ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Direct Support Person Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ray Graham Association Current Openings

$21.02/hr

Description We are seeking compassionate and dedicated Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team. As a DSP, you will play a vital role in assisting people with disabilities to live ...

RAY GRAHAM ASSOCIATION FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

$21.02/hr

Description Description We are seeking compassionate and dedicated Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team. As a DSP, you will play a vital role in assisting people with disabilities to ...

Ray Graham Association

$21.02/hr

Provide direct care and support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. * Assist with daily living activities, including personal care, meal preparation, and medication management.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDirect Support Person Jobs

Direct Support Person information

See salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do direct support person jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support person in the United States is $16.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Direct Support Persons?

Direct Support Persons (DSPs) are professionals who provide care and assistance to individuals with disabilities or special needs, helping them live as independently as possible. They support clients with daily activities such as personal care, medication management, transportation, and community involvement. DSPs play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life and promoting the dignity of those they serve, often working in homes, community settings, or care facilities. Their work is vital in ensuring that people with disabilities have the opportunity to participate fully in society.

What are some common challenges Direct Support Persons face, and how can they effectively handle them?

Direct Support Persons often encounter challenges such as managing clients with varying behavioral and emotional needs, balancing multiple responsibilities, and maintaining clear communication among team members and families. Successfully handling these challenges typically involves ongoing training in crisis intervention, strong teamwork, and developing patience and empathy. Regular check-ins with supervisors and collaborating with other care professionals can also provide valuable support and resources for managing difficult situations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Direct Support Person, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Direct Support Person, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic caregiving knowledge, and often completion of specialized training or certification in disability support. Familiarity with individualized support plans, assistive technologies, and documentation systems is typically required. Patience, strong communication, and empathy are vital soft skills for building trust and effectively supporting individuals with disabilities. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring client well-being, fostering independence, and maintaining a safe, supportive environment.
What cities are hiring for Direct Support Person jobs? Cities with the most Direct Support Person job openings:
What states have the most Direct Support Person jobs? States with the most job openings for Direct Support Person jobs include:
Direct Support Person jobs near you
Direct Support Person/ Developmental Trainer. Part Time hours

Direct Support Person/ Developmental Trainer. Part Time hours

Futures Unlimited, Inc

Dwight, IL

$17.10 - $18/hr

Part-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

```html
Direct Support Person / Developmental Trainer

Location: Dwight, IL 60420

Job Description

The Direct Support Person assists and supports adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities. This position is responsible for documentation of individual progress, goal progress, behavioral/physical health, and service hours. This position plans, initiates, and supports persons served in a variety of social, educational, wellness, and vocational training experiences. This role promotes health/safety, self-advocacy, and community inclusion.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Assist in the transportation of individuals, serving as a monitor. Assist drivers in securing seatbelts and safety straps, safely transporting and monitoring the wellbeing of passengers.
  • Document accurate attendance, time cards, and service hours.
  • Assist in the personal care and hygiene of persons served.
  • Engage and support persons served in daily activities and experiences.
  • Initiate and follow individual training objectives as identified in person-centered/individual service plans and as directed by assigned supervisor.
  • Assist in the planning and development of program curriculum, experiences, and activities that address the needs and desired outcomes of persons served.
  • Follow behavior support plans as identified in individual service plans.
  • Be accountable for the location and activity of assigned individuals.
  • Assist and support individuals at meal times, promoting independence, safety, and wellness.
  • Drive agency vehicles as required to engage persons served in community experiences.
  • Document required transportation information and adhere to transportation policies.
  • Complete documentation daily on individuals’ progress and participation.
  • Complete documentation of goal progress.
  • Complete documentation of behavioral and physical health.
  • Be alert to safety/medical needs of individuals, provide first aid, and contact supervisor as needed.
  • Communicate behavioral and physical health concerns and incidents to supervisor and/or QIDP.
  • Complete appropriate incident/injury, critical incident, and seizure reports within time frames directed by supervisor.
  • Meet regularly and communicate with the Developmental Trainer (DT) team, sharing information and ideas to address individual needs, objectives, and contribute to the functioning of the DT program.
Other Responsibilities
  • Provide coverage at any DT site or CILA as assigned.
  • Attend trainings to meet annual requirements: First Aid, CPR, CPI, Safety, and OIG.
  • Respect persons served and promote a positive image of persons with disabilities.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The work environment may vary depending on the location of individuals needing assistance. The employee may encounter exposure to various bodily fluids, environmental temperature extremes, potentially violent behavioral situations, and/or various infectious agents.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Regularly required to talk or hear.
  • Frequently required to walk and use hands.
  • Frequently required to stand for a minimum of an hour.
  • Occasionally required to stand, sit, bend, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, or crouch.
  • Occasionally lift and/or move, push and/or pull up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to walk a moderate distance, greater than 250 feet.
  • Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Valid Illinois Driver’s License.
  • Maintain minimum insurance requirements.
  • Pass physical function test.
  • Must have or be able to obtain CPR, Heimlich Maneuver, and First Aid certifications.
  • Data entry skills using programs such as VERTEX, Paychex, and Paychex Flex.
  • Solid communication and interpersonal skills.
```

Apply