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Direct Support Care Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Direct Support Professional

Elyria, OH · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

As a Direct Support Professional, you will play a vital role in delivering this care, helping to improve the lives of those in our community.**About the Role:**As a Direct Support Professional, you ...

Direct Support Professional

Avon, OH · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Provide direct care and assistance to clients in their homes, including activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and grooming* Assist with meal preparation, light housekeeping ...

Showing results 41-60

Direct Support Care information

See Ohio salary details

$9

$15

$19

How much do direct support care jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support care in Ohio is $15.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $16.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a direct support care professional?

Direct support care professionals, often known as direct support professionals (DSPs), are individuals who assist people with disabilities or special needs in their daily activities. They help clients with tasks such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication management, and participating in community activities. Their goal is to support individuals in leading more independent and fulfilling lives while ensuring their safety and well-being. DSPs work in various settings, including private homes, group homes, and day programs.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a direct support care professional?

To thrive as a Direct Support Care professional, you need a background in human services or a related field, with basic knowledge of caregiving practices and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with documentation systems, medication management protocols, and sometimes CPR/First Aid certification is typically required. Patience, empathy, strong communication, and problem-solving skills are essential for building trust and supporting individuals with disabilities or special needs. These skills ensure clients receive compassionate, effective assistance and help maintain a safe, supportive environment.

What are common challenges faced in a direct support care role, and how can they be managed?

Direct Support Care professionals often encounter challenges such as managing unpredictable client behaviors, balancing multiple clients’ needs, and coping with emotional stress from supporting individuals with disabilities or special needs. These challenges can be managed by receiving ongoing training, utilizing strong communication skills, seeking support from team members, and practicing self-care. Many organizations also provide supervision and regular debriefings to help staff process difficult situations and maintain a supportive work environment.

Where do direct support care professionals get paid the most?

Direct support care professionals tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare services, such as urban areas or states with higher minimum wages. States or cities that prioritize healthcare funding and have a shortage of qualified workers often offer higher pay rates for these roles.

What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Care jobs in Ohio?

For Direct Support Care jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Direct Support Care job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,201 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Care Of Excellent Llc

Columbus, OH • On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Direct Support Professional Job Responsibilities:

  • Provides direct care to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • Performs personal care tasks, including assistance with basic personal hygiene and grooming, feeding, and ambulation, medical monitoring, and health care related tasks.
  • Fosters positive relationships between caretakers and individuals served.
  • Ensures client safety and maintaining a safe environment.
  • Reminds and assists clients with self-administration of medications (with proper training).
  • Encourages self-help activities.
  • Reports changes in client’s condition or family situation to administrators and supervisors.
  • Documents services provided.
  • Performs home management functions such as light housekeeping, laundry, bed making, and cleaning.
  • Plans meals, shopping for groceries, preparing and serving food/meals, feeding and clean-up.
  • Accompanies clients to scheduled appointments and transports clients or running errands for clients.
  • Assists with toileting, including bedpans, urinals, and commode chairs as necessary.
  • Other duties as assigned.