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Direct Care Professional Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Cornerstone Caregiving

Direct Support Professional

Allouez, WI · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Schedule: 8AM to 4PM We are committed to providing exceptional care to individuals in need. Our caregivers are highly trained and compassionate, with a passion for making a positive impact in the ...

Cornerstone Caregiving

Direct Support Professional

De Pere, WI · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Schedule: 8AM to 4PM We are committed to providing exceptional care to individuals in need. Our caregivers are highly trained and compassionate, with a passion for making a positive impact in the ...

Cornerstone Caregiving

Direct Support Professional

De Pere, WI · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

2p-10p We are committed to providing exceptional care to individuals in need. Our caregivers are highly trained and compassionate, with a passion for making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Cornerstone Caregiving

Direct Support Professional

Allouez, WI · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

2p - 10p We are committed to providing exceptional care to individuals in need. Our caregivers are highly trained and compassionate, with a passion for making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Cornerstone Caregiving

Direct Support Professional

Allouez, WI · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Schedule: 9AM to 3PM We are committed to providing exceptional care to individuals in need. Our caregivers are highly trained and compassionate, with a passion for making a positive impact in the ...

Cornerstone Caregiving

Direct Support Professional

Malone, WI · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

We are committed to providing exceptional care to individuals in need. Our caregivers are highly trained and compassionate, with a passion for making a positive impact in the lives of others. With ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsDirect Care Professional JobsDirect Care Professional Jobs in Appleton, WI

Direct Care Professional information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do direct care professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct care professional in Appleton, WI is $16.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.52 and $17.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a direct care professional?

A direct care professional, or a personal care assistant, works with patients who have chronic illnesses or long-term disabilities. In this role, your duties include running errands, providing transportation, and performing basic home health care for clients. You also help with daily activities, such as dress and undressing, cooking and cleaning, and bathing. The main career qualifications for this job are a high school diploma and background as a care worker. Sometimes a bachelor’s degree in a field like psychology is required. You need strong communication and organizational skills as well as compassion and empathy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a direct care professional, and why are they important?

To excel as a Direct Care Professional, you need a solid understanding of basic caregiving practices, personal care assistance, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma and relevant training or certifications such as CPR and First Aid. Familiarity with care documentation systems and assistive devices is typically required. Compassion, patience, and strong interpersonal communication skills help build trust and effectively support clients with diverse needs. These competencies are vital for ensuring client well-being, promoting dignity, and maintaining a safe and supportive care environment.

What are some common challenges faced by direct care professionals, and how can they be managed effectively?

Direct Care Professionals often encounter challenges such as managing clients’ behavioral issues, maintaining clear communication with team members and families, and adapting to varying care needs. These challenges can be managed by practicing patience, utilizing de-escalation techniques, participating in ongoing training, and collaborating closely with supervisors and colleagues. Developing strong documentation habits and self-care routines also help maintain both quality of care and personal well-being.

What is the difference between Direct Care Professional vs Personal Care Assistant?

AspectDirect Care ProfessionalPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, sometimes state-specific certificationsOften requires similar certifications like CPR and First Aid
Work EnvironmentAssists clients in homes, facilities, or community settingsPrimarily in clients' homes or assisted living facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by healthcare agencies, home care companies, and community organizationsCommonly employed by home care agencies and private clients

Both roles involve providing personal care and support to individuals with disabilities or health needs. While the titles are often used interchangeably, 'Direct Care Professional' is a broader term that may include a variety of caregiving tasks, whereas 'Personal Care Assistant' typically emphasizes assisting with daily living activities in home settings.

More about Direct Care Professional jobs

What job categories do people searching Direct Care Professional jobs in Appleton, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Care Professional jobs in Appleton, WI are:

What cities near Appleton, WI are hiring for Direct Care Professional jobs?

Cities near Appleton, WI with the most Direct Care Professional job openings:

Direct Care Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Care Professional job openings in Appleton, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,040 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Productive Living Systems

Appleton, WI • On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

$16-$18 with Shift Differential and Sign-On Bonus!

Are YOU ready to make a difference?

Productive Living System, Inc. (PLS) provides residential services for ambulatory adults who have a diagnosis of an intellectual disability or mental illness that require minimal personal cares. The main role of the Direct Support Professional (DSP) is to provide care to the clients by encouraging independent living. PLS is in the mental health field of Caregiving. We are employee-owned!

Primary Duties for DSP (Caregiver):
  • Engage clients in a variety of activities
  • Implement clients Individualized Service Plan
  • Accompany your client to appointments or social events
  • Electronic Progress Note Charting
  • Monitor/administer medication to clients
  • Provide transportation for errands or activities
  • Light housekeeping
  • Other duties as assigned
    • Requirements:
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED/HSED equivalent
  • Available to work every other weekend & some holidays
  • Proof of a valid Wisconsin driver's license with clean driving record (preferred)
  • Successful completion of preemployment physical, TB test, caregiver background check, and applicable training
    • Benefits:
  • 1st Shift: $500 signon bonus
  • 2nd Shift: $0.50/hour shift differential + $750 signon bonus
  • 3rd Shift: $2.00/hour shift differential + $1,000 signon bonus
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): Eligible employees receive shares of PLS stock annually, making them employeeowners who benefit from the longterm success and growth of the company.
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan: Eligible employees are automatically enrolled in the Productive Living Systems 401(k) Retirement Plan, with up to a 5% company match.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO): Available to all fulltime employees beginning on the first day of fulltime employment. Accrual rates range from 5 to 30 days annually based on years of service.
  • Floating Holidays: Eligible employees receive 56 hours (equivalent to 7 days) of floating holidays to use at their discretion throughout the calendar year.
  • Annual Profit Sharing: Paid to all eligible employeeowners when PLS meets or exceeds its annual financial goals.
  • Health Insurance: Low to no cost coverage options for all employees working at least 30 hours per week.
  • Dental and Vision Insurance: Offered to all fulltime employees.
  • Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment: Employees working 20 hours or more per week receive $20,000 in Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage at no cost.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): A free, confidential mental health counseling program available to all employees.
  • Voluntary Benefits: Employees working 20 hours or more per week may enroll in additional voluntary benefits, including Short and LongTerm Disability, Accident, and Critical Illness coverage.
  • Paid Group Activities: Paid admission to group events attended with clients, such as movies, sporting events, and field trips.
  • Paid Training and Certifications: Includes required and industryrecognized certifications such as Standard Precautions, First Aid and Choking, Fire Safety, and Medication Administration.

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