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

ADDWC

Direct Support Person (DSP)

Eureka, IL · On-site

$19.10/hr

15 hours a week/ Monday- Friday morning shift 6:30Am-9:30AM ADDWC is currently seeking applicants for Residential Direct Support Professionals. The DSP role is to assist individuals become self ...

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Direct Support Professional information

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Normal, IL is $15.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.09 and $17.16 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 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 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.

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 cities 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.
More about Direct Support Professional jobs
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Normal, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Normal, IL are:
What cities near Normal, IL are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Normal, IL with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Normal, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,114 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Progressive Housing Inc

East Peoria, IL

$20.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Reporting directly to the Resident Services Director (RSD) or Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP), the Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for participating as a member of the facility team to ensure safe and effective residential facilities. The DSP provides direct support, positive direction and assistance to the CILA (Community Integrated Living Arrangement) and/or ICF (Intermediate Care Facility) residents in accordance with program policies and procedures, assisting individuals to be as independent as possible. The DSP at Progressive Housing, Inc.

is adaptable, mission oriented, goal driven, highly organized, efficient, a positive role model, and exercises good judgment and decision making skills. Starting Pay: $20.50 per hour Responsibilities: Be familiar and comply with current state and federal rules and regulations and perform all assigned tasks in accordance with facility policy and procedures Ensure that individuals exercise their rights and are treated with dignity and respect Respect and maintain confidentiality of all individuals' personal information Responsible for the implementation and documentation of individual goals and objectives Be familiar with emergency behavior management techniques as set forth by Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI), standard precautions and infection control techniques, the proper placement and use of emergency equipment and procedures, and good body mechanics to maintain a clean, safe, positive and secure environment at all times. Assist individuals with their activities of daily living (ADL) while promoting independence which may include, but not limited to, household chores, recreational activities, physical fitness activities, grooming and dressing, and money management Know the whereabouts of individuals you are directly responsible for at all times Attend Individual Service Plans (ISPs) meetings and assist in the development of the program plan while working closely with each individual to identify supports that will improve the quality of life and ensuring positive outcomes Attend in-service training as required to continue skill development and complete paperwork, as necessary, to meet PHI, federal, and state regulatory requirements Assist in the orientation and training of new employees Assist with general housekeeping (cleaning, laundry, vacuuming, dusting, mopping, sanitizing, etc.) while promoting involvement of the individual Prepare meals, with the assistance of individuals, according to standardized recipes and the designated menu Prepare and assist individuals on outings, shopping trips, vacations, home visits and appointments by providing transportation, guidance, and support where needed with guardian approval Observe for and report medical concerns and accidents / incidents immediately to the RSD/QIDP and Nurse Administer medications and take and record vitals while utilizing nurse protocols as directed Report any and all allegations of individual abuse or neglect that is reported to or witnessed to the RSD/QIDP and Office of Inspector General (OIG) Other miscellaneous duties as assigned

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