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Live In Direct Support Professional Jobs in Colchester, IL

Support Professional For Autism

Burlington, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Consider directing your passion and expertise toward a fulfilling career in the Applied Behavior ... Tailored for professionals with a background in providing compassionate care and support. No prior ...

Obtain your Direct Support Professional (DSP) certification with Bridgeway! Great benefits ... Implement selected aspects of the consumer centered plans with focus on skills training in the ...

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Live In Direct Support Professional information

See Colchester, IL salary details

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How much do live in direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for live in direct support professional in Colchester, IL is $15.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $16.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a live in direct support professional?

Live In Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are caregivers who reside in the homes of individuals with disabilities or special needs to provide daily support and assistance. They help with activities of daily living, such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication management, and transportation. In addition to ensuring safety and comfort, live-in DSPs may also assist with social, educational, or vocational activities, helping clients achieve greater independence and quality of life. Their ongoing presence allows for continuous care and support tailored to each individual's needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a live in direct support professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Live In Direct Support Professional, you need a solid understanding of personal care, daily living assistance, and behavior management, often supported by a high school diploma and relevant experience or certifications like CPR/First Aid. Familiarity with electronic documentation systems and assistive care technologies is typically required. Patience, strong interpersonal communication, and problem-solving abilities are vital soft skills for building trust and supporting clients’ independence. These skills are crucial for ensuring the safety, well-being, and quality of life of individuals with developmental or physical disabilities in a residential setting.

What are some common challenges faced by live in direct support professionals, and how can they be addressed?

Live In Direct Support Professionals often face challenges such as maintaining a healthy work-life balance, managing emotional stress, and adapting to the unique needs of each individual they support. Since the role involves residing in the client's home, clear boundaries and communication with both the individual and their family are essential. Utilizing self-care strategies, seeking support from supervisors or peer networks, and participating in ongoing training can help address these challenges and ensure long-term success in the role.

What is the difference between Live In Direct Support Professional vs Residential Support Worker?

AspectLive In Direct Support ProfessionalResidential Support Worker
CredentialsCPR/First Aid, background check, sometimes certification in disability supportCPR/First Aid, background check, relevant certifications often required
Work EnvironmentProvides 24/7 support in a live-in setting, often in clients' homes or group homesWorks in residential facilities or community homes, may involve shift work
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed by disability agencies, nonprofits, or government programsEmployed by residential care facilities, community agencies, or nonprofits

Both roles involve supporting individuals with disabilities, but Live In Direct Support Professionals provide continuous, live-in assistance, while Residential Support Workers typically work scheduled shifts in residential settings. The choice depends on the level of involvement and work schedule preferred.

Is being a live in direct support professional worth it?

A live-in direct support professional provides around-the-clock assistance to individuals with disabilities, offering stability and a close working relationship. The role often involves shift work, requires patience and communication skills, and can include benefits such as housing and flexible schedules, making it a rewarding but demanding position.

Where do live in direct support professionals get paid the most?

Live-in 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 or states with robust funding for disability services. Salaries can also vary based on experience, certifications, and the complexity of care required, with some states offering additional stipends or benefits for live-in roles.

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

The top searched job categories for Live In Direct Support Professional jobs in Colchester, IL are:

What cities near Colchester, IL are hiring for Live In Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities near Colchester, IL with the most Live In Direct Support Professional job openings:

Hourly Direct Support Professional I

Imagine The Possibilities, Inc

Burlington, IA • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Imagine The Possibilities rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

159th of 245 rated social care providers


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
**Please read the ENTIRE job posting before applying**
This role operates in a Home and Community-Based Services (Hourly) Setting, defined as "medical, social, and supportive services for Iowans with functional, cognitive, and other physical or mental health needs" (Iowa Health & Human Services). Rather than institutionalizing individuals who have these physical and mental health needs, HCBS settings provide these individuals with the opportunity to live and receive services in a way honoring to them and their abilities.
Hourly Direct Support Professionals are the heartbeat of what we do at Imagine the Possibilities - empowering people to reach individual achievement across the spectrum of life. If you're passionate about empowering people to reach their goals and help them strive for more, we want you to join our team. As an integral part of the overall care team, you will collaborate with other Direct Support Professionals, Programmers, Supervisors, individuals-served, and their families to ensure the best possible care for those you serve. You will fulfill an individual's behavioral care plan by creatively strategizing the best way for each individual to reach and exceed their goals. Your innovative and impactful solutions and strategies will make the difference for those you serve.
What Winning Looks Like:
While it's not a competition, we do recognize that each person wants to 'win' at life; and you're a central part of someone else's wins - as well as your own! In this role, you'll be responsible to:
  • Goal Development & Individualized Support: Collaborate with the HCBS Supervisor and Programmer to develop individualized goals and provide direct support that focuses on teaching skills, promoting independence, and encouraging participation in community and recreational activities.
  • Behavioral & Rights-Based Care: Implement approved behavioral strategies to support individuals with challenging behaviors while ensuring rights restrictions are only used when determined by the interdisciplinary team and included in the service plan.
  • Accurate Documentation & Compliance: Complete timely, detailed, and Iowa Code-compliant documentation in Setworks, including all required service information, interventions, and individual responses, ensuring accuracy, legibility, and proper recordkeeping standards.
  • Direct Care, Safety & Advocacy: Provide safe, respectful, and least-restrictive support in home and community settings while promoting individual choice, independence, dignity, and advocacy for greater self-determination.
  • Medication, Attendance & Professional Responsibility: Administer and document medications following the six rights, maintain reliable attendance (including weekends/holidays), follow call-in procedures, secure coverage when needed, comply with agency policies, complete training, and communicate concerns appropriately.

Know We're For You:
We know finding the right opportunity can be tricky - that's why Imagine is focused on making sure your time is well spent. We take pride in the benefits we offer our employees. As an employee, you'll have access to a variety of benefits that are sure to sweeten the deal. Depending on your full-time or part-time status, you'll have access to:
  • Competitive Wages: The base pay is $15/hour. With education and experience, you could start out making more than that.
  • Scheduling: We're a 24/7 service provider, offering a schedule based on program needs.
  • Training: This is an entry-level position, and we provide comprehensive training to ensure every employee feels confident and supported as they get started.
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): We all deserve a break now and then - don't feel bad about taking time for you.
  • 401k Retirement Plan: Secure your future with a cushioned fund that will allow you to live your best life.
  • Comprehensive Insurance Plans: Whether its medical, dental, vision, or life insurance - we've got you covered.
  • Pre-Paid Legal Services: Be prepared for the things you just can't be prepared for on your own.
  • Discounted Costco or Sam's Club Memberships: What can we say? We know a great deal when we see one.
  • Advancement Opportunities: We believe in your future, which is why we have a specifically designed leadership development opportunity purposed to launch your career.
  • Employee Assistance Program: We're there for you through all life's ups and downs.

Requirements
Functional Experiences, Skills, & Requirements:
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and professional experiences:
  • Mission-oriented: We're on a mission to empower people to reach individual achievement across the spectrum of life. We know you are, too.
  • An Attitude of Leaning: The truth is, the field of caregiving is always changing and requires adaptability. We need people on our team who are always ready to learn new ways of doing things, helping people, and changing lives.
  • Ability to Communicate Well: We're looking for people with strong communication abilities so we can rely on you to communicate effectively to the rest of the team and the people we serve.
  • Confidence: We're looking for people who know how to balance being bold and being humble. We're looking for team members who are self-aware enough to know when to stand up as an advocate for others and when it's time to follow the leader.
  • Age Requirement: For this role, you'll need to be at least 16 years of age.
  • Driver's License: You'll be responsible for transportation at times, so we need to trust your ability to be safe behind the wheel.
  • Reliable Transportation: Because you'll be responsible for helping connect individuals to opportunities and activities, you'll need reliable transportation. You will need to provide proof that your automobile insurance covers $100,000/$300,000/$50,000 liability coverage - don't worry, we can answer any questions you might have about this.
  • Educational Requirement: While no higher education is necessary, we do look for candidates who have obtained their diploma or the equivalent representing their high school education.

**Work Authorization: Candidates must be able to work in the U.S. without sponsorship**
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by
an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
  • Must remain awake during working hours.
  • May assist in the transfer of individuals to/from wheelchair, chair, bed, toilet, vehicle, etc.
  • May require lifting at times, up to 35 pounds. Lifting more than 35# requires the use of a two-person lift, mechanical lift, or assistive equipment.
  • May attend and participate in activities of consumer's choice (e.g., church services, swimming, bowling, etc.).
  • May require prolonged walking and standing for up to eight hours.
  • May require frequent bending, stooping, and stretching.
  • May require driving for up to eight hours.
  • May experience various climatic conditions.
  • May require working with difficult emotional and physical behaviors (e.g., seizures, physical aggression, etc.).
  • Must have ability to see objects/persons at a distance.
  • Must have ability to see close work such as typed or handwritten material.
  • Must have ability to hear conversations in a quiet and a noisy environment.
  • Must have ability to determine where a sound is coming from.
  • Must have ability to hear differences among bells, buzzers, beeps, horns, etc.
  • Must have ability to communicate through speech.
  • Must have ability to drive and transport for service provision as needed.
  • Must remain awake during working hours, if applicable.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain an all-inclusive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Further, this job description does not imply a contract between employees and Imagine the Possibilities, Inc.
Imagine the Possibilities is an equal opportunity employer. All candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, or any other protected status.
Salary Description
$15/hr + depending on experience and education
Notice of AI Use in Job Application Review
As part of our commitment in creating a fair, efficient, and consistent hiring process we may use artificial intelligence (AI) to help our recruiting teams organize, summarize, and analyze information provided by candidates, including resumes, application responses, and other materials submitted during the application process.AI may be used to identify patterns, highlight relevant skills, and experience, and assist in comparing a candidate's qualifications with the requirement of a specific role. These tools are to improve efficiency and consistency while supporting more informed hiring decisions, which will ultimately be made by the hiring team.

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