Direct Support Professional

Hestia Home & Community Services; Wheaton (IL); On-site; USD 42,981,000 - 64,472,000; Full time

Job summary

Hestia Home & Community Services in Wheaton, IL is seeking Direct Support Professionals to provide hands-on, person-centered support in CILA homes and Community Day Services. This role emphasizes energy, compassion, and helping individuals grow toward independence and safety.

You will assist with ADLs, transportation, health and safety, ISP goal implementation, and community participation while maintaining dignity and right to self-determination.

Qualifications

• Candidate demonstrates energy, compassion, and commitment to helping individuals grow.
• Experience or ability to support activities of daily living and community participation.
• Ability to document daily activities, ISP progress, and safety concerns.

Responsibilities

• Assist with activities of daily living including personal hygiene, grooming, dressing, meal prep, and household tasks.
• Provide transportation for medical appointments, community activities, and outings.
• Administer medications per MAR and agency policy, with proper documentation.
• Implement ISP goals and support skill development under QIDP/BCBA guidance.
• Support community inclusion, participate in Day Program activities, and promote self-advocacy.
• Complete accurate shift notes, incident reports, and other required documentation.

Skills

Compassionate care

ADL support

Documentation

Communication

Job description

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is the most important person in the lives of the individuals we support. DSPs provide hands-on, person-centered support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our CILA homes and/or Community Day Services program — helping them live as independently, safely, and fully as possible.

This is not a passive care role. We are looking for individuals who show up with energy, genuine compassion, and a commitment to helping people grow. DSPs assist with daily living, personal care, community participation, skill development, and health and safety — all while honoring each person's dignity, preferences, and individual goals.

Key Responsibilities

Daily Living Support

• Assist individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs) including personal hygiene, grooming, dressing, meal preparation, and household tasks.
• Support individuals in maintaining clean, safe, and comfortable living environments.
• Provide transportation to medical appointments, community activities, employment, and other outings.
• Assist with grocery shopping, budgeting, and other independent living skills as outlined in each person's ISP.

Health & Safety

• Administer medications in accordance with the individual's Medication Administration Record (MAR) and agency policy; complete required documentation accurately.
• Monitor and promptly report any changes in health, behavior, or wellbeing to the House Manager or on-call supervisor.
• Follow all emergency protocols, safety plans, and individual-specific risk mitigation strategies.
• Ensure the home or program environment meets all health, safety, and sanitation standards.

Goal Implementation & Skill Development

• Implement Individual Support Plan (ISP) goals and document progress consistently and accurately.
• Use teaching strategies and prompting levels as directed by the QIDP and/or BCBA to support skill acquisition.
• Follow all Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and Positive Behavior Support strategies as trained.
• Encourage and support meaningful community inclusion and natural relationship-building opportunities.

Community Participation

• Accompany and support individuals during community outings, recreational activities, shopping, dining, and events.
• Promote self-advocacy, choice-making, and decision-making at every opportunity.
• Support participation in the Day Program's enrichment activities, outings, and special events.

Documentation

• Complete all required daily documentation including shift notes, goal data, MAR entries, incident reports, and communication logs accurately and on time.
• Document any incidents, behavioral events, or health concerns per IDHS and agency policy.
• Communicate relevant shift observations to incoming staff during handoff.
• Attend and actively participate in required training, staff meetings, and ISP meetings.
• Maintain all required certifications (CPR/First Aid, CPI or equivalent, Medication Administration, etc.).
• Represent the agency professionally and respectfully in all community settings.
• Collaborate with House Managers, QIDPs, BCBAs, and other team members to ensure consistent, high-quality support.