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Direct Support Person Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Here we believe every person has the right to live well, and everyone deserves to have a fulfilling ... Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ...

Here we believe every person has the right to live well, and everyone deserves to have a fulfilling ... Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ...

Direct Support Professional

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

Here we believe every person has the right to live well, and everyone deserves to have a fulfilling ... Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ...

Here we believe every person has the right to live well, and everyone deserves to have a fulfilling ... Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ...

Showing results 21-40

Direct Support Person information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$16

$21

How much do direct support person jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support person in Chicago, IL is $16.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a direct support person?

Direct Support Persons (DSPs) are professionals who provide care and assistance to individuals with disabilities or special needs, helping them live as independently as possible. They support clients with daily activities such as personal care, medication management, transportation, and community involvement. DSPs play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life and promoting the dignity of those they serve, often working in homes, community settings, or care facilities. Their work is vital in ensuring that people with disabilities have the opportunity to participate fully in society.

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

To thrive as a Direct Support Person, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic caregiving knowledge, and often completion of specialized training or certification in disability support. Familiarity with individualized support plans, assistive technologies, and documentation systems is typically required. Patience, strong communication, and empathy are vital soft skills for building trust and effectively supporting individuals with disabilities. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring client well-being, fostering independence, and maintaining a safe, supportive environment.

What are some common challenges direct support persons face, and how can they effectively handle them?

Direct Support Persons often encounter challenges such as managing clients with varying behavioral and emotional needs, balancing multiple responsibilities, and maintaining clear communication among team members and families. Successfully handling these challenges typically involves ongoing training in crisis intervention, strong teamwork, and developing patience and empathy. Regular check-ins with supervisors and collaborating with other care professionals can also provide valuable support and resources for managing difficult situations.

How do you become a certified direct support person?

To become a certified direct support person, individuals typically need to complete a state-approved training program that covers topics such as person-centered planning, medication administration, and behavior management. Many states also require passing a competency exam and obtaining a background check before working in the role.

Is a direct support person a good career?

A direct support person provides assistance to individuals with disabilities or special needs, often working in healthcare or social services. It can be a rewarding career with opportunities for growth, requiring skills in communication, patience, and sometimes certification or training. Job stability and satisfaction depend on the work environment and personal interests in helping others.

Where do direct support persons get paid the most?

Direct support persons tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living, such as certain urban areas or states with competitive healthcare and social service sectors. Salaries can also vary based on experience, certifications, and the specific employer, with some private agencies offering higher pay than public or nonprofit organizations.
Infographic showing various Direct Support Person job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,892 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

ASO - ADA S. MCKINLEY COMM SRVCS, INC.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$22/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for providing direct services for adults who reside at Ada S McKinley Community Living Houses to ensure they are healthy and safe, and learning skills that will enable them to be contributing members of their home and the local community. The DSP utilized the Trained techniques to assist individuals with completing personal tasks, maintaining a clean-living environment, and assisting them as needed while in the community. The DSP completes documentation of each person’s progress toward their written objectives per direction from the assigned supervisors.

Reporting Relationship:

Reports To: Residential Home Manager


Supervises (Position Title): None


Principal Duties/Responsibilities:


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:


The list of essential duties and responsibilities, as outlined herein, represents the task to be performed. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein is such duties are a logical assignment to the position.

  • Implements and documents each person’s progress toward formal and informal goals and objectives as outlined in each person’s Individual Service Plan (ISP).
  • Implements each person’s self-medication plan as outlined in the ISP.
  • Ensures each person is receiving well-balanced nutritional meals.
  • Ensures each person completes their personal hygiene and grooming tasks and provides additional assistance as needed.
  • Ensures that each person is dressed appropriately according to weather conditions.
  • Transports individuals in Ada S McKinley Community Living Services van and accompanies them to necessary community outings, including shopping for groceries, and personal items and participation in recreational activities, and religious services of their Choice.
  •  Maintains annual certification in First Aid and CPR.
  • Successfully completes the Medication Administration Training and maintains the ability to pass medications.

Requirements:

  • This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent 
  • A valid driver’s license, working vehicle, car insurance and a good driving record are required.
  • The selected candidate must be 18 + years old.
  • Requires 6 months of DSP / CNA / Caregiver is required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (K/S/A):

  • This position requires the individual demonstrate the experiences, beliefs, attitude and awareness that indicate cultural sensitivity to the client population served.
  • This position requires the individual possess the ability to partner with clients individually and/or in family to help them mobilize resources and build resilience.
  • This position requires the individual possess the ability to coordinate effectively with other team members, other agency resources and outside services in addressing client needs.
  • This position requires the individual possess an understanding of evidence-informed practices, engagement strategies, boundary setting, concurrent documentation, working in a community setting, organizing, motivational interviewing, and family systems.

Mental/Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is subject to sitting, walking, and standing for prolonged periods; frequently grasps, lifts, holds, or feels objects; occasionally stoops, kneels, crouches, or crawls. The employee frequently is required to use manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination when working with persons served and handling office, medical, or household equipment. The employee is subject to assist and support up to 50 pounds with varying amounts of assistance on a reoccurring basis. The employee is required to have corrected vision and hearing within normal range and the ability to operate a motor vehicle. Must have the ability to perform CPR and First Aid.


Environmental Conditions: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Work is performed in an office or classroom environment.

Fulltime Role

Compensation

22.00 Hourly

Benefits

  • Paid vacation
  • Paid Sick Time
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • 403(b) Plan  
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-term & short-term disability
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)
  • Family medical leave
  • Tuition reimbursement

Benefit options and eligibility vary by Fulltime and Part-time positions. Compensation within the posted salary range varies based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, and performance at the time of the offer