Demo

Lead Direct Support Professional

Ada Brand
Chicago, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 4/3/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/3/2026

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

 

Supervises (Position Title): None

 

Principal Duties/Responsibilities:

 

  • 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.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (K/S/A):

  • 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.

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.

Salary.com Estimation for Lead Direct Support Professional in Chicago, IL
$71,982 to $97,609
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