About the Role
Why this role pays what it does
$28.00 an hour, well above what most residential and direct support roles in the Chicago area offer. That number reflects what the work actually asks for: you are not only supporting youth day to day, you are the person other staff learn from.
What you’ll do
You’ll work with children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a residential setting, helping them build the skills that make independence possible.
- Support youth in developing daily living, communication, social, vocational, and community skills
- Apply behavior strategies that build independence and reduce challenging behaviors
- Collect data, follow behavior plans, and track progress alongside the clinical and residential teams
- Train and support Life Skills Instructors, and coordinate with school staff and families
- Assist with residential responsibilities including medication administration, documentation, transportation, and safety procedures
Where this role can take you
This is a step up, not a step across. You’ll be coaching Life Skills Instructors and working directly with the clinical team on behavior plans, which puts you in the room where treatment decisions get made. For someone with strong direct support experience who wants scope beyond a single caseload, this is that role.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability
- 401(k) and Roth 401(k) with employer match
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Life insurance, critical illness, and hospital indemnity coverage
- Paid holidays and paid time off (vacation, personal, and sick time)
- Employee assistance program
Schedule
Day, evening, night, and mixed schedules available. Full-time and part-time.
What you need
Either of the following:
- High school diploma or GED, and at least 21 years of age, or
- Bachelor’s degree
Plus:
- Experience supporting youth or young adults with high-intensity behaviors
- Valid Illinois driver’s license and ability to transport youth
