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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Champaign, IL

(Homer) Direct Support Professional

Homer, IL ยท On-site

$14.50 - $16.75/hr

Dedication to professional development, including organizational and state-required training Caregivers must comply with state background screening requirements. Compensation, benefits, time off, and ...

Posted today

(Homer) Direct Support Professional

Sidney, IL ยท On-site

$15.50 - $18/hr

Dedication to professional development, including organizational and state-required training Caregivers must comply with state background screening requirements. Compensation, benefits, time off, and ...

Posted today

(Homer) Direct Support Professional

Homer, IL ยท On-site

$14.50 - $16.75/hr

Dedication to professional development, including organizational and state-required training Caregivers must comply with state background screening requirements. Compensation, benefits, time off, and ...

Posted today

(Homer) Direct Support Professional

Sidney, IL ยท On-site

$15.50 - $18/hr

Dedication to professional development, including organizational and state-required training Caregivers must comply with state background screening requirements. Compensation, benefits, time off, and ...

Posted today

Direct Care Professional

Monticello, IL ยท On-site

$18 - $20/hr

A Direct Support Professional (DSP) in Illinois helps people with diverse abilities and disabilities to live independently and have a good quality of life . DSPs help with daily tasks, provide ...

Unit Specialist - 2nd

Champaign, IL ยท On-site

$18.43/hr

Provide ongoing support and guidance to clients and their families as they navigate the challenges ... Exercise confidentiality in keeping with the professional Code of Conduct and within the framework ...

Unit Specialist - 2nd

Champaign, IL ยท On-site

$18.43/hr

Provide ongoing support and guidance to clients and their families as they navigate the challenges ... Exercise confidentiality in keeping with the professional Code of Conduct and within the framework ...

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Direct Support Professional information

See Champaign, IL salary details

$9

$16

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Champaign, IL is $16.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a direct support professional?

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are caregivers who assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their daily lives. They help with personal care, medication management, meal preparation, and transportation, while also supporting clients in achieving personal goals and participating in community activities. DSPs play a vital role in promoting independence, dignity, and quality of life for those they support.

What are some common challenges direct support professionals face when supporting individuals with disabilities, and how can they effectively handle them?

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) often encounter challenges such as managing behavioral outbursts, ensuring effective communication with nonverbal individuals, and balancing the need for independence with safety. Handling these situations requires patience, empathy, and strong problem-solving skills. Many DSPs find it helpful to use individualized behavior support plans, maintain clear communication with team members, and participate in ongoing training. Building trust and understanding the unique needs of each individual also play a key role in overcoming daily challenges.

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

To thrive as a Direct Support Professional, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic caregiving knowledge, and an understanding of developmental disabilities. Familiarity with documentation systems, incident reporting tools, and sometimes CPR/First Aid certification is typically required. Patience, strong interpersonal skills, and empathy are crucial soft skills for effectively supporting individuals and building trust. These skills are vital for ensuring client safety, promoting independence, and delivering compassionate care tailored to each individual's needs.

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

AspectDirect Support ProfessionalPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, sometimes specialized trainingCPR, First Aid often required
Work EnvironmentAssisting individuals with disabilities in community or residential settingsProviding personal care in private homes or facilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, healthcare providersHome care agencies, private clients

Both roles involve assisting individuals with daily activities, often requiring similar certifications like CPR and First Aid. However, Direct Support Professionals typically work in community or residential settings supporting people with disabilities, while Personal Care Assistants mainly provide personal care services in private homes. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the role that best matches their skills and career goals.

Where do direct support professionals get paid the most?

Direct Support Professionals tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare and social services, such as certain metropolitan areas. States or areas with a strong focus on healthcare, social services, or specialized care often offer higher pay rates for this role. Factors like experience, certifications, and the specific employer also influence salary levels.

What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Champaign, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Champaign, IL are:

What cities near Champaign, IL are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities near Champaign, IL with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:

Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Champaign, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,921 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Avento Health

Champaign, IL โ€ข On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Full-time

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Full-Time | Champaign, IL

A community-based human services organization is seeking compassionate and dependable Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to support adults with intellectual, developmental, emotional, neurological, behavioral, and other disabilities in Champaign, Illinois.

This is a hands-on, person-centered role focused on helping individuals develop skills, make choices, participate in their communities, and achieve greater independence. DSPs may serve as caregivers, mentors, teachers, advocates, and positive role models while supporting individualized goals.

Compensation

$22.00–$28.00 per hour. Compensation within the range may vary based on relevant experience, qualifications, certifications, assignment, shift requirements, and other job-related factors.

Schedule

This is a full-time position. Scheduling varies by program and assignment and may include day, evening, overnight, weekend, or holiday shifts. Specific availability requirements will be discussed during the hiring process.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide respectful, individualized support based on each person's needs, abilities, preferences, goals, and service plan.
  • Encourage independence, self-advocacy, decision-making, and active participation in daily life.
  • Assist or teach activities of daily living such as personal care, meal preparation, shopping, laundry, household routines, mobility, and personal safety.
  • Help individuals build independent living, communication, social, problem-solving, budgeting, transportation, and community-navigation skills.
  • Support participation in recreational, educational, vocational, social, and community activities.
  • Follow individualized behavioral and safety plans and use approved prevention and de-escalation strategies when applicable.
  • Observe and report changes in health, behavior, mood, or functioning.
  • Assist with medication responsibilities only when appropriately trained and authorized.
  • Complete timely, accurate, objective service notes, incident reports, goal documentation, and other required records.
  • Communicate professionally with supervisors, coworkers, clinicians, families, guardians, and other members of the support team.
  • Support transportation and community appointments when required by the assignment.
  • Maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, individual rights, dignity, and safety.

Minimum Qualifications

  • High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
  • At least 18 years of age.
  • Ability to successfully complete applicable background checks and required training.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to read and follow service plans, behavioral plans, safety procedures, and instructions.
  • Ability to complete accurate documentation.
  • Dependable attendance and ability to work a full-time schedule.
  • Ability to remain professional and calm in challenging situations.
  • Valid driver's license and acceptable driving history may be required depending on assignment.

Preferred Experience

Previous DSP experience is helpful but related backgrounds may also be considered, including developmental disabilities, behavioral health, mental health, residential care, caregiving, human services, social services, CNA, Home Health Aide, Personal Care Assistant, Mental Health Technician, Behavioral Health Technician, Residential Aide, or Community Support Specialist experience.

Physical Requirements

Requirements vary by assignment and may include standing or walking for extended periods, bending, reaching, household activities, personal-care assistance, pushing mobility equipment, assisting with mobility or transfers after appropriate training, and responding promptly during emergencies. Reasonable accommodations may be available to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Avento Health is committed to connecting qualified candidates with employers that provide equal employment opportunities. Employment decisions are made without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

SMS Communication Consent

By applying for this position and providing your mobile phone number, you consent to receive calls and text messages from Avento Health regarding this and other relevant employment opportunities. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. You may opt out of text communications at any time by replying STOP.