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Direct Service Professional Jobs in Milwaukee, WI

Mypath

Direct Support Professional

Hartland, WI · On-site

$21/hr

Overview We are seeking compassionate and skilled Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our ... Ongoing participation in in-service training is required. Required Skills & Attributes: * Ability ...

Mypath

Direct Support Professional

Oconomowoc, WI

$21/hr

Overview We are seeking compassionate and skilled Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our ... Ongoing participation in in-service training is required. Required Skills & Attributes: * Ability ...

Balance Inc.

Be Seen First

Direct Support Professional

Grafton, WI · On-site

$15.45/hr

The Direct Support Professional provides direct supervision and promotes engagement with participants in all of Balance Inc.'s services. The Direct Support Professional assists with activities of ...

Mypath

Direct Support Professional

Dousman, WI

$21/hr

Overview We are seeking compassionate and skilled Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our ... Ongoing participation in in-service training is required. Required Skills & Attributes: * Ability ...

Mypath

Direct Support Professional

Delafield, WI · On-site

$21/hr

Overview We are seeking compassionate and skilled Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our ... Ongoing participation in in-service training is required. Required Skills & Attributes: * Ability ...

Balance Inc.

Be Seen First

Direct Support Professional

Grafton, WI · On-site

$15.45/hr

The Direct Support Professional provides direct supervision and promotes engagement with participants in all of Balance Inc.'s services. The Direct Support Professional assists with activities of ...

MyPath

Direct Support Professional

Oconomowoc, WI · On-site

$21/hr

Overview We are seeking compassionate and skilled Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our ... Ongoing participation in in-service training is required. Required Skills & Attributes: * Ability ...

Mypath

Direct Support Professional

Hartland, WI · On-site

$19/hr

Overview We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Direct Support Professionals (DSP) to join ... Prader-Willi Homes , a MyPath Company, has been a trusted provider of residential services for ...

MyPath

Direct Support Professional

Oconomowoc, WI · On-site

$19/hr

Overview We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Direct Support Professionals (DSP) to join ... Prader-Willi Homes , a MyPath Company, has been a trusted provider of residential services for ...

MyPath

Direct Support Professional

Dousman, WI · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Direct Support Professional (DSP) to join our team. In ... Ongoing participation in in-service training is required. Required Skills & Attributes: * Ability ...

Mypath

Direct Support Professional

Dousman, WI · On-site

$19/hr

Overview We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Direct Support Professionals (DSP) to join ... Prader-Willi Homes , a MyPath Company, has been a trusted provider of residential services for ...

Mypath

Direct Support Professional

Waterford, WI · On-site

$19/hr

Overview We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Direct Support Professionals (DSP) to join ... Prader-Willi Homes , a MyPath Company, has been a trusted provider of residential services for ...

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

Direct Service Professional information

See Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee, WI is $16.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $18.17 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 Milwaukee, WI are hiring for Direct Service Professional jobs? Cities near Milwaukee, WI with the most Direct Service Professional job openings:
Direct Service Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Service Professional job openings in Milwaukee, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,258 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Direct Service Professional/ Caregiver

Genesis / Matt Talbot / Horizon

Milwaukee, WI

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION Broadstep-WI DBA Quest Behavioral Healthcare MATT TALBOT RECOVERY SERVICES, INC. A. JOB TITLE: Direct Support Professional (DSP)/Caregiver B.

ACCOUNTABILITY: DSP/Caregivers are accountable to Supervisor of designated facility C. SUPERVISES: None. D.

DESCRIPTION OF POSITION: Caregivers provide 24 hour/7 day a week services at Community-Based Residential Facilities (CBRFs) for clients who suffer from severe and persistent mental health conditions. The role of caregivers is to provide direct care and support to the residents while maintaining the cleanliness of the CBRF with the goal of providing quality care in a home-like setting for our high-risk residents. E.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Supervise resident behaviors and activities at all times, monitor physical and emotional well-being, and respond to all resident needs and concerns. 2.

Record observations regarding resident behavior, mental status, and care; report observations to treatment staff; provide input for treatment plans; and implement portions of the treatment plan according to level of expertise under direction of clinical staff. 3. Complete Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training provided by the organization.

4. Direct or assist residents with personal hygiene care: bathing, shaving, hair care, etc. 5.

Administer medications and maintain records in accordance with specified procedures. 6. Transport residents to medical appointments as needed.

7. Assist with planning recreational individual and group activities for residents. 8.

Supervise visitation activities and monitor behavior during visits. 9. Responsible for keeping the work area clean and in order by keeping floors dry, storerooms tidy, corridors clear, properly disposing of waste, and regularly washing equipment.

10. Transport and direct residents and visitors to safety in emergencies such as fire or severe weather. 11.

Complete and maintain CBRF training and trauma informed care training according to Milwaukee County BHD requirements. 12. Complete all delegated tasks and duties assigned by the supervisor.

13. Treat all clients with dignity and respect. 1 | Page Updated 05/16/2024 F.

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. High School Diploma OR GED equivalent 2. Valid Wisconsin Driver's License - preferred 3.

A Criminal Background Check is required for this position subject to Wisconsin law. 4. Annual TB test and influenza vaccine required to work with Milwaukee county residents.

5. Record of immunizations including receiving MMR and varicella (chickenpox) or titer showing immunity. 6.

Experience working with individuals in a mental health setting - preferred 7. Basic computer skills 8. CBRF certifications - preferred 9.

Passion for caring for others, compassionate, assertive, and use of critical thinking skills.

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