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

Location

Belleville, IL

Salary

22.75 - 22.75 HOUR

Published

21 days ago

Type

Full Time

Career Level

Entry Level

Last Jobs You Viewed

Team Lead Direct Support Professional


Position Summary:

Reporting to the Residential Site Manager, the Team Leader is responsible for caring for residents in home-based settings which provide people who have different abilities opportunities to achieve the highest level of independence possible.  

Assist Residents with disabilities in completing their activities of daily living by instructing, monitoring and providing feedback while the Resident performs the task, or performing the task for the Resident. Activities include cleaning, laundry, cooking, driving Residents to appointments, shopping, or social activities, monitoring, and documenting the delivery of medications, and bathing or helping the Resident with proper hygiene. Follow the daily activities schedule and treatment plans and objectives set for the Residents, document services provided for the Residents, attend, and participate in meetings and trainings, and communicate Resident concerns and needs to co-workers and to the manager. Supervise the team and home in the Manager’s absence. 

  • Shift: Full-Time 
  • Schedule: Flex, 8:00am -4:00pm, 3:00pm-11:00pm, and 11:00pm- 9:00am, weekends and mandatory overtime
  • Location: Belleville/Swansea IL
  • Salary: $23.35 per hour

Job Functions: 
  • Train, supervise and assist Residents on completing Activity of Daily Living (ADL) skills. Assist Residents by completing cleaning, laundry, cooking, and administering proper dose and timing of medications to Residents. Assist Residents with bathing, hygiene and toileting when Resident is not capable of completing independently. Perform tasks necessary to maintain a safe living and working environment (i.e. cleaning, shoveling walks, etc.) Schedule and run medical appointments.
  • Supervise group home staff in the absence of the Residential Site Manager (RSM). Assist the RSM in providing on-the-job training and safety training for the group home staff.
  •  Provide active treatment services as outlined in each Resident’s plan and as assigned by the RSM. Review and complete daily documentation for services provided progress, behaviors and incidents in the Resident files. Comply with procedures per Resident service plan.
  • Communicate Resident concerns and needs, health, safety, building and staff issues to the RSM and/or the dietician. Participate in staffing meetings as requested by the RSM.
  • Ensure adherence to daily activity schedules and supervise family style meal service. Prepare food/kitchen supplies shopping list and order or purchase food/kitchen supplies as needed.


Job Duties:

  • Ensure clients receive their medication on time.
  • Support clients who can’t move on their own.
  • Help clients dress, bathe, eat, hygiene etc.
  • Assist clients with physical therapy exercises.
  • Cook meals according to the customer’s restrictions.
  • Supervise group home staff in absence of the Residential Site Manager (RSM). 
  • Assist with on the job training and safety training for the group home staff. 
  • Do necessary housekeeping to maintain a clean environment.
  • Provide emotional support.
  • Inform supervisors about uncommon events, concerns, needs, health, safety, building and staff issues. 
  • Review and complete daily documentation for services provided progress, behaviors, and incidents in the Resident files. 
  • Act quickly and responsibly in cases of emergency.

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 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 a motor vehicle background check.
  • Must be at least 21 years old.
  • Have a valid driver’s license.
  • Must pass state required CASAS literacy assessment prior to employment.

Benefits:

  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k)
  • Life Insurance 
  • Paid Time Off 
  • Holidays, if employee is working
  • 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.