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Live In Direct Support Professional Jobs in Pekin, IL

ADDWC

Direct Support Person (DSP)

Eureka, IL · On-site

$19.10/hr

15 hours a week/ Monday- Friday morning shift 6:30Am-9:30AM ADDWC is currently seeking applicants for Residential Direct Support Professionals. The DSP role is to assist individuals become self ...

ADDWC

Direct Support Person (DSP)2nd

Eureka, IL · On-site

$19.25/hr

Part-time 2nd shift ADDWC is currently seeking applicants for Residential Direct Support Professionals. The DSP role is to assist individuals become self sufficient and assist with activities of ...

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All JobsLive In Direct Support Professional JobsLive In Direct Support Professional Jobs in Pekin, IL

Live In Direct Support Professional information

See Pekin, IL salary details

$9

$14

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

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for live in direct support professional in Pekin, IL is $14.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $16.11 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 are the most commonly searched types of Direct Support Professional jobs in Pekin, IL?

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

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For Live In Direct Support Professional jobs in Pekin, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

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

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

Live In Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Live In Direct Support Professional job openings in Pekin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,109 per year, or $15 per hour.

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

East Peoria, IL

Progressive Housing Inc
201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Progressive Housing Incexternal

$20.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 hours ago

Job description

Reporting directly to the Resident Services Director (RSD) or Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP), the Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for participating as a member of the facility team to ensure safe and effective residential facilities. The DSP provides direct support, positive direction and assistance to the CILA (Community Integrated Living Arrangement) and/or ICF (Intermediate Care Facility) residents in accordance with program policies and procedures, assisting individuals to be as independent as possible. The DSP at Progressive Housing, Inc.

is adaptable, mission oriented, goal driven, highly organized, efficient, a positive role model, and exercises good judgment and decision making skills. Starting Pay: $20.50 per hour Responsibilities: Be familiar and comply with current state and federal rules and regulations and perform all assigned tasks in accordance with facility policy and procedures Ensure that individuals exercise their rights and are treated with dignity and respect Respect and maintain confidentiality of all individuals' personal information Responsible for the implementation and documentation of individual goals and objectives Be familiar with emergency behavior management techniques as set forth by Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI), standard precautions and infection control techniques, the proper placement and use of emergency equipment and procedures, and good body mechanics to maintain a clean, safe, positive and secure environment at all times. Assist individuals with their activities of daily living (ADL) while promoting independence which may include, but not limited to, household chores, recreational activities, physical fitness activities, grooming and dressing, and money management Know the whereabouts of individuals you are directly responsible for at all times Attend Individual Service Plans (ISPs) meetings and assist in the development of the program plan while working closely with each individual to identify supports that will improve the quality of life and ensuring positive outcomes Attend in-service training as required to continue skill development and complete paperwork, as necessary, to meet PHI, federal, and state regulatory requirements Assist in the orientation and training of new employees Assist with general housekeeping (cleaning, laundry, vacuuming, dusting, mopping, sanitizing, etc.) while promoting involvement of the individual Prepare meals, with the assistance of individuals, according to standardized recipes and the designated menu Prepare and assist individuals on outings, shopping trips, vacations, home visits and appointments by providing transportation, guidance, and support where needed with guardian approval Observe for and report medical concerns and accidents / incidents immediately to the RSD/QIDP and Nurse Administer medications and take and record vitals while utilizing nurse protocols as directed Report any and all allegations of individual abuse or neglect that is reported to or witnessed to the RSD/QIDP and Office of Inspector General (OIG) Other miscellaneous duties as assigned

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