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Direct Service Professional Jobs in Wisconsin Rapids, WI

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Direct Service Professional information

See Wisconsin Rapids, WI salary details

$8

$17

$22

How much do direct service professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct service professional in Wisconsin Rapids, WI is $17.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $18.89 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 Wisconsin Rapids, WI are hiring for Direct Service Professional jobs?

Cities near Wisconsin Rapids, WI with the most Direct Service Professional job openings:

Infographic showing various Direct Service Professional job openings in Wisconsin Rapids, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,611 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Direct Support Professional (DSP) -Community Support Mentor-Day Services

Opportunity Development Centers Inc

Stevens Point, WI โ€ข On-site

$17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

JOB HIGHLIGHTS
Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Community Day Aide Qualifications:
  • High School graduate
  • One (1) year of experience working with persons with disabilities or in nursing or home health care positions. Can be as a volunteer or familiar experience.

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Community Day Aide Responsibilities:
  • Ability to support individuals in ODC's Day Services programming by providing life-enhancing activities that incorporate
    • daily living skills
    • community and social awareness
    • leisure, recreational and educational activities
  • Ability to perform personal cares in a discreet, respectful manner (ie: toileting, eating, mobility, behaviors)
  • Ability to creatively problem solve as needs arise for individuals in house or in the community
  • Valid driver's license with good driving record and insured vehicle available for daily use
  • This position requires use of a company email address which requires an application to be downloaded on your personal cell phone for multi-factor authentication (MFA) to ensure cyber security.

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Community Day Aide Benefits:
  • Great Work/Life Balance with Generous PTO and Paid Holidays
  • Full Benefits Package including Health, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life Insurance, etc. (FT employees)
  • 401(k) with 4% Company Match
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Gym Membership Reimbursement
  • Dependent Care Flex Spending Accounts to help you save on Daycare Costs (FT employees)
  • Pet Insurance

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Community Day Aide Schedule:
  • Monday - Friday
  • 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
  • Schedule can be flexible

Why Choose ODC:
Here at ODC, we are dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to achieve their work and life goals. We are dedicated to building and supporting a welcoming work environment, one where employees feel a sense of belonging, and are valued for their contributions and the perspectives they bring. Our purpose is to champion the power of human connection and the heart of connection is inclusion. You belong here. ODC, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.