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Direct Support Professional Caregiver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dungarvin

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 ...

Brightli

Direct Support Professional (Caregiver)

Joplin, MO · On-site

$12.50 - $16/hr

Job Title: Direct Support Professional (Caregiver) Company: Firefly (Supportive Living & Employment Services) 📍 Location: Joplin, Missouri 🕒 Employment Type: Full-Time or Part-Time No ...

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

As of Aug 2, 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 are Direct Support Professional Caregivers?

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 are some common challenges faced by Direct Support Professional Caregivers, and how can they be managed effectively?

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

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.

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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:
Direct Support Professional Caregiver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional Caregiver job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 39% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,034 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Direct Support Professional/Caregiver

Dungarvin

Mishawaka, IN

$12.75 - $16.50/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Dungarvin rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

99th of 239 rated social care providers

Job description

Company Description

Dungarvin is a national organization of privately owned companies that are dedicated to providing high quality, community-based supports to people with varying support needs. 

Founded in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1976, Dungarvin has grown to employ approximately 3,000 people who currently provide supports to over 3,100 individuals across 14 states!

Helping people with varying support needs to achieve their fullest potential improves the quality of their life and that of the entire community. Dungarvin is proud to be a part of this enriching process!

Job Description

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 the individuals we support, you will be able to provide assistance in the residential, group home, or day program setting. Providing personal and companion care with Dungarvin, you will have the ability to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. We are hiring for compassionate, caring, home health care workers.
BENEFITS:
Flexible schedules including Part time and Full time opportunities
401(k) plan available
Paid time off
Paid training
DSP caregivers provide support services and assistance to individuals in their homes or in the community. Candidates will have a desire to create lasting positive impacts on people's lives and enjoy coaching, mentoring & encouraging others to reach their goals.
Apply now to start your career in the Human Services industry today!

Dungarvin is an equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

Job requirements: Must be at least 18 years old, valid driver's license, Current Auto liability insurance, reliable transportation, Acceptable driving/criminal record.

Dungarvin is an equal opportunity employer.

Key words: DSP, Direct support professional, direct care, home health care, home care, personal care provider, mental health, developmental disabilities, human services, care provider, Dungarvin, program counselor, caregiver.

Additional Information

Complete an online application at www.dungarvincareers.com 

What Dungarvin employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Dungarvin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Individual, family and community social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Mendota Heights, MN, US

Year founded

1976

Social media

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