Direct Support Professional (DSP)/Caregiver - Full Time

Helping Hand; Hodgkins (IL); On-site; USD 46,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Employer-paid Life/AD&D, Disability

PTO and holidays

4% 403b retirement match

Career growth opportunities

PSLF qualifying employer

Job summary

Helping Hand is seeking a Direct Support Professional to empower adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our Residential Program. You will support daily living, medication support, and meaningful engagement, helping residents live with dignity, independence, and joy.

This on-site, full-time role offers a 40-hour week, a salary of $22–$23/hour, and potential annual bonus. You will document services and collaborate with a passionate team to ensure a safe living environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience with intellectual and developmental disability population preferred.
• Must complete mandatory agency training, crisis de-escalation, within 90 days.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Provide care, training, and community support to clients in our residential program.
• Assist with daily living tasks, medication support, and personal care.
• Foster skill-building, independence, and meaningful engagement.
• Accurately document services and participate in team collaboration.

Skills

Crisis management

Time management

Communication skills

Driver's license

Tech proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Teams

Zoom

Job description

Description

Make a meaningful impact as a Direct Support Professional at Helping Hand, a nationally recognized Best & Brightest Place to Work! In this role, you'll support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our Residential Program - helping them live with dignity, independence, and joy.

SCHEDULE AND COMPENSATION:

• On-site position, full-time, 40 hours per week.
• Days and hours will vary and is dependent upon agency needs.
• Salary range $22.00-$23.00/hr (hourly/non-exempt).
• Salary based on skills and experience.
• Up to 6% annual bonus potential
• 403b retirement plan with up to a 4% company match.

HELPING HAND PERKS:

• Purpose-driven work that changes lives.
• Tuition reimbursement and clear career growth opportunities.
• Traditional medical (BCBS of IL), dental, and vision insurance.
• Employer-paid Group Life/AD&D, Short-Term, and Long-Term Disability.
• Team member appreciation events and year-round recognition.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness support.
• Generous PTO including paid holidays, vacation, accrued sick time, and personal days.
• PSLF-qualifying employer under the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Provide care, training, and community support to clients in our residential program.
• Assist with daily living tasks, medication support, and personal care.
• Foster skill-building, independence, and meaningful engagement.
• Ensure a safe, clean, and supportive living environment.
• Accurately document services and participate in team collaboration.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

WHAT YOU BRING:

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required.

Experience:

• Experience working with intellectual and developmental disability population (preferred).

Skill Sets:

• Ability to fulfill all necessary training requirements of the agency, including but not limited to, crisis management (including de-escalation strategies and physical management techniques) and DSP training within 90 days of hire if applicable.
• Proficient and comfortable with technology such as Microsoft Office, Teams, Zoom, etc.
• Strong problem-solving and time management skills.
• Sound organizational skills and the ability to multitask, prioritizing multiple urgencies as required.
• Strong interpersonal communications skills, both verbal and written.
• Must have valid driver's license with acceptable driving record and ongoing personal motor vehicle insurance.
• Must be able to meet all PACE certification requirements, if applicable.
• Must be able to safely drive individuals for various programming purposes as well as self-transport to work and site visits.
• Ability to promote and adhere to company values.
• A commitment to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The person in this position needs to occasionally move about to assist clients, access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• The person in this position may encounter clients exhibiting physical aggression; must be comfortable working in periods of crisis and feel comfortable de-escalating individually or as a team.
• The ability to observe details at a close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• Consistently position self to maintain files in file cabinets or assist clients/students.
• The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Flexibility to work at any assigned HH site.

Helping Hand is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We believe that embracing our differences strengthens our community and enhances the quality of care we provide.