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Direct Service Professional Jobs in Farmington, MN

Accord is seeking a mission-driven Direct Service Professional (DSP) to join our Day Supports Team in making a difference in the lives of people living with disabilities. The DSP will evaluate ...

Accord is seeking a mission-driven Direct Service Professional (DSP) to join our Day Supports Team in making a difference in the lives of people living with disabilities. The DSP will evaluate ...

Accord is seeking a mission-driven Direct Service Professional (DSP) to join our Day Supports Team in making a difference in the lives of people living with disabilities. The DSP will evaluate ...

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Direct Service Professional information

See Farmington, MN salary details

$8

$16

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How much do direct service professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct service professional in Farmington, MN is $16.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.57 and $18.70 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.

What cities near Farmington, MN are hiring for Direct Service Professional jobs?

Cities near Farmington, MN with the most Direct Service Professional job openings:

Infographic showing various Direct Service Professional job openings in Farmington, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,199 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Saint Paul, MN โ€ข On-site

Accord
Finance and Insuranceย โ€ขย 11 - 50 employees

$17 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Accord is seeking a mission-driven Direct Service Professional (DSP) to join our Day Supports Team in making a difference in the lives of people living with disabilities. The DSP will evaluate, create, and support the activities of daily living for the people that the Accord Day Program serves.
This is a fully in-person role at our facility in Midway St. Paul with hours from 7am-3pm, Monday through Friday.
Accord is a nonprofit dedicated to making it possible for people living with disabilities to achieve their personal and career goals. We utilize a person-centered approach to provide services that span a wide array of supports to empower, uplift, and transform lives to help individuals live their greatest lives. Accord has been recognized by the Council on Leadership and Qualify for Excellence, with Distinction, in person-centered care. If our vision matches yours, we hope you consider joining us.
The DSP will:
    • Provide personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to participants in the Accord day program.
    • Assist individuals with learning and developing new skills and in achieving their personal goals.
    • Build relationships with and among the Day Support adults.
    • Deliver programming that nurtures the needs, self-expression and living skills of supported people.
    • Develop a community support plan and goals for each individual in assigned caseload.
    • Listen carefully and communicate respectfully with supported people and coworkers.
    • Administer medications and monitor medical conditions of participants, encouraging optimal health and well-being.
    • Document support plans, activities, and progress toward stated goals.
    • Facilitate Day Program participants' ability for self-determination.

Requirements
Credentials/Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Minimum requirements:
  • High School diploma or GED.
  • Comfort working in Microsoft, Google, and care-related platforms.
  • Ability to pass mandated background checks.
  • Current Driver's license and clean driving record.

Preferred qualification:
  • Experience working with individuals living with mental or developmental disabilities.
  • CPR/First Aid certification.
  • DOT certification or the ability to pass the driving exam.
  • Electronic Health Record experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills.
  • Strong conflict management skills with ability to redirect and resolve issues.
  • Excellent rapport with diverse individuals with ability to communicate effectively and respectfully.
  • Ability to serve as ambassador of Accord in the community and in the facility.
  • Ability to work independently and as a part of a team in sharing information and completing work, collaborating with diverse stakeholders.

Benefits
Competitive wage $17- $18 per hour and benefit package with PTO, 9 paid holidays, health, dental, vision, and life insurance, NO COST short & long-term disability insurance, retirement savings plan options, employee wellness program, tuition assistance program, career advancement, mileage reimbursement for providing direct services, a positive, friendly work environment and much more.
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