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Direct Service Professional Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Provide direct service professional personnel with staff development and training sessions as required by Vital Health policies. Promote staff development including the provision of cross-training ...

New

Provide direct service professional personnel with staff development and training sessions as required by Vital Health policies. Promote staff development including the provision of cross-training ...

New

Supports agency direction in promoting the community first for services needed. * Plan and ... May be responsible to drive or provide direct service while on buses. Performs related duties as ...

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Direct Service Professional information

See Ohio salary details

$7

$15

$20

How much do direct service professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 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 direct service jobs?

Direct service jobs involve providing hands-on support and assistance to individuals or communities, often in settings like healthcare, social services, or education. These roles typically require strong communication skills, empathy, and sometimes certifications or training, and they focus on meeting clients' immediate needs.

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.

Is a DSP job hard?

A Direct Service Professional (DSP) job can be physically and emotionally demanding, as it involves providing personal care, support, and supervision to individuals with disabilities. The role requires patience, strong communication skills, and the ability to handle challenging situations, often working flexible hours including evenings and weekends. Training and certifications are typically provided to ensure safety and effective care.

What are Direct Service Professionals?

Direct Service Professionals (DSPs) are caregivers who provide support and assistance to individuals with disabilities or special needs. They help clients with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication management, while also encouraging independence and inclusion in the community. DSPs often work in group homes, day programs, or clients’ own homes, and play a vital role in improving the quality of life for those they serve.

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 Support Professional Job Description?

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 jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A Direct Service Professional typically earns less than $4,000 per week; high-paying roles that do not require a degree are rare. Some skilled trades, sales positions, or entrepreneurial ventures can reach that level with experience and effort, but they often require specialized skills, certifications, or a strong network. Most jobs paying $4,000 weekly without a degree involve high risk, commission-based income, or self-employment.

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.

What qualifications do I need for a DSP job?

To qualify as a Direct Service Professional, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some roles may require CPR and first aid certification. Prior experience working with individuals with disabilities or in caregiving is often preferred, and strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for success in this role.
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

Direct Service Professional

HCAOA

Beachwood, OH • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Are you looking to work with a laid back, easy going young man who is sweet, loving and fun to be around? He is looking for a reliable DSP to help him with his ADL's. He uses a wheelchair for mobility and has a Hoyer lift to make things easier. He loves watching tv, music and going to the park. He is non-verbal but he can make his wants and needs known through his facial expression. He lives in Cleveland and needs care Monday and Tuesday 12:30pm-9:30pm and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 8:15am-7:15pm. The DSP will need Med Pass l and ll but we will train if needed.
  • 15/hourly rate
  • $150 Sign on bonus at positive 90day review

Compensation: $15.00 per hour
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Homewatch CareGivers offers the comprehensive home care services and we believe that exceptional training means a more rewarding experience for you and better care for clients. Homewatch CareGivers is a premier provider of in-home care services for people of all ages, including seniors, children, veterans, the chronically ill, and those recovering from medical procedures.
Our care philosophy is based on finding interesting, innovative ways to empower clients and help them feel engaged and respected. We start by making sure our caregivers and office staff are confident and empowered, too. Our Homewatch CareGivers University is a professionally-developed training platform designed to give you the tools and resources you need to make the very most of your time with clients and gain the most satisfaction from your job. It includes online accredited courses to help you meet the training requirements you may need to stay current with caregiver certification and licensure . The more prepared you are, the more secure you feel in your daily work.
This is an incredible opportunity to feel great about your job and the impact it has on others. Join our growing team and help bring our unique care philosophy to life!
This franchise is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will go directly to the franchisee, and all hiring decisions will be made by the management of this franchisee. All inquiries about employment at this franchisee should be made directly to the franchisee, and not to Homewatch Caregivers Corporate.

Home Care Association of America logo

About Home Care Association of America

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Home Care Association of America (HCAOA), based in Washington, DC, US, serves as a leading industry voice of home care. Known for its active advocacy and robust resources in the home care industry, it caters to what can be termed as one of the most rapidly growing industries in the United States. As a trade organization, HCAOA represents over 3,000 companies that employ more than half a million workers across the nation. The association was established with a mission to provide resources that empower home care providers to effectively and ethically grow their business. Besides this, the HCAOA also aims to promote the delivery of high-quality, affordable home care services to the nation's ageing population.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2002

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