Direct Support Professional / Caregiver (DSP)

Misericordia Heart of Mercy; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Paid time off

401(k) with match

Tuition reimbursement

Referral bonus

Attendance bonus

Professional development

Career growth

Job summary

Misericordia Heart of Mercy is seeking Direct Support Professionals to provide compassionate, individualized support to residents with developmental and intellectual disabilities. You will help with daily activities, meals, and community participation in a supportive, team-oriented environment.

The role emphasizes paid 4-week training, weekend availability, and opportunities for growth, with base pay starting at $20–$22 per hour along with shift differentials.

Qualifications

• New to healthcare? Misericordia offers a mandatory, paid 4-week training program.
• Ability to work weekends is required.
• No previous DSP, caregiving, or healthcare experience is required.
• Training includes hybrid online learning, hands-on training, and mentorship.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized, compassionate support to residents with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
• Assist residents with personal care, meals, activities, and other daily needs.
• Support residents in recreational, community, and other activities.
• Provide supervision and attention throughout the day to help ensure resident safety and well-being.
• Help create a safe, clean, comfortable, and welcoming environment.
• Support residents in developing and maintaining greater independence.
• Build meaningful relationships with residents, families, and fellow staff.
• Work as part of a team with DSPs, CNAs, Nurses, and leadership.
• Help residents experience a fulfilling and active daily life.

Skills

Compassion

Patience

Reliability

Teamwork

Willing to learn

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Make a Difference Every Day

What if your job could give you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone's life every day?

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

What if your job could give you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone's life every day?

At Misericordia, Direct Support Professionals (DSP) do much more than provide care. You build relationships, support daily activities, celebrate accomplishments, and help the people we serve live active, fulfilling lives with as much independence as possible.

You don't need previous experience to make an impact here. If you are compassionate, dependable, patient, and ready to learn, we will provide the training and support you need to succeed.

New DSPs are welcome. Previous experience is not required. We will train you!

Why Join Misericordia?

• Meaningful work: Build lasting relationships with residents and make a difference in their daily lives.
• Paid training: Complete Misericordia's mandatory 4-week training program while being paid.
• Supportive team: Work alongside experienced DSPs, CNAs, Nurses, and leaders who are committed to your success.
• Career growth: Take advantage of professional training and opportunities to grow throughout the organization.
• Competitive pay: Earn $20 to $21 per hour in base pay, plus additional shift differentials.
• Education support: Take advantage of tuition reimbursement and other professional development opportunities.

As a DSP, You Will

• Provide individualized, compassionate support to residents with developmental and intellectual disabilities
• Assist residents with personal care, meals, activities, and other daily needs
• Support residents in recreational, community, and other activities
• Provide supervision and attention throughout the day to help ensure resident safety and well-being
• Help create a safe, clean, comfortable, and welcoming environment
• Support residents in developing and maintaining greater independence
• Build meaningful relationships with residents, families, and fellow staff
• Work as part of a team with DSPs, CNAs, Nurses, and leadership
• Help residents experience a fulfilling and active daily life

Training and Support

New to healthcare or caregiving? That's okay.

Misericordia provides a mandatory, paid 4-week training program to help you learn the skills needed to provide excellent support and feel confident in your role.

Training includes an introduction to Misericordia, hybrid online learning, hands-on training, and mentorship throughout the process.

Previous DSP Or Caregiving Experience Is Not Required.

Pay

Base Pay

• DSP with High School Diploma/GED: $20 - $22 per hour*
• DSP with 4-Year Degree: $21 - $23 per hour*
• Depending on experience and credentials

Shift Differentials

• AM weekend shift: +$2 per hour
• PM Monday-Friday: +$3 per hour
• PM weekend shift: +$5 per hour
• Overnight shift: +$1.50 per hour
• Overnight weekend shift: +$3 per hour

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
• Attendance bonus
• Professional training and development opportunities
• Opportunities for career growth
• Referrals to state-funded resources that provide childcare support

What We're Looking For

• At least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or GED required. Diploma/GED must be presented at interview
• Ability to successfully complete Misericordia's mandatory paid 4-week training program
• Ability to work weekends is required
• Compassion, patience, reliability, and a genuine desire to support others
• Ability to work as part of a team
• No previous DSP, caregiving, or healthcare experience required

About Misericordia

Misericordia Heart of Mercy is home to more than 650 children and adults with mild to profound 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.

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