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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Springfield, IL

The Residential DSP (Direct Support Professional) amp; DSP Trainee work in a dynamic environment supporting adults with I/DD. The person in this position must be energetic, adapt easily to rapidly ...

Care Professional

Springfield, IL · On-site

$18.75 - $30/hr

HIGH DEMAND FOR CARE PROFESSIONALS IN MENARD AND MASON COUNTIES. Home Instead provides a variety of non-medical services that allow seniors to remain in their home and meet the challenges of aging ...

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 ...

Duties are split between providing direct support, professional or program activities, and supervision. * Facilitate community involvement by accompanying individuals on outings in the community or ...

Duties are split between providing direct support, professional or program activities, and supervision. * Facilitate community involvement by accompanying individuals on outings in the community or ...

CNA or DSP

Chatham, IL · On-site

$18.50 - $21/hr

If you're a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Direct Support Professional (DSP) with a heart for service, we'd love to hear from you! What You'll Do As a CNA or DSP, you'll play a vital role in ...

Duties are split between providing direct support, professional or program activities, and supervision. * Facilitate community involvement by accompanying individuals on outings in the community or ...

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Direct Support Professional information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Springfield, IL is $16.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $17.40 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 Springfield, IL? For Direct Support Professional jobs in Springfield, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Springfield, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Springfield, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,570 per year, or $16.1 per hour.
Part-Time Afternoons Direct Support Professional (RBT)

Part-Time Afternoons Direct Support Professional (RBT)

Lighthouse Autism Center

Springfield, IL • On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Lighthouse Autism Center rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

593rd of 864 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Description:

Are you looking for a fun, rewarding career dedicated to helping children reach their full potential? If so, we want YOU to join us as a RBT at Lighthouse Autism Center! As a RBT at Lighthouse, you will work with a team of rockstar clinicians and behavior analysts to provide high-quality, center-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to children with autism. You'll receive all the training you need to play an integral role in helping children learn new skills and reach their goals. Join a team that is dedicated to living out Lighthouse's Core Values by being Compassionate, Trustworthy, Courageous, and Committed--and become a Lighthouse Legend!


This position is Part-Time Afternoons: 12pm-4pm


Here are some of the awesome things you'll get to do as an RBT at Lighthouse:

  • Work one-on-one with kids (18 months to school age) to provide ABA therapy in a center-based approach.
  • Collaborate with a team of clinicians and behavior analysts to implement custom therapy plans unique to the needs of each child.
  • Use your creativity and enthusiasm in a play-based and naturalistic therapy setting.
  • Help children to progress in educational and social settings and prepare children to eventually transition to a more traditional school setting.
  • Track and document progress for each child as you implement custom therapy programs.
  • Be a part of a fun and supportive team that is dedicated to living out Lighthouse's Core Values.

What we bring:

  • Paid training to help ensure you are confident and successful as you earn your Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Certification and begin your career in ABA therapy. Additional training as you progress through our career levels.
  • Tuition reimbursement toward masters level education in a needed field. If you have the drive and desire, Lighthouse will be by your side all the way to BCBA Certification.
  • Competitive salary with opportunities for advancement and growth—in only 3 to 15 months, you could climb from Trainee to RBT Trainer with pay raises along the way!
  • Benefits that start on day one: health, dental, and vision insurance, $20,000 life insurance coverage at no cost to you, Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 401k retirement plan with company match after 30 days.
  • Generous time off: 3 weeks earned Paid Time Off (PTO) annually, 8 paid holidays per year, and paid parental leave.
  • Full time schedule, Monday through Friday, and 40+ hours per week.
  • No contractual obligation! We hope you stay because it’s a great place to work, not because you are contractually obligated to do so.
  • A supportive and fun work environment that is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children with autism and their families.

What you bring:

  • All applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent are welcome—a college degree is preferred but not required.
  • Experience working with children preferred but not required.
  • A passion for working with children with autism spectrum disorder and their families.
  • An eagerness to be a part of a caring and team-oriented company culture.
  • A deep commitment to show up every day and support a learner in their progress.

If you're ready to become a Lighthouse Legend and make a difference in the lives of children with autism, apply today!

Requirements:
  • Candidates must be 18 years or older to be considered for this position.
  • All applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent are welcome—a college degree is preferred but not required.
  • Lifting/Carrying more than 50 lbs. Able to sustain impact to body (i.e., being hit, etc.) in any area. Running, crouching, squatting, and ability to kneel for sustained periods of time. Bending at the waist to touch knees and/or toes. Full range of motion of hands and arms. Sitting on the floor and chair for long periods of time. Ability to move quickly from standing to seated, or kneeling position, without support. Communicate expressively and receptively both verbally and written.
  • Reliable transportation and a valid driver's license preferred.
  • Important Note: Safety is a priority at Lighthouse. You will undergo a background check and drug test at the time of hire.

What Lighthouse Autism Center employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Lighthouse Autism Center logo

About Lighthouse Autism Center

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Lighthouse Autism Center provides year-round therapeutic intervention for children with autism based on the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Gregg and Sandy Maggioli are parents of a child with autism. Together they founded and opened Lighthouse Autism Center in 2012 to achieve their mission of ensuring each child reaches their full potential. We offer hope for every child, every family.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Mishawaka, IN, US

Year founded

2012