Benefits:

Competitive salary

Employee discounts

Training & development

Wellness resources

Company car

Special Needs Caregiver / Support Role

This is a position based in a private home setting in Northwest Peoria – near Lake Pleasant Parkway and Jomax, ideal for someone with experience in special needs therapy, behavioral therapy, ABA, or special education.

Our son is 18 years old, non-verbal and has autism, 6’8”, and 280 lbs—he is active, energetic, and thrives best with consistent structure, clear guidance, and warm, respectful interaction. While he does not use spoken language, he is learning to communicate through a device and benefits greatly from daily engagement, verbal interaction, and task-based redirection. We are seeking someone who will treat him with dignity and respect, encourage his progress, and help him reach his fullest potential.

Position Requirements – Must Commit to All of the Following:

Professional Phone Use – No personal cell phone use while on duty, except for communication with parents or work-specific tasks.

Focused Care – Be fully present, attentive, and supportive of our son’s goals during work hours.

Special Needs Understanding – Recognize that occasional physical outbursts are a result of discomfort, frustration, or limited communication—not personal. Actively support his communication and ask parents for guidance on discipline or redirection when needed.

Agency & Family Partnership – Employment is through Ability360, with supplemental family pay based on experience. Training completion is required. Responsibilities include Respite, Habilitation, and Attendant Care, with weekly and monthly documentation of progress.

Physical Capability & Daily Support – Must be able to keep pace with our son. Duties include supervising and participating in daily activities (gym, swimming, jump parks, errands, sports events, etc.), assisting with meals, medications, and hygiene, and providing clear daily reports on all activities and tasks completed.

YOU MUST BE ABLE TO AGREE TO ALL REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE TO APPLY. IF YOU DO, PLEASE READ ON AND CONSIDER APPLYING.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide active, engaged support in all daily activities, including walking, swimming, gym sessions, and other physical engagements.

Assist with self-care and hygiene routines (bathing, toileting oversight, dressing).

Support with meal preparation, supervision, and assistance.

Implement a structured daily schedule with consistency and flexibility.

Collaborate with and attend therapy sessions (OT, PT, SLP) in and out of the home, acting as a parent proxy.

Support educational, literacy, and developmental goals outlined by his educational team and specialists. Candidates with literacy education skills may receive higher compensation.

Communicate and engage with our son consistently—he understands and thrives through connection.

Provide daily updates to parents on progress, observations, and challenges.

Maintain a high level of attentiveness—phone use is strictly limited to emergencies or pre-approved breaks.

Work alongside outside professionals and specialists for skills development, education, and therapy support.

Ideal Candidate Will Have:

Experience working with individuals with special needs (therapy, ABA, behavioral therapy, special education, or related field preferred).

A clean driving record and ability to pass background checks and obtain a fingerprint clearance card.

A positive, encouraging, and optimistic attitude.

Ability to follow directions while using good judgment in the moment.

Strong physical stamina and comfort actively participating in physical activities.

Excellent communication and reporting skills.

A kind but firm demeanor with the ability to set and maintain boundaries respectfully, de-escalate situations, and involve parents in discipline when needed.

High levels of reliability, professionalism, and integrity.

A commitment to being present, focused, and engaged throughout the workday—this is not a role for someone distracted by their phone or outside obligations.

Why Join Us?

If you can support the position requirements clearly defined above, ready to be in a stable long term position and you’re passionate about making a meaningful difference in someone’s life, and you’re looking for a family-centered care environment that values growth, consistency, and compassion, we would love to hear from you.