Behavior Support Specialist (BSS)

Misericordia Heart of Mercy; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Paid time off

401(k) with company matching

Roth 401(k) with 2% match

Tuition reimbursement

Referral bonus

Professional training

Career growth

Childcare resources

Job summary

Misericordia Heart of Mercy is looking for a Behavior Support Specialist to work closely with adult residents, providing hands-on behavioral support and helping them participate in community activities. The role emphasizes independence, dignity, and compassionate care, with ongoing training and a supportive team environment.

Base pay starts at $21/hour with higher rates for a four-year degree, plus shift differentials.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities preferred.
• Compassion, patience, and a genuine commitment to supporting others.

Responsibilities

• Build meaningful relationships with residents and support their individual needs and goals.
• Provide hands-on behavioral support to adults with IDs/IDD.
• Assist residents with daily living activities and personal care.
• Help residents participate in community activities and develop connections.
• Implement individualized programs to promote growth and independence.
• Advocate for resident rights with dignity and respect.
• Collaborate with the resident support team and maintain clear communication.

Skills

Compassion

Patience

Teamwork

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Reliability

Flexibility

Adaptability

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Make a Difference Every Day

What if your job could give you the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, support independence, and help someone experience a more fulfilling daily life?

Make a Difference Every Day

What if your job could give you the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, support independence, and help someone experience a more fulfilling daily life?

At Misericordia, Behavior Support Specialists do much more than provide care. You work closely with adult residents, support their individual needs, help them participate in their community, and provide behavioral support that promotes independence and quality of life.

This is a hands-on role that requires patience, compassion, physical stamina, and a genuine commitment to helping others. If you are dependable, adaptable, and interested in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we will provide the training and support you need to succeed.

Why Join Misericordia?

• Meaningful work: Build relationships with residents and help them live active, fulfilling lives.
• Paid training: Receive comprehensive training to develop the skills needed to provide quality support.
• Community involvement: Help residents participate in activities and opportunities throughout Misericordia and the greater Chicagoland community.
• Supportive team: Work alongside professionals who are committed to supporting residents and helping you succeed.
• Career growth: Take advantage of professional training and opportunities to grow throughout the organization.
• Competitive pay: Earn $21 per hour with a high school diploma/GED or $22 per hour with a four-year degree, plus shift differentials.
• Education support: Take advantage of tuition reimbursement and other professional development opportunities.

As a Behavior Support Specialist, You Will

• Build meaningful relationships with residents and support their individual needs and goals.
• Provide hands‑on behavioral support to adult residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Assist residents with daily living activities, personal care, and other areas that promote independence.
• Help residents participate in community activities and develop meaningful connections within their local community.
• Implement individualized programs and support strategies designed to promote growth and independence.
• Advocate for resident rights and ensure residents are treated with dignity and respect.
• Provide consistent, compassionate support to residents who may experience behavioral or mental health challenges.
• Work collaboratively with other members of the resident's support team.
• Maintain strong communication with team members and other professionals.
• Demonstrate reliability, flexibility, and adaptability while responding to residents' changing needs.
• Maintain accurate organizational and communication practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Training and Support

New to behavior support or working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities? Misericordia provides comprehensive paid training to help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to provide excellent support.

You will work alongside experienced professionals and a supportive team dedicated to helping residents achieve their individual goals and live more independently.

Pay

High School Diploma/GED

Base Pay: $21.00 per hour

Day Shift

• Weekday: $21.00 per hour
• Weekend: $23.00 per hour

Evening Shift

• Weekday: $24.00 per hour
• Weekend: $26.00 per hour

Overnight Shift

• Weekday: $22.50 per hour
• Weekend: $24.00 per hour

Four-Year Degree

Base Pay: $22.00 per hour

Day Shift

• Weekday: $22.00 per hour
• Weekend: $24.00 per hour

Evening Shift

• Weekday: $25.00 per hour
• Weekend: $27.00 per hour

Overnight Shift

• Weekday: $23.50 per hour
• Weekend: $25.00 per hour

Schedule

• Full-time position
• Flexible scheduling
• Must work 3 weekends a month
• Ability to work a variety of shifts based on resident and program needs

Benefits

• Health, vision, and dental insurance
• Paid time off
• 401(k) with company matching
• Roth 401(k) with 2% match and tax-free withdrawals after retirement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Referral bonus
• Professional training and development opportunities
• Opportunities for career growth throughout the organization
• Referrals to state-funded resources that provide childcare support

What We're Looking For

• High school diploma or GED required
• Valid driver's license preferred
• Minimum 1-year of experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities preferred
• Experience working with individuals with behavioral or mental health concerns preferred
• Compassion, patience, and a genuine commitment to supporting others
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team while also working independently
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, verbal, and written communication skills
• Ability to implement individualized programming and support strategies
• Reliability, flexibility, and adaptability
• Responsible and dependable work ethic
• Ability to lift 40 pounds unassisted
• Ability to successfully complete required background checks, physical examination, and drug screening
• Ability to provide proof of education, including diploma or transcripts
• Ability to provide a valid driver's license at the time of interview

About Misericordia

Misericordia Heart of Mercy is home to more than 650 children and adults with mild to profound intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our community provides a supportive environment designed to maximize each resident's potential while meeting their individual needs. Many of the people we serve also have physical disabilities and require specialized care.

At Misericordia, every member of our team plays an important role in creating a community where residents can thrive. As a Behavior Support Specialist, you will help residents build independence, participate in their community, and experience a fulfilling and active daily life.

Misericordia is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) according to Title 44, Ill. Administrative Code, and Subpart C Section 750.150.