Gateway Services averages 110 employees since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), which compromise nearly 40% of our staff, work in our CILA, Community Day Services, and Intermittent Supports programs.  DSPs have a required 40 hour training in a classroom setting, in addition to a minimum of 80 hours of on-the-job training.  Our training program is completed in both online and classroom formats and is approved by the Illinois Department of Human Services.

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We also have 3 Qualified Intellectual Disability Professionals (QIDPs) who work with individuals to ensure their identified outcomes are met.  Supports may range from health and wellness issues to experiencing new activities or learning different skills to enhance independence.

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Administration includes staff responsible for consumer benefits, employment supports, clerical tasks, and accounting.  Our staff is rounded out with a janitorial and maintenance crew that takes great pride in a clean and safe work environment.

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Gateway Services serves as the administrator of BPART.  Drivers are required to be at least 21 years of age, able to pass a DOT physical, and have a clean driving record.  Drivers go through an extensive training process including CPR/First Aid, Defensive Driving, Distracted Driving, Emergency Procedures, Passenger Assistance, etc.  This training program is the most intense for rural operations as stated by the Rural Transit Assistance Center (RTAC).

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To join our team of professionals, please complete an application at our Elm Place location.  For more information, please contact Shannon Merkel, Director of Human Resources, at (815) 875-4548 Ext. 226.