PERSONAL ASSISTANT TRAINING PROGRAM INFORMATION OVERVIEW

Springfield Center for Independent Living (SCIL) provides Personal Assistant Training and refers Personal Assistants to people with disabilities. The Springfield Center for Independent Living does not employ you. The person with the disability (consumer) employs you. The consumer will interview you, hire you, review your work performance, and, if necessary, terminate your employment.

As a Personal Assistant, you are paid by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS) (217) 782-4830. This office is located at 600 E Ash St., Building 400, Springfield, IL 62703.

WHAT IS A PERSONAL ASSISTANT?

A Personal Assistant (PA) is an individual who assists a person with a disability in routine functions of daily living. Depending on the consumer, bowel and bladder care, meal preparation, housekeeping, shopping, or grooming may be assigned, although this is not an all-inclusive list. A Personal Assistant is not a custodial person who makes decisions about care, but an important individual who works for a person with a disability, enabling them to function independently.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR BEING A PERSONAL ASSISTANT

Be at least 18 years old.

Be dependable, responsible, patient, and flexible.

Be sensitive to the needs of people who have physical or mental disabilities.

Willing to be employed and trained by persons with disabilities.

Able to take directions from your employer (the consumer).

Must have reliable transportation.

Must pass a criminal background check.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: IF YOU ARE A NO CALL NO SHOW FOR A TRAINING CLASS YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO COMPLETE ANOTHER APPLICATION OR ATTEND A TRAINING CLASS FOR ONE YEAR

For more information, contact Mary O’Malley, PA Coordinator at SCIL, 217 523-2587 ext 218 v/tty

PLEASE NOTE: YOU MUST REGISTER PRIOR TO TRAINING.

You can find an application HERE

You can find the Current 2026 Training schedule HERE

Please return the application to Mary O’Malley via email at momalley@scil.org or via USPS at our address below.

Springfield Center for Independent Living

ATTN: Mary O”Malley

330 S. Grand Avenue West

Springfield, IL 62704