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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Mount Prospect, IL

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Mundelein, IL ยท On-site

$15.25 - $18.75/hr

Direct Support Professional (DSP) JOB STATUS: Non-exempt (hourly) BASIC FUNCTION: Works in a direct care capacity with adults diagnosed with developmental and intellectual disabilities to teach daily ...

Direct Support Professional (DSP) JOB STATUS: Non-exempt (hourly) BASIC FUNCTION: Works in a direct care capacity with adults diagnosed with developmental and intellectual disabilities to teach daily ...

SUMMARY Provide direct support to clients in either residential setting or day programming to ... Maintains professional communication with co-workers and manager(s) as well as clients' parents ...

SummaryWe're looking for a dedicated Direct Support Professional (DSP) to join our team in providing compassionate care for adults with developmental disabilities. The ideal candidate will assist ...

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (DSP) LOCATIONS: ALSIP, IL SALARY: $21.55 Per Hour OPENINGS FULL-TIME / PART-TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE WORK HOURS : DAYS, EVENINGS, MIDNIGHTS AND ROTATING WEEKENDS PARK ...

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Direct Support Professional information

See Mount Prospect, IL salary details

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$16

$20

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Mount Prospect, IL is $16.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.33 and $17.45 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 are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professional jobs in Mount Prospect, IL?

For Direct Support Professional jobs in Mount Prospect, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Mount Prospect, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,651 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Glenkirk

Mundelein, IL โ€ข On-site

$15.25 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

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


Job description

JOB TITLE: Direct Support Professional (DSP)

JOB STATUS: Non-exempt (hourly)

BASIC FUNCTION: Works in a direct care capacity with adults diagnosed with developmental and intellectual disabilities to teach daily living skills as a certified Direct Support Professional (DSP) registered with Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS).

SCOPE: Provides direct care to and promotes independence of individuals served in all areas of community life through ongoing advocacy, support, active treatment, teaching, and training.

JOB DUTIES

  • Participates in implementing basic care needs of individuals served, including all activities of daily living(ADLs), e.g. hygiene, medication administration, meal preparation/cooking, etc.;
  • Maintains a clean, orderly, and safe work environment at all times by following daily and weekly cleaning/care of environment tasks and participating in regulatory life safety practices (i.e. safety drills);
  • Ensures active treatment is being provided on a daily basis through implementing assigned curriculum/activity schedules to help individuals achieve their Implementation Strategy (IS) outcomes and objectives (i.e. planning/coordinating community integration activities; following Glidepath Curriculum/Day Program curriculum, etc.);
  • Properly documents the implementation of each individuals IS by completing outcome tracking, daily logs, progress notes, behavior tracking, incident reports, 1:1 logs, daily attendance sheets.
  • Operates and maintains the cleanliness of Glenkirk vehicles and completes necessary paperwork associated with vehicle trips. Demonstrates the ability use vehicle tie downs and lifts, as needed.
  • Maintain certification in required trainings;
  • Maintain regular and consistent work attendance;
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education: High school diploma or equivalent; valid Illinois driver's license (meet and maintain driver eligibility). Must be 18 years old or older.

Experience: Some experience in the human services field is preferred.

Knowledge: Working with individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities is preferred.

Physical Requirements: Able to lift 44lbs; able to lift and move non- & semi-ambulatory individuals with the assistance of mechanical devices (i.e. Hoyer lift, gait belt, etc.); able to assist individuals on/off the bus/van; able to move boxes and/or furniture for cleaning, climb ladder or step stool as required. Able to be trained in and implement all modules of Safety Care crisis intervention training.