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
Godfrey, Illinois
$62,640 - $64,639.95
in 25 days
Full Time
Mid Level
Bachelor's Degree
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Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional
Reporting to the Director of Residential Services, the Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional/ Residential Site Manager is responsible for managing housing programs which provide people who have different abilities opportunities to live in a home-based environment—achieving the highest level of independence possible.
Requirements
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education, Rehabilitation, Recreation Therapy, Sociology, Nursing Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in a related field as approved by DHS. OR, if hired before 2009, 5 or more years DD experience and HS Diploma. Temporary assigned RSM candidate may also qualify with 5 or more years DD experience and HS Diploma. Employees without DHS approved degree and experience are required to have another QIDP qualified staff to review, approve and sign off on treatment plans, MPNs and staffing and cannot conduct DHS training.
- Experience: Minimum of 1 year of experience working with people with developmental disabilities. 1+ years of supervisory experience
- Certifications/Licenses: CPR, 1st Aid, Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) and DSP training, including medication administration, is provided by the company must be successfully completed within the first 4 months to be certified. Passing CPR, 1st Aid, CPI and medication administration training is also required annually. Illinois Food Service and Sanitation certificate needed within the first 6 months and renewed as required.
- Pre-Employment Tests: Must pass state required CASAS literacy assessment prior to employment.
- Computer Skills: Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
- Background Checks: Must pass criminal background check. Must pass various State and Federal registry checks. Must pass DCFS Abuse and Neglect Tracking System check Must pass driving history check and Company policy criteria, maintain valid driver’s license and be 21 or older to drive Company van (or 25 or older to drive 15-person-capacity van at some sites).
- Driving: Use of personal insured vehicle for Company related travel is required.