Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Aspire Chicago; Illinois; On-site; USD 28,240 - 29,618; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Flexible Spending Account

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Job summary

Aspire Chicago is seeking dedicated individuals to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Community Integrated Living Arrangement homes. The Direct Support Professional (DSP) will advocate for individuals, assisting with daily activities and ensuring a positive living environment.

The ideal candidate will have at least a high school diploma, a valid driver's license, and 5 years of driving experience. Pay ranges from $20.50 to $21.50 per hour based on experience, plus bonuses and benefits.

Qualifications

• Must pass required criminal background checks.
• Must have a valid driver’s license with at least 5 years of driving experience.
• Able to present in-person original copies of I-9 documents.

Responsibilities

• Support adults with daily activities such as shopping and laundry.
• Assist individuals with grooming and personal care.
• Drive individuals to appointments and errands.

Skills

Effective oral and written communication skills

Comfortable using various computer software

Ability to maintain confidential information

Ability to deal tactfully with participants

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Outlook

Zoom

Job description

We are looking for dedicated individuals to assist adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our CILA (Community Integrated Living Arrangement) homes. The Direct Support Professional (DSP) acts as an advocate for individuals by supporting their personal needs, encouraging respectful interactions with others, and creating a positive living environment.

Responsibilities

• Support adult individuals with daily activities such as shopping, laundry, money management, and home care
• Assist individuals with grooming, bathing, toileting, and dressing as needed
• Assist with connectivity to others through various technology platforms (i.e. Zoom)
• Assist with meal preparation and cooking
• Perform light housekeeping duties
• Monitor or administer medication dosage to participants
• Drive adult individuals to doctor appointments, to and from work, and various errands (company provided vehicle)
• May provide mobility support to participants, which includes lifting or walking utilizing adaptive equipment
• Complete and submit reports
• Provide companionship to individuals
• Encourage attitudes and behaviors that foster community inclusion
• Serve as a liaison to represent Aspire in the community
• Complete the established Illinois Department of Human Services DSP training (training provided through Aspire), including medication training, and maintain required certifications and ongoing training
• Additional duties as assigned

Requirements and Experience

• Proof of High School Diploma or GED
• Valid driver’s license, with 5 years of driving experience and an acceptable driving record for the past five years
• Must pass required criminal background checks
• Have and present in-person original copies of required I‑9 documents

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Effective oral and written communication skills; ability to write reports
• Comfortable using various computer software to stay connected (Outlook, Zoom, online training, etc.)
• Ability to maintain confidential information
• Ability to deal tactfully, respectfully, and courteously with participants, employees at all levels, families, and the general public

Preferred Experience

• Personal or professional experience in a caregiver role
• Minimum 1 year experience working with adults with developmental disabilities

Compensation

• $20.50 - $21.50 per hour (depending on experience)
• Sign‑on bonuses for full‑time ($1,500) and part‑time ($750) paid out in three installments over 6 months
• Referral bonuses
• Paid training

Benefits

• Retirement plan with matching contributions
• Health and insurance benefits (hours requirement applies)
• Paid time off benefits
• Pet insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account
• Benefit Time (Vacation, Sick, Personal)
• 13 Paid Holidays
• 403(B) Retirement Savings Plan
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Other voluntary insurances available

Benefit Details for Different Work Schedules

• Full Time: Health insurance (including dental and vision), FSA, paid holidays, 403(b), disability insurance, life insurance, EAP, pet insurance, and other voluntary insurances
• Part Time: Health insurance (if hours requirement met after a year), paid time off (4 hours earned for every 520 hours worked), paid leave for all (1 hour earned for every 40 hours worked, max 40), sick time (1 hour earned for every 40 hours, max 192), holiday premium pay, 403(b), EAP, and pet insurance

Aspire’s priority is keeping our team members and participants healthy and safe. PPE is provided and regular cleaning and disinfecting regimens are followed. Hand sanitizer is available throughout our facilities.

Aspire is an equal employment opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Aspire is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities so that an applicant may complete the essential functions of a position. The essential functions of positions are outlined in a position’s job description. To request an accommodation or if you have a question regarding what the essential functions of a position are please contact the People Team at 708.497.4573.

Salary: $20.50–$21.50 per hour.