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Direct Service Professional Jobs in Fairfield, IA

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Mount Pleasant, IA · On-site

$17/hr

REM Community Services, a part of the Sevita family, provides community-based services for ... Direct Support Professional (DSP) - PRN / As Needed Mt. Pleasant, IA | $17.00/hour | On Demand Pay ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Mount Pleasant, IA · On-site

$17/hr

REM Community Services, a part of the Sevita family, provides community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Here we believe every person has the right to ...

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Direct Service Professional information

See Fairfield, IA salary details

$7

$14

$19

How much do direct service professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct service professional in Fairfield, IA is $14.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.60 and $16.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

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 advancement, though it may involve physically demanding work and variable schedules.
More about Direct Service Professional jobs

What cities near Fairfield, IA are hiring for Direct Service Professional jobs?

Cities near Fairfield, IA with the most Direct Service Professional job openings:

Direct Service Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Service Professional job openings in Fairfield, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,395 per year, or $14.6 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Sevita

Mount Pleasant, IA • On-site

$17/hr

Other

Re-posted 22 days ago

Sevita Health rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 285 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

790th of 893 rated healthcare providers

Job description

REM Community Services, a part of the Sevita family, provides community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Here we believe every person has the right to live well, and everyone deserves to have a fulfilling career. You’ll join a mission-driven team and create relationships that motivate us all every day. Join us today, and experience a career well lived. 

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - PRN / As Needed 

Mt. Pleasant, IA | $17.00/hour | On Demand Pay 

Work that actually means something starts here.

Looking for meaningful work with a schedule that fits your life? As a PRN Direct Support Professional (DSP), you’ll have the flexibility to pick up shifts when you’re available while making a real impact in the lives of others.

You’ll support individuals with developmental disabilities, behavioral challenges, and complex needs in a home and community setting. Your role will help individuals build independence, develop daily living skills, and stay connected to the people and activities that matter most.

This is hands-on, rewarding work where your time and support can truly change someone’s day.

What You'll Do

This role is about more than providing support. It’s about building relationships and helping people live their best lives.

  • Build meaningful, respectful relationships with the individuals you support
  • Assist with daily living skills like hygiene, meals, and routines
  • Support goals such as budgeting, communication, exercise, and nutrition
  • Encourage participation in community activities and daily engagement
  • Provide calm, consistent support for individuals with behavioral needs
  • Help maintain a safe, positive, and respectful home environment
  • Work closely with your team to support each person’s goals

Why PRN?

PRN is a great option if you want flexibility without a set weekly schedule.

  • Pick up shifts based on your availability
  • Great for those balancing school, family, another job, or other commitments
  • Make a difference while maintaining control of your schedule
  • Gain valuable experience in healthcare and human services

What We Offer: 

  • Pay: $17.00/hour
  • Pay on Demand: Access your earnings when you need them
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Job Stability: Work with a growing, established national organization
  • Training & Development: Paid onboarding and ongoing learning opportunities
  • Supportive Leadership: Supervisors who understand the work and support you in it

Who Thrives in This Role

You don't need a healthcare background to be great at this job. You just need the right mindset.

We’re looking for people who are:

  • Compassionate, patient, and dependable
  • Comfortable working with individuals with behavioral or complex needs
  • Good communicators and team players
  • Flexible and able to adapt in real time
  • Responsible, reliable, and consistent

What You'll Need:

  • High School Diploma or GED 
  • Valid driver's license (held for at least one year)
  • Access to a registered, insured vehicle
  • Ability to support individuals in home and community settings 

Experience in caregiving, healthcare, CNA work, behavioral health, or human services is helpful but not required. We provide training and support so you can succeed.

Why This Work Matters

Every shift is an opportunity to help someone gain confidence, build independence, and experience life more fully.

With PRN flexibility, you choose when you work while doing work that truly matters.

Apply today and start making a difference on your schedule.


Sevita is a leading provider of home and community-based specialized health care. We believe that everyone deserves to live a full, more independent life. We provide people with quality services and individualized supports that lead to growth and independence, regardless of the physical, intellectual, or behavioral challenges they face.
We’ve made this our mission for more than 50 years. And today, our 40,000 team members continue to innovate and enhance care for the 50,000 individuals we serve all over the U.S.
 

As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

What Sevita Health employees say

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Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Sevita

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sevita is a leading provider of home and community-based specialized health care. We believe that everyone deserves to live a full, more independent life. We provide people with quality services and individualized support that leads to growth and independence, regardless of the physical, intellectual, or behavioral challenges they face. We've made this our mission for more than 50 years. And today, our 40,000 team members continue to innovate and enhance care for the 50,000 individuals we serve. We're an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. Sevita is a leading provider of home and community-based specialized health care, similar companies include Brookedale Senior Living, A New Hope, and North Star.

Industry

Nursing and residential care facilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

1980

Social media

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