CDS Specialist

Job DetailsJob Location

• Urbana,
• IL 61802Salary
• Range: $17.50 - $17.50 HourlyQualificationsMake a difference with DSC! Community Day Services Specialist – Bi-annual retention bonuses! If you're looking for a career that is both rewarding and deeply meaningful, DSC is currently accepting applications for the position of Community Day Services Specialist. Developmental Services Center (DSC) provides comprehensive services across the lifespan-from birth through adulthood-including family development, case management, employment, residential, respite, and community day services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Champaign and Ford Counties. As part of our team, you'll join a positive, caring, and mission-driven group of professionals dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to live full, self-directed lives. We offer an excellent work environment where your contributions truly make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
• Are you a people person who gets joy/satisfaction from supporting others to take small and large steps in their lives?
• Do you voice your ideas and also write well?
• Are you an advocate who also enjoys teaching others?
• Do you want to have fun at work and make a difference?
• Do you like to go bowling, shopping, swimming, out to eat, to movies, to libraries, to museums, to parks, to concerts, or to volunteer?
• Are you artistic, musical, athletic, great at board games, or able to talk about any subject?
• Do you want a job you are proud of? If so, we have the job for you! We’re looking for enthusiastic, dependable, hard-working, and expressive people to join our Community Day Services (CDS) team. As a CDS Specialist (CDSS) you will be part of an amazing team that is positive, caring and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate community involvement opportunities.
• Promote community connections and partnerships.
• Assist people in discovering new interests, hobbies, skills.
• Assist people with personal care as needed.
• Have the autonomy to plan, develop, and implement fun, educational, creative, and engaging activities.
• Manage a caseload of CDS participants; serve as the point person within the program for these individuals; develop outcomes for each person.
• Collaborate with team members to customize individualized supports and strategies.
• Provide opportunities to strengthen important relationships, career and income, health and well-being, communication, life in the community, recreation/interests/hobbies, choice and decision-making, and future plans.
• Document progress on individual outcomes; update/modify strategies; complete assessments.
• Each day, you will be engaged in rewarding work where you will play an integral role in DSC’s mission to support people to live a rich and meaningful life.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent. Must be 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive a company van. Must successfully complete required trainings. Must have sufficient physical stamina and mobility to push, pull, and lift.
• One or more years’ experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred, although paid training is provided! Upon completion of training you will be certified with the Illinois Department of Public Health as a DD Aide.
• Experience and/or education in rehabilitation, special education, therapeutic recreation, psychology, art, music, theatre, or psychology preferred. HOURS:
• 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (includes a working lunch); No evenings, weekends or holidays! WHAT WE OFFER YOU:
• Grant-funded retention bonuses up to 2 payments for a maximum of $1,600 per fiscal year! (depending on when in the grant year you were hired)
• Professional resources available through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) with opportunities to connect with peers from all over the U.S.
• All benefits start day 1 of employment
• 21 days of paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays, 1 personal holiday and 6 days of paid reserve leave per year
• Medical, dental, life and disability coverage (starts first day of employment)
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), Flex Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care Account (DCA)
• Voluntary benefits including vision, STD, critical illness, accident, legal insurance and identity theft protection
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Employee referral program (up to $1000 per referral)
• Fun, family-oriented work environment, casual dress, and employee appreciation events
• Employee assistance program
• Lots of perks and benefits! Please follow the link to view our full summary of employee benefits DSC SUMMARY OF EMPLOYEE BENEFITS EOE