Lead Direct Support Professional

Ada S. McKinley Community Services; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 27,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Paid sick time

12 Paid Holidays

Medical

Vision

403(b) Plan

Life Insurance

Long-term & short-term disability

EAP

Family medical leave

Job summary

Ada S. McKinley Community Services in Chicago, IL is seeking a Lead DSP to supervise on-shift DSPs, assist with medication administration, documentation, and resident schedules in a community living setting.

The role is on-site and reports to the Home Manager-ECSS; a high school diploma and 1–2 years of DSP/CNA/Caregiver experience, plus a valid Illinois driver’s license, are required. Daily duties include completing MARs, incident reports, monitoring vehicle use, preparing reports, assisting

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; 1–2 years DSP/CNA/Caregiver experience preferred.
• Must have valid Illinois driver’s license and ability to administer medications.
• Pass agency background checks per state mandates; proficient with basic Office software.

Responsibilities

• Administer 4 PM and 8 PM medications per Rule 116 requirements.
• Complete weekly MAR review and report outcomes to home manager and nurse.
• Assist residents with daily schedules, activities, and household chores.
• Prepare reports, incident forms, and maintain documentation on shift.
• Ensure living environments are well-kept and safe; monitor vehicle use.

Skills

DSP experience

CNA experience

Caregiver experience

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Category : Employment Community Support Services

Requisition Number : LEADD001357

• Posted : October 28, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site
• Rate : $24 USD per hour

Locations

Showing 1 location

Chicago, IL 60644, USA

Description

Position Summary: The Lead DSP position is the team lead while on shift, ensuring services are met. The Lead DSP will provide guidance to other DSPs (non-supervisory guidance) and be required for specific responsibilities during their shift to include, but not limited to, administering medication, monitoring and ordering supplies, ensuring documentation is complete, writing incident reports as needed.

Reporting Relationship:

Reports To : Home Manager-ECSS

• Monitor Vehicle usage, condition, fuel, and mileage. Prepare reports for accidents to the home manager and the program coordinator and document them on time.
• Ensure the timeliness of all assigned documents and forms, including daily progress reports, van log sheets, shift responsibilities checklist, and MAR sheets, are in the home.
• Administer 4 PM and 8 PM medications per Rule 116 requirements.
• Complete weekly MAR review and report all necessary review outcomes to the home manager and the assigned home nurse as appropriate.
• Assist the home manager with weekly food purchases for the home.
• Assist residents in preparing daily schedules, including household chores, social activities, and other meetings and appointments.
• Complete all necessary incident reports on shift.
• Take and document water temperatures of all water-producing faucets.
• Call on-call personnel as needed.
• Ensure that all living environments are well-kept.

Employee is not assigned any supervisory responsibility of other DSPs.

Education: High School diploma, experience working with individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities in a community living setting. Must have proof of Direct Service Professional (DSP) training and pass the TABE test.

• Hold and maintain a valid Illinois driver’s license.
• Must be able to administer medications.
• Be able to pass agency background checks required by state regulatory mandates for workers serving clients with developmental disabilities.
• Some proficiency in using Microsoft Office or similar type applications

Experience: Requires 1 to 2 years of DSP / CNA / Caregiver is required.

• This position requires the individual demonstrate the experiences, beliefs, attitude and awareness that indicate cultural sensitivity to the client population served.
• This position requires the individual possess the ability to partner with clients individually and/or in family to help them mobilize resources and build resilience.
• This position requires the individual possess the ability to coordinate effectively with other team members, other agency resources and outside services in addressing client needs.
• This position requires the individual possess an understanding of evidence-informed practices, engagement strategies, boundary setting, concurrent documentation, working in a community setting, organizing, motivational interviewing, and family systems.

Compensation

• $24 hourly
• Paid vacation
• Paid Sick Time
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Medical
• Vision
• 403(b) Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-term & short-term disability
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Family medical leave

Benefit options and eligibility vary by Fulltime and Part-time positions. Compensation within the posted salary range varies based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, and performance at the time of the offer.

Mental/Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is subject to sitting, walking, and standing for prolonged periods; frequently grasps, lifts, holds, or feels objects; occasionally stoops, kneels, crouches, or crawls. The employee frequently is required to use manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination when working with persons served and handling office, medical, or household equipment. The employee is subject to assist and support up to 50 pounds with varying amounts of assistance on a reoccurring basis. The employee is required to have corrected vision and hearing within normal range and the ability to operate a motor vehicle. Must have the ability to perform CPR and First Aid.

Environmental Conditions: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Work is performed in an office or classroom environment.

Preferred

High School or better.

Required

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.