral Bonuses for DSP Referral QUESTIONS? Text us at (501) 203-9636 or phone us at (217) 348-0127 with questions.