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Direct Service Professional Jobs in Kankakee, IL

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Bourbonnais, IL · On-site

$18.10 - $19.85/hr

Services and Supports: * Direct Support: Provides direct support or assistance in accordance with ... Maintains healthy and professional relationships with individuals, friends, families, guardians and ...

Sevita Health

Direct Support Professional

Kankakee, IL · On-site

$18.10 - $19.85/hr

Services and Supports: * Direct Support: Provides direct support or assistance in accordance with ... Maintains healthy and professional relationships with individuals, friends, families, guardians and ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Bourbonnais, IL · On-site

$18.10 - $19.85/hr

Services and Supports: * Direct Support: Provides direct support or assistance in accordance with ... Maintains healthy and professional relationships with individuals, friends, families, guardians and ...

Sevita Health

Direct Support Professional

Bourbonnais, IL · On-site

$18.10 - $19.85/hr

Services and Supports: * Direct Support: Provides direct support or assistance in accordance with ... Maintains healthy and professional relationships with individuals, friends, families, guardians and ...

Sevita Health

Direct Support Professional

Bourbonnais, IL · On-site

$18.10 - $19.85/hr

Services and Supports: * Direct Support: Provides direct support or assistance in accordance with ... Maintains healthy and professional relationships with individuals, friends, families, guardians and ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Bourbonnais, IL · On-site

$18.10 - $19.85/hr

Services and Supports: * Direct Support: Provides direct support or assistance in accordance with ... Maintains healthy and professional relationships with individuals, friends, families, guardians and ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Bourbonnais, IL · On-site

$18.10 - $19.85/hr

Services and Supports: * Direct Support: Provides direct support or assistance in accordance with ... Maintains healthy and professional relationships with individuals, friends, families, guardians and ...

Sevita Health

Direct Support Professional

Bourbonnais, IL · On-site

$18.10 - $19.85/hr

Services and Supports: * Direct Support: Provides direct support or assistance in accordance with ... Maintains healthy and professional relationships with individuals, friends, families, guardians and ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Kankakee, IL · On-site

$18.10 - $19.85/hr

Services and Supports: * Direct Support: Provides direct support or assistance in accordance with ... Maintains healthy and professional relationships with individuals, friends, families, guardians and ...

Sevita Health

Direct Support Professional

Bourbonnais, IL · On-site

$18.10 - $19.85/hr

Services and Supports: * Direct Support: Provides direct support or assistance in accordance with ... Maintains healthy and professional relationships with individuals, friends, families, guardians and ...

Help at Home

Direct Support Professional

Kentland, IN

$17/hr

Veteran-friendly employer -- we value your service and skills What you'll do As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you'll provide one-on-one support to individuals with developmental disabilities ...

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Direct Service Professional information

See Kankakee, IL salary details

$8

$16

$21

How much do direct service professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct service professional in Kankakee, IL is $16.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a direct service professional?

A direct support professional works to assist people with disabilities. In this career, your job duties include helping people in a residential assisted living community; however, most direct support professionals work offsite in the homes or schools of support program participants. You need strong organizational and communication skills to deal with clients, their other caretakers, and their family members. Most employers expect you to document your experience with each client and note changes in behavior and progress toward developmental goals. Educational qualifications include a high school diploma and previous experience or on-the-job training.

What are some common challenges faced by direct service professionals and how can they be addressed?

Direct Service Professionals often encounter challenges such as managing clients with complex behavioral needs, maintaining clear communication among team members, and balancing documentation requirements with hands-on support. To address these challenges, it's important to participate in regular training sessions, collaborate closely with supervisors and colleagues, and utilize available support resources. Building strong relationships with clients and fostering a positive, team-oriented environment also help make the role more rewarding and manageable.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a direct service professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Direct Service Professional, you need a foundational understanding of client care, basic health and safety, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with electronic documentation systems and CPR/First Aid certification are often required. Patience, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work collaboratively are crucial soft skills for building trust with clients and supporting their daily needs. These abilities are essential for providing quality care, ensuring client well-being, and fostering a supportive environment.

What is the difference between Direct Service Professional vs Personal Care Assistant?

AspectDirect Service ProfessionalPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsOften requires CPR, First Aid, and sometimes specialized trainingMay require basic certifications like CPR, First Aid, but less specialized training
Work EnvironmentCommunity settings, group homes, residential facilitiesPrivate homes, individual client settings
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare, social services, non-profitsHome care agencies, private clients
Job FocusSupporting individuals with disabilities, mental health, or developmental needsAssisting with daily living activities for elderly or disabled clients

While both roles involve providing care and support, a Direct Service Professional typically works in community or facility settings with a focus on individuals with disabilities or mental health needs, often requiring specialized training. A Personal Care Assistant usually works in private homes, assisting with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and mobility, often with fewer certifications required.

Is a direct service professional a good career?

A direct service professional (DSP) provides support to individuals with disabilities or mental health needs, often working in community or residential settings. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in helping others, with opportunities for certification, skill development, and advancement, though it may involve physically demanding work and variable schedules.
More about Direct Service Professional jobs

What cities near Kankakee, IL are hiring for Direct Service Professional jobs?

Cities near Kankakee, IL with the most Direct Service Professional job openings:

Direct Service Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Service Professional job openings in Kankakee, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,516 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

DIRECT SERVICE PERSON- 184th/ Frankfort

CTF Illinois

Frankfort, IL • On-site

$21.30 - $23.30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 hours ago

Job description

CTF Illinois is looking for caring, dependable, and motivated people to join our team. Together we can empower each individual we serve to live the life they want to live. As a member of our team you will be a part of a culture where individuals are not defined by their differences but recognized for the value they bring to their communities.
As a direct support professional, you would work in one of our group homes. Together, as a team, our DSP's support our individuals by helping them live as independently as possible, ensuring they are healthy and safe, and helping with daily life activities such as cooking, cleaning, dressing, bathing, shopping, and community activities.
Benefits and Pay Range:
  • DSP's earn between $21.30 -23.30 per hour
  • Benefits for full time DSP's include: contributory medical, dental, and vision
  • Employer paid $20,000 life insurance policy and short-term disability (after 6 months of employment) for full-time employees
  • Both part- and full-time employees receive paid time off!
  • 401k with company match
  • Cell Phone Stipend
  • FREE DSP Certification and PAID training!

CTF Illinois is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Requirements and Qualifications:
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Accredited high School Diploma or GED
  • Successful completion of criminal, DCFS, and MVR background checks
  • Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record
  • Experience in education, social services, recreation, behavioral health, or caregiving is a plus-but not required

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