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Direct Service Professional Jobs in Kankakee, IL

Thresholds

Intern - 2026 Community Mental Health

Kankakee, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Provides direct service to members, as indicated by the service plan, while supervised by an ... Maintain a professional demeanor with members, colleagues, and collateral contacts consistent with ...

Thresholds

Intern - 2026 Community Mental Health

Irwin, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Provides direct service to members, as indicated by the service plan, while supervised by an ... Maintain a professional demeanor with members, colleagues, and collateral contacts consistent with ...

Thresholds

Intern - 2026 Community Mental Health

Kankakee, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Provides direct service to members, as indicated by the service plan, while supervised by an ... Maintain a professional demeanor with members, colleagues, and collateral contacts consistent with ...

Lindenwood

Professional Advisor

Campus, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in ... Directs students towards self-help tools and services * Monitors student schedules and keeps ...

Troon

Assistant Golf Professional

Kankakee, IL

$15/hr

Supervise pro shop staff and outside services staff * Trains new pro shop staff and outside ... as directed by the Head Golf Professional * Produce daily reports related to rounds, sales, etc ...

Troon Golf

Assistant Golf Professional

Kankakee, IL · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Supervise pro shop staff and outside services staff * Trains new pro shop staff and outside ... as directed by the Head Golf Professional * Produce daily reports related to rounds, sales, etc ...

US Navy

Information Technology Professional

Manteno, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Direct enlistment into IT, CTN, or IS pipelines from civilian life based on aptitude, security ... Reserve accession pathways for prior service or qualified civilian professionals when manning needs ...

US Navy

Information Technology Professional

Lowell, IN

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Direct enlistment into IT, CTN, or IS pipelines from civilian life based on aptitude, security ... Reserve accession pathways for prior service or qualified civilian professionals when manning needs ...

US Navy

Information Technology Professional

Herscher, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Direct enlistment into IT, CTN, or IS pipelines from civilian life based on aptitude, security ... Reserve accession pathways for prior service or qualified civilian professionals when manning needs ...

US Navy

Information Technology Professional

Wilmington, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Direct enlistment into IT, CTN, or IS pipelines from civilian life based on aptitude, security ... Reserve accession pathways for prior service or qualified civilian professionals when manning needs ...

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All JobsDirect Service Professional JobsDirect Service Professional Jobs in Kankakee, IL

Direct Service Professional information

See Kankakee, IL salary details

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How much do direct service professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 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.

Youth Group Home Direct Care Staff

Garden of Prayer Youth Center

Momence, IL • On-site

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
To help ensure that each participant remain stable at the site and make progress toward his permanency goals prescribed by his permanency order. This position will be responsible for performing day-to-day support services assistance to the participants of the program. The minimum age for this position is 21 years.
ORGANIZATION AND COORDINATING
Screening/Intake
Assist with the retrieval of necessary documentation for participant enrollment into the program.
Conduct participant orientations to familiarize them with program expectations, conduct clothing inventory, and build rapport.
Assist Case Manager in the process of receiving a new participant.
Meet immediate needs of participant as much as able.
Some duties may be reassigned and other duties may be asked of you as required.
Interfacing - Communication
  1. Ability to communicate and work with children with varying ages and skills; and provide necessary guidance, support, and supervision to participants at all times.
  2. Ability to observe participant behavior and participation, assess appropriateness of such, and enforce, program standards, safety regulations, and emergency procedures.
  3. LEAD participants into full participation in ALL educational and recreational aspects of the program.
  4. Set a good example for participants including cleanliness, punctuality, sportsmanship etc...
  5. Maintain positive public relations with participant's families.
  6. Facilitate interaction between participant, and participant as well as participant, and staff.
  7. Participate in department and company employee meetings.
  8. Provide frequent feedback and positive reinforcement to participants.
  9. Interact and effectively communicate with colleagues in a professional fashion.
  10. Communicate all necessary information to Lead Staff and Program Director.
  11. Some duties may be reassigned and other duties may be asked of you as required.

Linkage
  1. Ensure safe environment of participants when transporting youth to home visits and sibling visits by observing the neighborhood and home environment, and speaking with responsible family members who are present.
  2. Ensure that all documentation and other correspondence from all medical appointments, Court visits, etc. is delivered to the case manager.
  3. Some duties may be reassigned and other duties may be asked of you as required.

Monitoring
  1. Ensure safe environment of participants when transporting youth to home visits and sibling visits by observing the neighborhood and home environment, and speaking with responsible family members who are present.
  2. Actively participate in daily routines (including but not limited to daily chores and meal preparation.)
  3. Reinforce program safety regulations
  4. Maintain participant/ staff ratios at all times
  5. Maintain a milieu environment that helps develop self control and respect.
  6. Conduct random room searches.
  7. Some duties may be reassigned and other duties may be asked of you as required.

Direct Service
  1. Prepare participants for all daily activities and trips.
  2. Develop participant activities with participants and other staff as appropriate.
  3. Conduct daily dinner discussions about life lessons.
  4. Add variations and supplemental information that will stimulate and expand the skills of the participants.
  5. Implement the lesson plans (extra learning program) and life skills groups provided by the program coordinator
  6. Provide transportation for participants to all medical/dental appointments, court visits, school, ACR, etc.
  7. Conduct safety drills and checks routinely.
  8. Some duties may be reassigned and other duties may be asked of you as required.

ADMINISTRATIVE
Documentation/Record Keeping
  1. Prepare and submit daily communication log notes accurately in a grammatically correct fashion.
  2. Documentation of any Unusual Incident of any participants on a UIR Form.
  3. Submit all necessary documentation to Case Manager, Program Coordinator, HR Dept., and Executive Director as requested.
  4. Some duties may be reassigned and other duties may be asked of you as required.

Agency Activities/Trainings/Other
Attend and participate in all initial and on going training
Actively participate in orientation and staff training, assigned staff meetings
Attend "All Staff" meetings
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
Education: High School Diploma
Experience: At least 2 years experience working with adolescent and teenage youth (residential experience preferred)
Credentials: N/A
Candidates must have a valid driver's license, good driving record, and a clear background.
Illinois
Toxicology screening prior to hire.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  1. Ability to communicate and work with children with varying ages and skills; and provide necessary guidance, support, and supervision to participants at all times.
  2. Mathematics and language arts proficiency
  3. First aid and CPR certified
  4. Passion to make a positive impact on the lives of youth in the community and to educate them to proficiency
  5. Ability to observe participant behavior and participation, assess appropriateness of such, and enforce safety regulations and emergency procedures.
  6. Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other risks related to an activity.
  7. Physical endurance to engage children and adolescents in respective activities
  8. Physical strength and ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring medical intervention, and de-escalation.
  9. Cognitive ability to provide leadership to achieve participant goals and objectives.
  10. Excellent communication and organizational skills
  11. Able to work collaboratively with teams
  12. Demonstrated reliability regarding attendance and work performance
  13. Ability to be creative, flexible and adaptive in ALL situations, activities and responsibilities
  14. Must be a team player
  15. Must want to help address the needs of the community

WORKING CONDITIONS: working conditions with the absence of disagreeable elements.
Note:
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of working being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.
Starting Pay:
$17.00- $22.00 Hourly
Benefits:
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance
  • 403b Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off

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