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Entry Level Direct Support Professional Jobs in Chicago, IL

Because this is an entry level role, our clients have opportunities that offer future career growth ... The Opportunity As a Direct Support Professional, you will play a direct care role, assisting ...

Direct Support Professional

Glenview, IL

$14.75 - $18/hr

Because this is an entry level role, our clients have opportunities that offer future career growth ... The Opportunity As a Direct Support Professional, you will play a direct care role, assisting ...

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Hillside, IL

$20.50 - $21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Aspire has entry-level full-time and part-time positions available . We consider all applicants who ... Direct Support Professional (DSP) Position Responsibilities: * Support adult individuals with daily ...

Direct Support Professional

Joliet, IL

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Because this is an entry level role, our clients have opportunities that offer future career growth ... The Opportunity As a Direct Support Professional, you will play a direct care role, assisting ...

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Hillside, IL · On-site

$20.50 - $21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Aspire has entry-level full-time and part-time positions available . We consider all applicants who ... Direct Support Professional (DSP) Position Responsibilities: * Support adult individuals with daily ...

Direct Support Professional

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17 - $19.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We have an opening for a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to join our team. In this role, you will have the opportunity to interact with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities ...

Direct Support Professional

Dolton, IL · On-site

$17 - $19.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We have an opening for a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to join our team. In this role, you will have the opportunity to interact with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities ...

Direct Support Professional

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17 - $19.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We have an opening for a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to join our team. In this role, you will have the opportunity to interact with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Direct Support Professional information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$16

$21

How much do entry level direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level direct support professional in Chicago, IL is $16.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level direct support professional?

Entry Level Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are individuals who assist people with intellectual or developmental disabilities in their daily lives. They help clients with tasks such as personal care, meal preparation, medication management, and participating in community activities. The role focuses on promoting independence, safety, and quality of life for clients, often in residential or day program settings. Entry level DSPs typically receive on-the-job training and work under the supervision of more experienced staff or program coordinators.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level direct support professional?

To thrive as an Entry Level Direct Support Professional, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic caregiving knowledge, and a genuine interest in supporting individuals with disabilities. Familiarity with documentation systems, basic first aid/CPR certification, and training in crisis intervention are often required. Patience, strong communication, and compassion are crucial soft skills for building trust and providing effective support. These abilities ensure the safety, well-being, and empowerment of clients, while promoting a positive and supportive environment.

What types of support and training can new entry level direct support professionals expect when starting this role?

New Entry Level Direct Support Professionals typically receive comprehensive onboarding that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training. This support covers essential topics such as safety protocols, communication strategies, and understanding the needs of individuals with disabilities. Many organizations also offer mentorship programs, ongoing supervision, and regular team meetings to provide guidance and ensure continuous professional development. This collaborative environment helps new hires feel confident and supported as they adapt to the role’s responsibilities.

What is the difference between Entry Level Direct Support Professional vs Direct Support Professional?

AspectEntry Level Direct Support ProfessionalDirect Support Professional
CertificationsCPR/First Aid often required; training providedSame certifications typically required or preferred
Work EnvironmentAssisting individuals with disabilities in community or residential settingsSimilar settings, including homes, group homes, and community programs
Experience LevelEntry-level, minimal prior experience neededVaries; can include experienced roles, but often similar entry points
Job ResponsibilitiesSupporting daily activities, personal care, and community integrationSimilar responsibilities, with potential for increased complexity with experience

Both roles involve supporting individuals with disabilities in various settings, requiring similar certifications and responsibilities. The main difference is that the Entry Level Direct Support Professional is designed for those new to the field, focusing on foundational skills, while the Direct Support Professional can include more experienced workers or those with additional responsibilities.

What is the career path for entry level direct support professionals?

Entry level direct support professionals can advance to roles such as lead support staff, supervisor, or program coordinator with experience and additional training. They may also pursue certifications like CPR or behavioral support to qualify for higher-level positions or specialized roles within healthcare or social services organizations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Direct Support Professional jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Direct Support Professional jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Entry Level Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Entry Level Direct Support Professional job openings:

Direct Support Professional

Delta-T Group

Morton Grove, IL

$15 - $18.25/hr

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

Re-posted 26 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

irect Support Professional (DSP)


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


The Personality


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? 


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: 


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 Beach 


South and Southwest of Chicagoland include: 


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



Additional Information

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