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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Role Description This is an in-home care role for Care Professionals including Direct Support Professionals (DSP), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA), and Home Care Aides (HCA) located in Illinois.

Be Seen First

Role Description This is an in-home care role for Care Professionals including Direct Support Professionals (DSP), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA), and Home Care Aides (HCA) located in Illinois.

Developmental Trainer/QIDP

Lincoln, IL ยท On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Provide leadership, guidance, and coaching to Direct Support Professionals under the direction of the CDS Supervisor. * Support DSPs in understanding and implementing ISPs, behavior supports ...

Residential Supervisor

Decatur, IL ยท On-site

$22.30/hr

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES None SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES Direct Support Professionals JOB QUALIFICATIONS * Education HS/GED is required. One year of DSP experience is required. Prior ...

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Direct Support Professional information

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Decatur, IL is $15.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $17.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Direct Support Professional?

Direct support professionals (DSPs) provide non-medical care and services to intellectually or physically disabled persons. These services may be in the patient's home, at assisted living facilities, or in government institutions. The primary duties of DSPs are to help the patient with everyday tasks, such as taking medication, providing transportation to doctor's appointments, and running errands. DSPs also aim to teach patients life skills, including light housework and meal preparation, to enable them to be a little more independent.

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 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 Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)?

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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professional jobs in Decatur, IL? For Direct Support Professional jobs in Decatur, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Decatur, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,854 per year, or $15.8 per hour.
Direct Support Professional - 2nd Shift

Direct Support Professional - 2nd Shift

Macon Resources, Inc

Decatur, IL โ€ข On-site

$19.55/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Do you want to get PAID to make a difference in someone's life? If so, Macon Resources is the place for you! MRI serves over 800 children and adults with disabilities in the Decatur community. You might be thinking, That's a lot of people! How do you serve that many? Well, hopefully YOU can help us!
Direct Support Professionals are the backbone of MRI. They help our individuals gain freedom and independence by assisting them in everyday tasks. These tasks, just like your everyday tasks, range from waking up and preparing breakfast to shooting hoops outside. All full time employees are eligible for health, life, vision, and FREE dental. You'll also receive paid vacation, personal, AND sick time!
*Shift Differential for those working 2nd and 3rd will be paid an extra $2/hr.
*Weekend Differential for those working 2nd and 3rd will be paid an extra $3/hour starting at 6am on Saturday to 6am on Monday.
So are you a good fit for MRI? Well, lets find out! MRI is looking for someone with a positive attitude, willingness to learn and an impulse to give back to the community. Feel free to contact HR at Macon Resources if you need assistance filling out an application!
JOB QUALIFICATIONS
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Completion of Direct Support Person training in accordance with state regulations and maintain status on the Habilitation Aid Registry (Dont worry well provide the training!)
  • Effective oral and written communication
  • Access to a phone or ability to be contact outside of work