Behavior Support Specialist (BSS)

Misericordia Heart of Mercy; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 28,929 - 30,307; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, vision, and dental insurance

Paid time off

401K matching

Professional training opportunities

Job summary

Misericordia Heart of Mercy in Chicago is hiring Behavior Support Specialists to assist adult residents with developmental disabilities. This full-time role requires a hands-on approach, physical stamina, and a strong commitment to assisting others.

Key responsibilities include daily support for residents, fostering community relationships, and a comprehensive training program is provided. The role offers generous benefits including health insurance and paid time off.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Strong commitment to delivering quality care.

Responsibilities

• Support and engage with individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Assist residents in daily living tasks.
• Promote independence and personal care.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Communication (verbal and written)

Compassion

Dependability

Ability to lift 40 pounds

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Misericordia Home, located on the north side of Chicago, provides a wide variety of services and programs for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It offers a full continuum of care for more than 600 children and adults from diverse racial, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds on its 37-acre campus as well as in individual homes in the surrounding community. Services range from skilled nursing care to semi-independent living. In addition, individuals who become part of the Misericordia community have access to employment, educational, recreational and social opportunities both on campus and in the greater Chicagoland community. Misericordia is recognized as a strong leader in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities and promotes innovative and creative options that maximize the potential for continual growth and independence for those it serves.

Misericordia Heart of Mercy is currently seeking qualified Behavior Support Specialists (BSS) for our adult residents.

Position Overview & Professional Benefits

The role of a BSS demands a hands‑on approach to support and engage with our individuals. It requires not only physical stamina and strength, but also exceptional patience and the ability to provide comprehensive behavioral support.

We are seeking candidates who embody dependability, compassion, and a genuine commitment to assisting others. Our comprehensive paid training program will equip you with the knowledge to deliver superior care to our residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Full‑time role with flexibility in scheduling
• Minimum of one year of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities
• Experience working with individuals with behavioral or mental health concerns is preferred
• Foster meaningful relationships between residents and their local community
• Assist residents in daily living tasks, promoting independence and personal care
• Advocate for resident rights
• Exhibit strong interpersonal, organizational, verbal, and written communication skills
• Proficient in implementing high‑quality programming
• Demonstrate reliability, flexibility, and adaptability
• Collaborate effectively within a team while also being self‑motivated
• Team‑oriented mindset with a keen interest in supporting individuals with behavioral challenges

Qualifications and Experience for BSP

• High School Diploma or GED
• Possession of a valid driver’s license
• Availability to work weekends required for most BSP positions
• Minimum of one year experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, preferred.
• Successful clearance of background checks, physical examination, and drug screening
• Responsible and reliable attitude
• Display compassion and unwavering commitment to delivering quality care
• Ability to lift 40 pounds unassisted

Pay Structure (High School Diploma/GED)

• Day Shift: $21.00 per hour on weekdays + $2.00 per hour on weekends Sat/Sun
• Evening Shift: $21.00 per hour + $3.00 per hour on weekdays M-F + $5.00 per hour on weekends Sat/Sun
• Overnight Shift: $21.00 per hour + $1.50 per hour on weekdays + $3.00 per hour on weekends Sat/Sun
• Day Shift: $22.00 per hour on weekdays + $2.00 per hour on weekends Sat/Sun
• Evening Shift: $22.00 per hour + $3.00 per hour on weekdays M-F + $5.00 per hour on weekends Sat/Sun
• Overnight Shift: $22.00 per hour + $1.50 per hour on weekdays + $3.00 per hour on weekends Sat/Sun

Required Documentation

In order to be considered for an interview, you must provide the following documentation:

• Proof of Education (diploma, transcripts)
• Valid driver’s license

Benefits

• Health, vision and dental insurance
• Paid time off
• 401K matching
• Roth 401k with 2% match tax‑free withdrawals after retirement
• Referral bonus
• Many opportunities for growth throughout the company
• Various professional trainings offered
• Referrals to state funded resource providing support in finding childcare

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