Direct Support Professional (DSP)/Caregiver - Full Time

Company: HELPING HAND CENTER
Location: La Grange
Posted on: February 22, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description 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 $21.50-$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.

Keywords: HELPING HAND CENTER, Des Plaines , Direct Support Professional (DSP)/Caregiver - Full Time, Social Services , La Grange, Illinois