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Direct Support Professional Caregiver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Direct Support Professional (Caregiver) If you are motivated to be a high quality caregiver, Dungarvin has the opportunity for you. Working directly as a home health and companion care provider with ...

Direct Support Professional/Caregiver

La Porte, IN · On-site

$13 - $16.75/hr

Direct Support Professional (Caregiver) If you are motivated to be a high quality caregiver, Dungarvin has the opportunity for you. Working directly as a home health and companion care provider with ...

Direct Support Professional (Caregiver) If you are motivated to be a high quality caregiver, Dungarvin has the opportunity for you. Working directly as a home health and companion care provider with ...

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Direct Support Professional Caregiver information

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How much do direct support professional caregiver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional caregiver in the United States is $15.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a direct support professional caregiver?

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Caregivers are trained individuals who assist people with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities in their daily lives. They help clients with personal care, medication management, transportation, meal preparation, and participation in community activities. DSP Caregivers are essential for promoting independence, safety, and a higher quality of life for those they support. Their work often takes place in homes, group residences, or community settings, providing both practical and emotional support.

What challenges do direct support professional caregivers face and how can they be managed?

Direct Support Professional Caregivers often encounter challenges such as managing unpredictable behaviors, balancing multiple clients' needs, and maintaining clear boundaries while building supportive relationships. Effective communication, consistent routines, and ongoing training in de-escalation techniques are essential for managing these challenges. Many organizations also provide mentorship, teamwork, and regular check-ins to help staff navigate difficult situations and prevent burnout, fostering a supportive work environment.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a direct support professional caregiver?

To thrive as a Direct Support Professional Caregiver, you need a foundational understanding of personal care, support strategies for individuals with disabilities, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with documentation systems, basic medical equipment, and sometimes certifications like CPR/First Aid are typically required. Patience, strong communication, empathy, and problem-solving abilities are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure the safety, well-being, and empowerment of clients while maintaining effective and compassionate care.

What is the difference between Direct Support Professional Caregiver vs Personal Care Assistant?

AspectDirect Support Professional CaregiverPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsOften requires CPR, First Aid, and state-specific trainingMay require similar certifications, depending on state regulations
Work EnvironmentSupports individuals with disabilities in community or residential settingsProvides in-home assistance to elderly or disabled clients
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, healthcare providersHome healthcare agencies, private clients

Both roles involve assisting individuals with daily activities, but Direct Support Professional Caregivers typically work with people with disabilities in community or residential settings, while Personal Care Assistants mainly provide in-home support to elderly or disabled clients. The certifications and work environments overlap, but their focus and settings differ.

More about Direct Support Professional Caregiver jobs
What cities are hiring for Direct Support Professional Caregiver jobs? Cities with the most Direct Support Professional Caregiver job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Direct Support Professional Caregiver jobs? The top employers for Direct Support Professional Caregiver jobs are:
What states have the most Direct Support Professional Caregiver jobs? States with the most job openings for Direct Support Professional Caregiver jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional Caregiver jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional Caregiver jobs are:
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional Caregiver job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,034 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (CAREGIVER)

Supportive Community Innovations-

Bloomington, IN

$17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Supportive Community Innovations

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (CAREGIVER)
Help adults with disabilities live more independently


Help Adults with Disabilities Live More Independently

Supportive Community Innovations is hiring dependable, compassionate Direct Support Professionals-also commonly called caregivers, support staff, or disability support workers-to assist children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.

This is active, community-based work. You may help someone learn daily living skills, participate in community activities, work toward personal goals, communicate more effectively, or respond safely to challenging situations.

You do not need previous experience in disability services or Applied Behavior Analysis. We provide training and ongoing support. Experience is welcomed, but reliability, sound judgment, patience, and genuine respect for people with disabilities are especially important.


What You Will Do

Provide one-on-one support in clients' homes and community settings.

Help clients develop independent living, communication, social, and community participation skills.

Support clients with routines and individualized personal goals.

Follow behavior support plans and other clinical recommendations.

Assist clients in responding safely and successfully to challenging situations.

Transport or accompany clients to activities, appointments, errands, and community outings.

Document services accurately and complete required notes on time.

Communicate professionally with clients, families, supervisors, and clinical team members.

Follow health, safety, confidentiality, and incident-reporting procedures.

Receive feedback and apply it consistently in your work.

The specific duties vary by client. Some assignments focus on community involvement and independent living, while others require greater structure or support with challenging behavior.


What We Are Looking For

Are dependable and arrive on time.

Treat clients with disabilities with dignity and respect.

Can work independently while remaining connected to a larger team.

Stay calm, patient, and professional during difficult situations.

Communicate clearly and ask questions when guidance is needed.

Follow written plans and safety procedures.

Take initiative without exceeding their role or responsibilities.

Are comfortable working in clients' homes and throughout the community.

Can maintain appropriate professional boundaries.


Minimum Requirements

At least 18 years old.

High school diploma or equivalent.

Valid driver's license, current automobile insurance, and current vehicle registration.

Reliable transportation and willingness to drive between client and community locations.

Ability to pass required background checks and drug screening.

Availability that matches client needs, which may include days, evenings, and weekends.

Ability to use email, electronic documentation systems, and basic mobile technology.


Preferred-but Not Required

Experience as a Direct Support Professional, caregiver, home health aide, personal care attendant, behavioral technician, or similar support role.

Experience supporting people with autism, intellectual disabilities, or developmental disabilities.

Experience responding to challenging behavior.

Coursework or a degree in psychology, social work, education, human services, or a related field.

Interest in developing professionally within disability services, behavioral health, or Applied Behavior Analysis.


Training and Career Development

SCI provides training related to:

Person-centered support.

Autism and developmental disabilities.

Behavior support strategies.

Documentation requirements.

Client rights and confidentiality.

Safety and crisis-response procedures.

Professional boundaries and communication.

Employees interested in growing within the behavioral health field may have opportunities to develop additional skills and explore other positions within SCI.


Compensation and Benefits

Starting pay of $17.00 per hour, with consideration for relevant experience.

Full-time benefits eligibility at 30 hours per week.

Mileage reimbursement for eligible work-related travel.

Health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees.

Life insurance and short- and long-term disability options.

401(k) or Roth retirement plan with employer contribution.

Profit-sharing opportunities for full-time and part-time employees.

Employee recognition and rewards.

Training, professional development, and opportunities for advancement.

An organizational focus on work-life balance.


About Supportive Community Innovations

Supportive Community Innovations provides behavioral health, disability, and community-based services to individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, and other behavioral or mental health needs.

Since 2016, SCI has continued to grow while maintaining a focus on meaningful outcomes, individualized support, and professional development for employees. Our Direct Support Professionals are essential members of the team and play a direct role in helping people participate more fully in their homes and communities.


Supportive Community Innovations is an equal opportunity employer.

A job description cannot include every responsibility, skill, effort, or working condition associated with a position. Responsibilities and service needs may change with or without prior notice.

Supportive Community Innovations Direct Support Professional (Caregiver)