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Direct Support Professionals Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

The Douglas Center is looking for part-time Direct Support Professionals (DSP) to assist and support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in areas of vocational skills training ...

The Douglas Center is looking for part-time Direct Support Professionals (DSP) to assist and support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in areas of vocational skills training ...

Direct Support Professional

Chicago, IL

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Direct Support Professional assist in the daily needs of the clients. We are looking for team members that are fun and active and encourage our clients to be as well! **DSP's must have a High School ...

Showing results 21-40

Direct Support Professionals information

See Illinois salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do direct support professionals jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professionals in Illinois is $15.78, 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.

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 these roles. Additionally, certifications and experience can influence salary levels across different locations.

What do you do as a direct support professional?

A direct support professional provides assistance to individuals with disabilities or special needs to help them live independently and participate in daily activities. Their duties include personal care, medication management, skill development, and ensuring safety, often working in clients' homes or community settings. They may also document progress and communicate with families or healthcare teams, typically requiring training and certifications such as CPR and first aid.

What qualifications do I need for a direct support professional job?

To become a direct support professional, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may be required to complete training or certification in areas such as first aid, CPR, or behavioral support. Some positions also require background checks and good communication skills to work effectively with individuals with disabilities or special needs.

What is the difference between Direct Support Professionals vs Personal Care Assistants?

AspectDirect Support ProfessionalsPersonal Care Assistants
CertificationsOften require certifications like CPR, First Aid, and sometimes specialized trainingMay require similar certifications, but less frequently mandated
Work EnvironmentAssist individuals with disabilities in community, residential, or healthcare settingsProvide personal care in private homes or healthcare facilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofit organizations, government agencies, healthcare providersHome healthcare agencies, private clients, assisted living facilities

Both roles involve providing personal care and support, but Direct Support Professionals typically work with individuals with disabilities in various settings and often require specific certifications. Personal Care Assistants mainly focus on assisting with daily living activities in private homes or healthcare environments. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professionals jobs in Illinois? For Direct Support Professionals jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Direct Support Professionals jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Direct Support Professionals job openings:
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professionals job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, and 54% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,822 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

DOUGLAS CENTER

Skokie, IL โ€ข On-site

$15/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

The Douglas Center is looking for part-time Direct Support Professionals (DSP) to assist and support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in areas of vocational skills training, developmental rehabilitation, social skills training, and community integration in our day program located in Skokie, Illinois.

Join a program that continues to grow and evolve and truly provides choices and opportunities for its participants.

Company Description

The Douglas Center serves to assist adults living with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities in improving their independent living skills and enrichment of their quality of life.

https://thedouglascenter.org/