Behavior Support Specialist

About Misericordia
 

Misericordia Home, located on the north side of Chicago, provides a wide variety of services and programs for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It offers a full continuum of care for more than 600 children and adults from diverse racial, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds on its 37-acre campus as well as in individual homes in the surrounding community. Services range from skilled nursing care to semi-independent living. In addition, individuals who become part of the Misericordia community have access to employment, educational, recreational and social opportunities both on campus and in the greater Chicagoland community. Misericordia is recognized as a strong leader in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities and promotes innovative and creative options that maximizes the potential for continual growth and independence for those it serves.

Misericordia Heart of Mercy is currently seeking qualified Behavior Support Specialists (BSS) for our adult residents.

Position Overview & Professional Benefits:

The role of a BSS demands a hands-on approach to support and engage with our individuals. It requires not only physical stamina and strength, but also exceptional patience and the ability to provide comprehensive behavioral support.

We are seeking candidates who embody dependability, compassion, and a genuine commitment to assisting others. Our comprehensive paid training program will equip you with the knowledge to deliver superior care to our residents.

Key Responsibilities:

• Full-time role with flexibility in scheduling
• Minimum of one year of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities
• Experience working with individuals with behavioral or mental health concerns is preferred
• Foster meaningful relationships between residents and their local community
• Assist residents in daily living tasks, promoting independence and personal care
• Advocate for resident rights
• Exhibit strong interpersonal, organizational, verbal, and written communication skills
• Proficient in implementing high-quality programming
• Demonstrate reliability, flexibility, and adaptability
• Collaborate effectively within a team while also being self-motivated
• Team-oriented mindset with a keen interest in supporting individuals with behavioral challenges

Qualifications and Experience for BSP:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Possession of a valid driver’s license 
• Availability to work weekends required for most BSP positions 
• Minimum of one year experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, preferred.
• Successful clearance of background checks, physical examination, and drug screening
• Responsible and reliable attitude
• Display compassion and unwavering commitment to delivering quality care
• Ability to lift 40 pounds unassisted

Pay Structure:

High School Diploma/GED:

Base pay: $21.00 an hour

• Day Shift: $21.00/hour on weekdays: + $2 more per hour on weekends Sat/Sun
• Evening Shift: $21.00/hour + $3.00 more per hour on weekdays M-F + $5.00 more per hour on weekends Sat/Sun
• Overnight Shift: $21.00/hour + $1.50 more per hour on weekdays + $3.00 more per hour on weekends Sat/Sun

Four-year degree:

Base pay: $22.00 an hour

• Day Shift: $22.00/hour on weekdays: + $2 more per hour on weekends Sat/Sun
• Evening Shift: $22.00/hour + $3.00 more per hour on weekdays M-F + $5.00 more per hour on weekends Sat/Sun
• Overnight Shift: $22.00/hour + $1.50 more per hour on weekdays + $3.00 more per hour on weekends Sat/Sun

In order to be considered for an interview, you must provide the following documentation:

1. Proof of Education (diploma, transcripts)

2. Valid driver's license 

Benefits:

• Health, vision and dental insurance
• Paid time off
• 401K Matching
• Roth 401k with 2% match tax-free withdrawals after retirement
• Tuition reimbursement 
• Referral bonus
• Many opportunities for growth throughout the company
• Various professional trainings offered
• Referrals to state funded resource providing support in finding childcare

Misericordia is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) according to Title 44, Ill. Administrative Code, and Subpart C Section 750.150.

Misericordia offers a community of care that maximizes potential for persons with mild to profound developmental disabilities, many of whom are also physically challenged. By serving society’s most vulnerable citizens, Misericordia also serves the families who want the best for them yet cannot provide it at home.

Through a spectrum of residential options on its 37 acre Chicago campus and in the community, and with a wide variety of programs, Misericordia currently serves more than 600 children and adults residentially, from diverse racial, religious and socio-economic backgrounds. Twenty percent of our residents either come from poverty families or have no families and are wards of the State.

Misericordia is a Catholic Charity of the Archdiocese of Chicago with the mission of providing a quality of life for our residents. We are a Community of Believers joined together for this common purpose. Through Catholic values and traditions, we strive to be a diverse and inclusive community that embraces those of all faiths as well as those with no religious tradition. All who believe in our mission are welcome into our Community of Believers.

Misericordia offers a continuum of care to meet their diverse needs and aspires for each individual to live as independently as possible in the highest level of community integration feasible.