Challenge Unlimited Inc
Alton, IL
The nonprofit corporation was originally founded as Specialized Services, Inc., (now Challenge Unlimited) formed by concerned parents of children with disabilities. The parents wanted their adult children to participate in some form of productive activity and hopefully gain vocational experiences that would lead to employment.
Specialized Services, Inc., opened its doors to provide services to six individuals. It was initially funded by contributions from parents, concerned citizens, and local businesses. With a growing need, Specialized Services secured a grant from the Department of Mental Health and grew rapidly to 50 participants. A new building was purchased to provide additional services to individuals with disabilities.
The agency began providing production services as a subcontracted business solution for local companies. Individuals with a disability were able to work according to each person’s abilities under a special minimum wage certificate.
Tom Moehn is hired as President and CEO with a vision for community integration.
Specialized Services, Inc., with a renewed vision to develop human potential through work related opportunities grows to become a social enterprise with the expansion of its production services and the launch of the custodial services line of business employing individuals with disabilities.
Residential Services of Madison County, an Affiliate Organization, was formed with a single group home. The State of Illinois requested that the agency take over a large residential facility in Troy, IL. That facility was downsized and ICF-DD and CILA homes were built to provide 12 homes for approximately 100 residents. This company is now known as Residential Options, Inc.
Through a partnership with NISH, the company expanded its social business model to provide Facility Management Services to the Federal Government. The first contract was at Scott Air Force Base.
Specialized Services rebrands and becomes Challenge Unlimited, Inc.
Alpha Industries was formed as an affiliate organization of Challenge Unlimited. The nonprofit organization was created to broaden production service contracts while creating work related opportunities for individuals with economic, cognitive, social and educational disadvantages.
President & CEO, Tom Moehn, retires after 46 years of service impacting thousands of lives.
Challenge Unlimited hires Charlotte Hammond as President and CEO to further expand and increase the footprint for inclusion and integration in the community for people with a disability.
Challenge Unlimited receives 2013 St. Louis Regional Chamber Arcus Award for Achievement in Economic Inclusion.
Challenge Unlimited expands its footprint to Ohio, South Carolina, Indiana, and Texas.
Job Specifications
Pontoon beach, IL
22.75 - 22.75 HOUR
12 days ago
Full Time
Entry Level
Last Jobs You Viewed
Team Lead Direct Support Professional
Make a Difference Every Day
Are you passionate about supporting individuals with disabilities and helping them live independently? We are seeking a compassionate, dependable, and motivated Team Leader to join our Residential Services team. In this role, you will help create a safe, supportive, and welcoming home environment while empowering residents to build confidence, independence, and daily living skills.
Reporting to the Residential Site Manager, the Team Leader provides direct care and support to residents in a community-based residential setting and assists with supervising staff in the manager’s absence.
Position Summary
The Team Leader is responsible for supporting residents with daily living activities, encouraging independence, ensuring health and safety, and maintaining accurate documentation. This position also provides leadership support to residential staff and helps ensure quality, person-centered care is delivered consistently.
- Shift: Full-Time
- Schedule: At least two 6am-2pm shifts per week. Other shifts can include 10am-6pm, 12pm-8pm or 2pm-10pm but it does vary making it flexible to jobs demands.
- , weekends and mandatory overtime are required
- Location: Pontoon Beach IL
- Salary: $22.75 per hour + Benefits!
Key Responsibilities
- Promote a culture of dignity, respect, and person-centered care.
- Build positive relationships with residents and encourage independence, self-confidence, communication, and life skills development.
- Create a home-like environment where residents feel safe, comfortable, supported, and valued.
- Support residents in participating in recreational, social, and community-based activities.
- Assist residents with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), including:
- Bathing and personal hygiene
- Toileting and dressing
- Meal preparation and cooking
- Laundry and household cleaning
- Medication administration and monitoring
- Teach and encourage residents to complete tasks independently whenever possible.
- Transport residents to appointments, shopping trips, recreational outings, and community activities.
- Follow Individualized Plans (IHP/PP/ITP) and daily schedules to support resident goals and care needs.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and healthy living environment.
- Accurately document services provided, resident progress, behaviors, incidents, and daily activities.
- Record all accidents, injuries, illnesses, and medication administration as required.
- Ensure documentation meets regulatory and billing requirements.
- Assist with updating and maintaining resident care plans and related documentation.
- Communicate resident concerns, needs, and safety issues to the Residential Site Manager.
- Participate in team meetings, trainings, and resident staffing meetings.
- Provide leadership and supervision to residential staff in the absence of the Residential Site Manager.
- Assist with on-the-job training and mentoring of team members.
- Follow all company policies, safety procedures, and OSHA standards.
- Properly wear and utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Support a positive, respectful, and collaborative team environment.
Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Must have at least 6 months of experience working with people who live with developmental disabilities or mental illness.
- Must pass a criminal background check.
- Must pass a child abuse & neglect background check.
- Must pass driving history check and Company policy criteria, maintain valid driver’s license and be 21 or older to drive Company van.
- Must pass state required CASAS literacy assessment prior to employment.
- CPR, 1st Aid, Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) and DSP training provided by the company must be successfully completed within the first 4 months and annually thereafter to be certified and maintain position.
Benefits:
- Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
- Retirement Plan (401k)
- Life Insurance
- Holiday Pay
- Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick)
- Short Term & Long-Term Disability
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.