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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 ...

Sevita Health

Direct Care Staff

Kankakee, IL · On-site

$19.45/hr

Mentor Community Services , a part of the Sevita family, provides community-based services for ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Sevita

Direct Care Staff

Kankakee, IL · On-site

$19.45/hr

Mentor Community Services , a part of the Sevita family, provides community-based services for ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Troon

Assistant Golf Professional

Kankakee, IL · On-site

$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 ...

U.S. Navy

Information Technology Professional

Crete, IL · On-site

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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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 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.
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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 Support Professional - Part Time - 1st/2nd shift

Arc of Iroquois County

Watseka, IL • On-site

$18.05 - $18.30/hr

Part-time

PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Join Our Team as a CILA Direct Support Professional!
Are you searching for a rewarding career that offers a great work-life balance and the opportunity to make a real difference?
At The Arc of Iroquois County, we empower individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) to learn, grow, and thrive in their communities. This means your job involves getting paid to participate in fun, meaningful activities! You'll be instrumental in helping our individuals build a better life by:
  • Engaging in their hobbies.
  • Visiting exciting community locations, attending parades, festivals, sporting events, and more.
  • Assisting with skill-building and personal development.

Where else can you work and get paid to have fun while truly impacting someone's life?
The Role: What You'll Be Doing
As a CILA Direct Support Professional (DSP) at The Arc of Iroquois County, you will be responsible for providing compassionate, hands-on support to individuals in our Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) homes. We are currently hiring for Part-Time or Full-Time, 1st or 2nd Shift positions. Please note that working every other weekend is required.
Compensation & Benefits Highlights
We value our team and offer highly competitive pay and differentials:
  • Starting Wage: $18.05 per hour.
  • Differential - 2nd Shift: An additional $0.50 per hour.
  • Differential - Weekends: An extra $1.00 per hour for shifts worked between Friday at 3:00 PM and Monday at 6:00 AM.
  • Pay Increase: Eligible for a $0.25 increase upon successful completion of Medication Administration Training.
  • 1st Year Increase: Eligible for an increase of up to 5% after your first year of service.
  • Paid Training: All required training, including online coursework and on-the-job training, is paid time.

Who We're Looking For (Minimum Requirements)
If you are motivated, reliable, and excited to assist others while having a great time, we want to hear from you!
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Possess a High School Diploma or GED.
  • Hold a valid Driver's License.

The Arc of Iroquois County is the place for you to start your rewarding career!
Ready to make a difference? Apply today!
CILA Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Primary Job Objective
The CILA Direct Support Professional (DSP) plays a vital role in ensuring a safe and supportive environment for people receiving CILA (Community Integrated Living Arrangement) services. The DSP is responsible for empowering individuals to achieve their personal and professional goals, promoting independence, and fostering meaningful community and work integration.
Key Responsibilities & Essential Duties
The CILA DSP will complete the following duties and assist people supported with the activities outlined below:
Direct Support & Daily Living Skills
  • Assist with personal care and daily living skills (e.g., hygiene, dressing, cooking) at the level of support needed.
  • Implement Outcome Plans (OPs), assisting individuals to improve on their goals and accurately documenting results.
  • Utilize current evaluations and best practices to improve individual supports and services.
  • Assist people supported with documentation (e.g., medications, outing releases).

Health & Safety
  • Provide basic first aid care and CPR.
  • Administer medications, treatments, and specialized care (e.g., ostomy care) as ordered and trained.
  • Take and record vital signs (blood pressure, weights, temperatures).
  • Ensure healthy meals are prepared/provided, strictly adhering to all dietary requests/orders.
  • Maintain a safe and sanitary environment by assisting with the cleaning checklist.
  • Complete Disaster Preparedness & Fire Drills accurately per schedule.
  • Perform daily safety checks, including water temperature checks and nightly safety monitoring.

Community Engagement & Transportation
  • Provide transportation as requested or assigned, ensuring all necessary items (e.g., lunch, money, meds, communication logs) are taken along.
  • Actively assist people supported in integrating into the community through meaningful activities, outings, and visits.
  • Assist people supported in maintaining important family and community contacts.
  • Facilitate grocery and personal shopping trips.

Compliance & Documentation
  • Accurately and consistently document results of Outcome Plan (OP) progress.
  • Properly clock in and out using myMITC at the beginning and end of each shift.
  • Document pertinent information in the communication log at the beginning of each shift.
  • Complete and file Incident Reports (IRs) and document them in the Unusual Notification Binder (UNB) when necessary.
  • Fulfill team responsibilities by submitting input for the annual service plan meeting and ensuring recommendations are implemented.
  • Check mailbox, bulletin boards, and communication logs each shift for messages.

Qualifications
Required
  • Intense desire to work with and for people with developmental disabilities and their support systems.
  • High school diploma or GED (must be at least 18 years old).
  • Ability to read at an 8th-grade level (verified via the STOFHLA assessment).
  • Clearance through the Illinois Department of Public Health Nurse Aid Registry.
  • Ability to successfully pass a criminal background check through the Illinois State Police or have a Department of Public Health Waiver.
  • Possess and maintain a valid Driver's License with a clean driving record.
  • Provide proof of current insurance on your vehicle.
  • Physical Demands: Must be able to lift over 50 lbs without a doctor-ordered lifting restriction.

Training Requirements (Post-Hire)
  • Successfully complete the 120-hour DSP Training within three (3) months of employment.
  • Successfully complete Medication Administration Training within six (6) months of employment (if qualified).
  • Complete all mandated training, including CPR, First Aid, and Positive Behavior Supports.

Schedule & Employment Classifications
Schedule Requirements
  • Mandatory Rotating Schedule: DSPs are required to work every other weekend as part of a 2-week rotating schedule.
  • Call-Off and PTO Policy: Employees are responsible for securing their own substitute when calling off or requesting Paid Time Off (PTO).

Employee Classifications
  • FULL-TIME (FT): 36 to 40 hours per week.
  • PART-TIME W/BENEFITS (PT-B): 30 to 35 hours per week.
  • PART-TIME (PT): 15 to 29 hours per week.
  • SUBSTITUTE (SUB): Must work at least two full shifts per pay period, including one weekend shift (Friday 3p to Monday 6a).
  • TEMPORARY (TEMP): Works for a limited period (e.g., college breaks).

Job Expectations
The CILA DSP is expected to:
  • Recognize the importance of family, friends, and community relationships and actively support relationship-building for the people we serve.
  • Demonstrate strong professional relationships with co-workers and promote a cordial work climate that fosters teamwork.
  • Be self-motivated, receptive to constructive criticism, and consistently seek strategies for organizational improvement.
  • Utilize effective communication skills and basic counseling strategies to enhance self-determination and self-esteem.
  • Know and consistently follow emergency/safety procedures to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of all people supported, staff, and property.
  • Professionally and effectively respond to all behavioral incidents.

Apply