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Direct Support Professionals Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Direct Support Professionals information

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How much do direct support professionals jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 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.

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 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 typically require good communication skills and may need certification or training relevant to caregiving and health support.

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.

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 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 job categories do people searching Direct Support Professionals jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professionals jobs in Illinois 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 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,822 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Challenge Unlimited, Inc

Godfrey, IL • On-site

$19.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Description:
We're seeking someone who is wanting to make make a meaningful difference every day by empowering individuals with disabilities to live independently, achieve their goals, and thrive in their communities. as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Challenge Unlimited, Inc/Residential Options in Godfrey, IL.
No experience! No Problem! We provide all the PAID training needed to provide the best care.
Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities need people in their lives who provide them with assistance and instruction on completing tasks most people take for granted. The people who provide this help and training are called Direct Support Professionals, or DSPs. At Residential Options, our DSPs work in residential settings helping our clients learn new skills, reach life goals, and turn houses into homes. DSP's report to the Director of Residential Options or Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP).
Position Summary:
  • Shift: Full-Time.
  • Hours: Midnight flex 10p-8a and 2p-10p (both shifts are included in the schedule)
  • Weekends, mandated overtime and some holidays are included in schedule.
  • Salary: $19.75 dollars per hour
  • Location: Godfrey, IL

Responsibilities:
  • Assist residents with activities of daily living (ADLs), including personal hygiene, bathing, dressing, toileting, meal preparation, cooking, housekeeping, and laundry.
  • Support residents with medication administration and monitor for health and safety concerns.
  • Perform tasks necessary to maintain a safe living and working environment (i.e. cleaning, shoveling walks, etc.)
  • Provide transportation to appointments, shopping trips, recreational activities, and community events.
  • Foster a safe, welcoming, and home-like environment for residents.
  • Provide physical therapy and emotional support.
  • Encourage and support residents in achieving personal goals and increasing independence.
  • Assist with community integration, social engagement, travel training, and life skills development.
  • Implement individual support plans and treatment goals to promote growth and self-sufficiency.
  • Accurately document services provided, resident progress, behaviors, incidents, and health-related information.
  • Complete required reports and maintain resident records in accordance with company and regulatory requirements.
  • Follow all medication administration procedures, safety protocols, and documentation standards.
  • Communicate resident needs, concerns, and progress with supervisors and team members.
  • Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and resident planning meetings as assigned.
  • Follow company policies, OSHA standards, and all applicable health and safety regulations.
Requirements:
  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • Must pass a criminal background check
  • Must pass a child abuse & neglect background check
  • Must pass a motor vehicle background check
  • Must be at least 21 years old
  • Have a valid driver's license
  • Must pass state required CASAS literacy assessment prior to employment.
  • CPR, 1st Aid, Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI), Med Passing and DSP training provided by the company must be successfully completed within the first 4 months and annually thereafter to maintain the position
  • proficient with computer and typing skills.
Benefits:
  • Life Insurance
  • Medical with Rx & Vision
  • Dental
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
  • Holiday Pay
  • Vacation
  • Unpaid Personal Days
  • Sick Days
  • Funeral Leave
  • 401K

EOE Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.