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DT
DSP Talent
Residential Behavior Specialist - Childrens Residential Services
Entry-Level JobVerifiedNo experience needed
Career Insights for Residential Assistant / Advisor
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Scorecard
Based on Illinois data
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What they do
A Residential Assistant or Advisor works in a residential mental health, long-term care, or substance abuse treatment facility and provides support for patients, including resolving conflicts, helping them adjust to their environment, and alleviating concerns. Performs inspections and assists with move-ins and facility programming.
$38,806 / year median in Illinois
+4% projected growth
Job Description
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