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Direct Service Professional Jobs in Appleton, WI

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Appleton, WI · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

REM Community Services, a part of the Sevita family, provides community-based services for ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Appleton, WI · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

REM Community Services, a part of the Sevita family, provides community-based services for ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Mypath

Direct Support Professional Float

Green Bay, WI

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

We support people through individualized service plans that range from high personal care needs to those who present complex behavioral challenges. HIL is looking for a Direct Support Professional ...

MyPath

Direct Support Professional Float

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

We support people through individualized service plans that range from high personal care needs to those who present complex behavioral challenges. HIL is looking for a Direct Support Professional ...

Mypath

Direct Support Professional

Green Bay, WI

$14 - $18/hr

Our companies provide a spectrum of services and support which promote the ability of those we serve to live as independently as possible in the community. MyPath is composed of a beautifully diverse ...

MyPath

Direct Support Professional

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Our companies provide a spectrum of services and support which promote the ability of those we serve to live as independently as possible in the community. MyPath is composed of a beautifully diverse ...

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

Direct Service Professional information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$8

$16

$21

How much do direct service professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct service professional in Appleton, WI is $16.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.09 and $18.03 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 near Appleton, WI are hiring for Direct Service Professional jobs? Cities near Appleton, WI with the most Direct Service Professional job openings:
Direct Service Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Service Professional job openings in Appleton, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,001 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Limitless Possibilities LLC

Neenah, WI • On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Direct support professionals are responsible for the direct supervision of adults with disabilities in various settings such as the home, community, and vocational sites. It is the responsibility of direct support professionals to see to the specific needs of each client served, provide and teach opportunities, provide options for informed choice, and follow guidelines according to clients' service and support plans. Direct support professionals report to program supervisors.

Qualifications:

  • Be at least 18 years of age (21 years of age for driving positions)
  • Possess at least a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Some experience in providing community supports to people with developmental disabilities
  • The ability to reason and problem solve
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Possess a valid driver license
  • Possess automobile insurance
  • Be willing to perform any reasonable request to meet the needs of the persons served
  • Ability to use computer applications such as a word processor, e-mail, etc. in a time-efficient manner
  • Capable of working with adults with developmental disabilities by communicating verbally to instruct, demonstrate, train, and work cooperatively
  • Stand, sit, bend, lift, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and move intermittently
  • Must frequently lift/move up to 25 pounds

Job Duties:

  • Household Management: Direct support professionals assist the individual with household management (e.g. meal preparation laundry, cleaning and decorating) and with transportation needs to maximize his or her skills, abilities and independence.
  • Facilitation of Services: Direct support professionals have knowledge sufficient to fulfill their roles related to individual service plan development, implementation, and review.
  • Health and Wellness: Direct support professionals promotes the health and wellness of all clients.
  • Organizational Participation: Direct support professionals are familiar with the organizational mission, vision and values.
  • Documentation: Direct support professionals are aware of the requirement for documentation in his or her organization and is able to manage these requirements efficiently.
  • Client Empowerment: Direct support professionals enhance the ability of the individual to lead a self-determining life by providing the support and information necessary to build self-esteem, and assertiveness and to make decisions.
  • Assessment: Direct support professionals are knowledgeable about formal and informal assessment practices in order to respond to the needs, desires, and interest of the individuals.
  • Advocacy: Direct support professionals should be knowledgeable about the diverse challenges facing individuals (i.e. human rights/client rights).
  • Community and Service Networking: Direct support professionals are knowledgeable about the formal and informal supports available in his or her community and are skilled in assisting the individual to identify and gain access to such supports.
  • Building and Maintaining Friendships and Relationships: Direct support professionals support the participant in the development of friendships and other relationships.
  • Communication: Direct support professionals are knowledgeable about the range of effective communication strategies and skills necessary to establish a collaborative relationship with the individual.
  • Crisis Intervention: Direct support professionals are knowledgeable about crisis prevention, intervention, and resolution techniques and should match such techniques to particular circumstances and individuals.
  • Professionalism: Direct support professionals pursue knowledge and information necessary to perform job duties.
  • Vocational, Educational, and Career Support: Direct support professionals are knowledgeable about the career and education related concerns of individuals.

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