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

Occupational Therapist

Sullivan, IL

$38 - $50/hr

... support, professional development, and growth opportunities. Our leadership team began their ... Enhance patients' functional abilities through direct provision, oversight, and coordination of ...

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Direct Support Professional information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$9

$15

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 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.
Information Technology Professional

Information Technology Professional

US Navy

Macon, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 369 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

Job Title: Information Technology Professional (IT/CTN/IS)
Category / Component: Enlisted • Both
Overview
Information Systems Technicians, Cryptologic Technician Networks, and Intelligence Specialists keep the Fleet connected, informed, and secure by operating and defending networks, conducting cyber operations, and producing intelligence for decision makers across the Navy.
Key Responsibilities

As an Information Systems Technician, design, operate, secure, and restore networks, servers, and communication systems that support naval operations; as a Cryptologic Technician Networks specialist, conduct offensive and defensive cyber operations, investigate and track adversary activity, and help protect Navy networks and critical systems; as an Intelligence Specialist, collect and analyze information on adversaries, environments, and weather and create intelligence products and briefings for commanders.
What to Expect
High tempo, mission critical work supporting around the clock operations and watch floors; mix of help desk and user support, network and systems administration, incident response, and planned maintenance; continuous learning in cyber tools, network defense, signals analysis, and intelligence production; strict requirements for handling classified information and complying with security and information assurance standards; shift work, duty rotations, and deployments afloat and ashore.
Work Environment
Worldwide assignments ashore at information warfare and intelligence commands and afloat on ships, aircraft, or submarines; work in secure facilities, server rooms, operations centers, and shipboard communications spaces; close teamwork within information warfare and intelligence teams and with supported operational units.
Pathways, Training & Advancement
Recruit Training followed by Class A School in an information warfare specialty, such as IT or CTN at information warfare training sites and IS at intelligence training commands; advanced C schools and follow on training in areas such as cyber operations, network defense, digital forensics, signals analysis, targeting, imagery, language, and mission systems; progressive advancement based on qualifications, performance, and warfare pins such as Information Warfare and platform specific warfare designations.
Direct enlistment into IT, CTN, or IS pipelines from civilian life based on aptitude, security clearance eligibility, and Navy needs; in service conversion opportunities for qualified Sailors who meet screening criteria and community requirements; Reserve accession pathways for prior service or qualified civilian professionals when manning needs allow.
Qualifications
All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or commissioning standards, which typically include:

  • Eligibility to serve in the United States Navy, which may involve United States citizenship or other legal residency and work status, depending on the program and current law and policy
  • A high school diploma or equivalent for enlisted positions, and a bachelor’s or qualifying professional degree for officer positions
    Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in law and Navy policy. Some communities have more restrictive age ranges
    Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness requirements, with some jobs requiring more demanding standards
  • Meeting character and conduct standards, including background screening
  • Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery for enlisted roles or officer qualification tests for officer programs
  • Eligibility for a security clearance when required for your rating or designator
  • Additional qualifications can include specific skills, education, licensure, or experience that are unique to a job or community and will be reviewed with you by a recruiter.

Additional qualifications for this job may include:
United States citizenship or equivalent status as allowed by law and policy, with most billets requiring citizenship; high school diploma or equivalent; at least 17 years of age; strong interest and aptitude in computers, networks, cyber operations, and analytical work; eligibility for a security clearance at the Secret or Top Secret level depending on the billet.
Education
Education benefits are available through standard Navy programs such as Tuition Assistance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ACE-recommended college credit for Navy training, Navy COOL-funded certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the Sailor’s status, training, and current Navy policy.
Pay, Benefits & Service
Pay, benefits, and service commitments follow standard Navy Active and/or Reserve policies for this type of role, including basic pay, allowances when eligible, health coverage, and retirement options. Exact entitlements, special pays, and service obligations depend on program, component, years of service, and current law and Navy guidance.
Incentives
Incentives such as bonuses, special pays, and loan repayment may be available at times for specific ratings or communities, but they change frequently and cannot be guaranteed. Applicants must confirm current incentives and eligibility with an official Navy recruiter or authoritative Navy source.
Notes and Disclaimers
This description is a general overview of typical duties, training, and opportunities in this community. It does not replace official Navy instructions, policies, or contracts and does not guarantee specific assignments, training, incentives, or outcomes. Actual opportunities depend on Navy needs, individual performance, screening results, and current law and policy.


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About US Navy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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