Direct Support Professional - 1:1

Are you a caring and motivated individual? Do you enjoy building relationships and contributing to a positive environment? Do you have a passion for helping individuals develop independence and achieve personal goals? Are you looking for a career with a purpose?

If so, apply to join the Aspire team as a 1:1 Direct Support Professional (DSP) today! 

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated 1:1 Direct Support Professional (DSP) to join our team. As a DSP, you will provide person-centered support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  This role plays a crucial part in promoting self-directed lives, independence, community integration, and overall well-being for individuals receiving services. This position maintains a specific caseload of individuals with higher support needs and plays a key role in implementing behavioral strategies that increase communication, independence, and overall quality of life.

The DSP serves as a strong advocate to ensure each individual’s rights, safety, and well-being are protected at all times. In collaboration with interdisciplinary team members, the DSP works to help individuals achieve their identified personal goals and maximize their independence.

Key Responsibilities include:

Behavior Enrichment

• Serve as a positive role model and mentor, demonstrating desired behaviors and encouraging self-expression.
• Utilize approved coaching techniques and proactive behavioral interventions.
• Implement de-escalation strategies and approved physical intervention techniques when necessary to ensure safety.
• Complete accurate and timely documentation in accordance with agency policies and procedures.

Skill Development

• Under the supervision of a BCBA, implement individualized Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
• Teach new skills by breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps.
• Use evidence-based practices such as prompting, reinforcement, and repetition to promote learning and independence.

Data Tracking

• Accurately track target behaviors throughout each shift.
• Enter behavioral data into agency-approved data collection software.

Environmental Enrichment

• Create structured, engaging environments that encourage positive behavior and learning.
• Arrange materials, activities, and routines to promote skill development and reduce barriers to success.
• Participate in individualized community outings to promote generalization of skills.

Advocacy

• Support individuals in achieving personal goals and honoring their choices, beliefs, and interests.
• Encourage self-advocacy and uphold individual rights at all times.
• Actively engage individuals in activities that promote physical fitness, social interaction, community participation, and education.
• Implement Individual Service Plans (ISP), Behavior Enrichment Plans, and Health/Wellness Plans in collaboration with the support team.

Health Maintenance

• Promote preventative care and overall wellness.
• Monitor self-administered medications in accordance with physician instructions and agency policy.
• Maintain current First Aid/CPR certification and respond appropriately in emergencies.
• Provide support during medical appointments as needed.

Personal Care

• Assist with daily living activities including eating, grooming, dressing, bathing, and toileting.
• Support mobility needs, including lifting (up to 75 lbs.), transfers, and safe ambulation.
• Utilize adaptive equipment as required.

Operational Support

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of homes, offices, and vehicles.
• Follow all safety protocols and complete incident reports as required.
• Safely transport individuals while adhering to all traffic laws.

Professional Behavior

• Maintain professionalism in all interactions with participants, families, staff, and community partners.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity, respect, and confidentiality.
• Complete required documentation promptly and accurately.
• Participate in required certifications and trainings including (but not limited to):
  • QBS Safety Care
  • CPR/First Aid
  • Clinical Training
  • Rule 50 Abuse & Neglect
  • RBT Certification Series 3.0

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum 21 years of age
• Valid Illinois Driver’s License with good driving record
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and occasional holidays
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and standard office systems 

Preferred:

• Experience supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities

 Core Competencies

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Interpersonal effectiveness and emotional intelligence
• Cultural competency and customer service orientation
• Organizational and multitasking abilities
• Attention to detail and accurate documentation
• Adaptability, flexibility, reliability, and accountability
• Team collaboration and shared problem-solving 

Physiological Factors:

• Frequent bending, stooping, stair climbing, reaching, and lifting
• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds
• Ability to speak, hear, and see clearly
• Work performed primarily in participants’ homes, agency offices, and community settings (non-smoking environments)

Aspire Values (POWER):

P = We believe anything is possible

O = We all own it

W = We welcome everyone

E = We evolve and try new things

R = We build powerful relationships

Voted a Top 100 Inspiring Workplace - 2025 Global!

We are Powered by Possibilities!

Full-Time Pay and Benefits (regularly scheduled to work more than 37 1/2 hours per week)

• Health Insurance
• Benefit Time (Vacation, Sick, Personal)
• 13 Holidays
• 403(B) Retirement Savings Plan with matching contribution
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Voluntary Insurances available

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, disability status, protected veteran status, 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 708.632.5777.