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Direct Service Professional Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

HCAOA

Direct Service Professional

Beachwood, OH · On-site

$15/hr

Homewatch CareGivers offers the comprehensive home care services and we believe that exceptional ... Our Homewatch CareGivers University is a professionally-developed training platform designed to ...

company520

Direct Service Professional

Stow, OH · On-site

$15 - $17.50/hr

Description WANT A MEANINGFUL CAREGIVING CAREER WHERE YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE EVERY DAY? JFSA of Cleveland seeks caring and attentive individuals to provide in-home care for adults with Developmental ...

HAZEL GRACE HOMES

Direct Service Professinal

Akron, OH · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

Salary: 17 Direct Support Professional (DSP) All Shifts Available Hiring Immediately! Stow & Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio Make a Living by Making a Difference At Hazel Grace Homes, we believe every ...

HAZEL GRACE HOMES

Direct Service Professinal

Akron, OH · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

Direct Support Professional (DSP) All Shifts Available - Hiring Immediately! Stow & Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio ✨ Make a Living by Making a Difference At Hazel Grace Homes , we believe every individual ...

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Direct Service Professional information

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How much do direct service professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct service professional in Ohio is $15.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $17.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by direct service professionals and how can they be addressed?

Direct Service Professionals often encounter challenges such as managing clients with complex behavioral needs, maintaining clear communication among team members, and balancing documentation requirements with hands-on support. To address these challenges, it's important to participate in regular training sessions, collaborate closely with supervisors and colleagues, and utilize available support resources. Building strong relationships with clients and fostering a positive, team-oriented environment also help make the role more rewarding and manageable.

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

AspectDirect Service ProfessionalPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsOften requires CPR, First Aid, and sometimes specialized trainingMay require basic certifications like CPR, First Aid, but less specialized training
Work EnvironmentCommunity settings, group homes, residential facilitiesPrivate homes, individual client settings
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare, social services, non-profitsHome care agencies, private clients
Job FocusSupporting individuals with disabilities, mental health, or developmental needsAssisting with daily living activities for elderly or disabled clients

While both roles involve providing care and support, a Direct Service Professional typically works in community or facility settings with a focus on individuals with disabilities or mental health needs, often requiring specialized training. A Personal Care Assistant usually works in private homes, assisting with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and mobility, often with fewer certifications required.

What is a direct service professional?

A direct support professional works to assist people with disabilities. In this career, your job duties include helping people in a residential assisted living community; however, most direct support professionals work offsite in the homes or schools of support program participants. You need strong organizational and communication skills to deal with clients, their other caretakers, and their family members. Most employers expect you to document your experience with each client and note changes in behavior and progress toward developmental goals. Educational qualifications include a high school diploma and previous experience or on-the-job training.

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

To thrive as a Direct Service Professional, you need a foundational understanding of client care, basic health and safety, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with electronic documentation systems and CPR/First Aid certification are often required. Patience, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work collaboratively are crucial soft skills for building trust with clients and supporting their daily needs. These abilities are essential for providing quality care, ensuring client well-being, and fostering a supportive environment.

Is a direct service professional a good career?

A direct service professional (DSP) provides support to individuals with disabilities or mental health needs, often working in community or residential settings. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in helping others, with opportunities for certification, skill development, and flexible schedules, though it may involve physically and emotionally demanding work. Job satisfaction often depends on personal interests and the work environment.

What qualifications do I need for a direct service professional job?

A direct service professional typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent and may require CPR and first aid certifications. Relevant skills include strong communication, patience, and the ability to work with diverse populations; some positions may also require background checks and training specific to the client population.
More about Direct Service Professional jobs
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Direct Service Professional jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Direct Service Professional job openings:
Direct Service Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Service Professional job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,144 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Direct Service Professional

New Avenues to Independence, Inc.

Ashtabula, OH • On-site

$16/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Description:

Make a Difference Every Day

Are you passionate about helping others live meaningful, independent lives? Do you want a career where your work truly matters? At New Avenues to Independence, we are looking for compassionate, dependable, and motivated individuals to join our team as Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).

As a DSP, you will play a vital role in supporting individuals with disabilities as they build independence, engage in their communities, and achieve their personal goals. This is more than just a job — it’s an opportunity to positively impact lives every day.

Position Details

  • Pay Rate: Starting at $16.00 per hour
  • Schedule: Multiple shifts available
  • Location: Various residential and community-based settings

What You’ll Do

  • Provide person-centered support to individuals with disabilities in residential homes, community settings, and day programs.
  • Assist with daily living activities including personal care, meal preparation, medication reminders, housekeeping, and transportation.
  • Support individuals in building independence and life skills.
  • Encourage participation in community activities, outings, appointments, and social events.
  • Foster a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment that promotes dignity and self-determination.
  • Build positive, supportive relationships with the individuals you serve.
  • Collaborate with team members, families, and healthcare professionals to implement individualized support plans.
  • Assist individuals with routines such as shopping, cooking, cleaning, and attending medical appointments.
  • Document services and communicate effectively with supervisors and team members.


Why Join New Avenues to Independence?

At New Avenues to Independence, we believe our employees are the heart of our mission. We are committed to creating a supportive work environment where team members feel valued, respected, and empowered to grow professionally while making a lasting impact in the community.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • 403b Retirement Plan
  • Short-Term Disability
  • Long-Term Disability
  • Life Insurance
  • PTO – For those working at least 25 hrs per week
  • Paid Holidays - For those working at least 25 hrs per week

If you are looking for rewarding work where you can truly make a difference, we encourage you to apply today.

Requirements:

What We’re Looking For

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • High school diploma or GED required
  • Valid Ohio driver’s license with 4 points or fewer
  • Valid auto insurance
  • Compassionate, patient, and dependable attitude
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • A genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others


Employment with our organization is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check, which may include criminal history, employment verification, education verification, professional license verification (if applicable), and other screenings permitted by applicable law.


A criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment. We are committed to evaluating each applicant fairly and individually. Any criminal history will be considered in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, taking into account factors such as the nature and seriousness of the offense, the time that has elapsed since the conviction or completion of the sentence, and the relevance of the offense to the responsibilities of the position.


All employment offers are contingent upon the satisfactory completion of the required pre-employment screenings. Providing false, misleading, or incomplete information during the application or hiring process may result in disqualification from consideration or termination of employment if discovered after hire.