1

Direct Support Professional Jobs in Sycamore, IL

Direct Support Professional

Woodstock, IL ยท On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

The Opportunity As a Direct Support Professional, you will play a direct care role, assisting individuals with severe developmental disabilities to learn skills of daily living. This can include ...

Direct Support Professional

Rockford, IL ยท On-site

$19.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We're looking for Direct Support Professionals to join our team! As a DSP, you will provide support and guidance to people served as they learn and develop important daily living skills and life ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Direct Support Professional information

See Sycamore, IL salary details

$9

$15

$19

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Sycamore, IL is $15.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.89 and $16.92 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.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Sycamore, 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 $32,663 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Delta-T Group

Village Of Lakewood, IL โ€ข On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Contractor, Per diem

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Delta-T Group is a national broker and referral service for specialized types of healthcare and educational professionals. Our unique portfolio of services allows clients to access a strong team of professionals possessing a wide variety of experience and training while providing .

Our team of Account Managers and Staffing Coordinators work together to refer the highest caliber of professionals with degrees, certifications and licenses of varying levels in the fields of social services, psychiatry, occupational therapy, language speech pathology, special education teachers, para professionals, mental health, addictions treatment, allied therapies and pharmacy. We primarily provide service supplemental staffing services to school districts and charter schools, hospitals, community mental health centers, outpatient treatment facilities, and residential homes.

Job Description

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

(Nonprofit / Social Services / Healthcare / Transitional Living Programs / DD Residences, TLPs, CILAs)

Have you cared for a loved one and found it rewarding? Do you have the motivation to help others? Does making a difference matter to you? Are you someone who enjoys learning is ready to earn multiple certifications in CPR, First Aid and more thorough on the job training program?ย 

We are working closely with several client partners to refer professionals for training classes and orientations that are scheduled weekly in various locations. For this position, a caring heart and a desire to help others to live as independently as possible is the only experience required. The comprehensive training program they provide will teach you everything you need to know to be successful in this job.

Because this is an entry level role, our clients have opportunities that offer future career growth. We would love to tell you more, please apply immediately!

The Opportunity

As a Direct Support Professional, you will play a direct care role, assisting individuals with severe developmental disabilities to learn skills of daily living. This can include providing training and assistance with self-care, hygiene, meal preparation, housekeeping and laundry.


Engaging in socialization and recreation activities, as well as use of public transportation to these activities.


Professional communication with individuals being served, co-workers, and outside agency personnel.


Ensuring that participants are engaged, active and involved according to scheduled plans.


Maintaining familiarity with individualized behavior programs and implementing them accordingly.


Reinforcing the positive behavior of participants according to individual needs.


The Locations


North and Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, including specific opportunities in:ย 


Northbrook, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, McHenry, Woodstock, Johnsburg, Zion, North Chicago, Waukegan, Skokie, Niles, Mundelein, Grayslake, Fox Lake, Cary, Lake Forest, Morengo, Palatine, Arlington Heights, Oak Park, Morton Grove, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Winthrop Harbor, Beach Park, Highland Park, Lake Villa, Lake Zurich and Round Lake Beachย 


South and Southwest of Chicagoland include:ย 


Joliet, Shorewood, Wilmington, Lemont, Tinley Park, Lansing, Bartlett, Palos Heights and Chicago Ridge


Shift Work / Per Diem / Weekly Opportunities throughout Chicago, including:


Streeterville, Near North, Near South, South Shore, Lakeview, Rogers Park, Humboldt Park, Wicker Park, Edgebrook, Pilsen, Bridgeport, Austin and various other Chicago neighborhoods.


1st, 2nd, 3rd or mixed shift schedules available on a part-time or full-time basis. Compensation is dependent upon location, facility and experience (current certifications, if any as no experience is required). All positions are Contract-to-Hire with a permanent staff opportunity available.


The Training


You will receive 40 hours of classroom training and 80-120 hours of on the job training to complete DSP Certification, including:


Introduction to Intellectual Disabilities


Human Rights


Abuse/Neglect & Exploitation


Safety


CPR


First Aid


Ensuring the Rights of the Individual


Non-Violent Crisis Interventions


Community Integration


The Must-Haves


U.S. high school diploma or GED, or educational evaluation by an approved and licensed agency if you were educated outside of the United States


Ability to pass a background check, to include criminal background, finger prints, DCFS CANTS (Abuse and Neglect Tracking System), education credentials, and references


Delta T Group :


Call : 630.218.8080

Free Phone: 800-500-8007

fax: (630) 571-0361


As an independent contractor of Delta-T Group, you will:


- Have the opportunity to help others - Enjoy a flexible schedule by choosing assignments which fit your schedule.

- Earn supplemental income

- Be affiliated with an agency serving the behavioral healthcare field for 20 years





Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.