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Direct Support Professional Caregiver Jobs in Decatur, GA

Direct Support Professional

Marietta, GA ยท On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Join Our Team at Help at Home as a Direct Support Professional! At Help at Home, we value our ... Strong verbal and written communication skills Caregivers must comply with state background ...

As a Direct Support Professional at Devereux, you will learn more than you ever thought possible while you work with other dedicated professionals who share your passion for helping kids in a Mental ...

As a Direct Support Professional at Devereux, you will learn more than you ever thought possible while you work with other dedicated professionals who share your passion for helping kids in a Mental ...

Direct Support Professional

Lithonia, GA ยท On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

THRIVE AS A CAREGIVER AT SEVITA. EACH DAY, YOU'LL * Be proud of rewarding work helping people grow ... Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ...

Direct Support Professional

Tucker, GA ยท On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

THRIVE AS A CAREGIVER AT SEVITA. EACH DAY, YOU'LL * Be proud of rewarding work helping people grow ... Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ...

Direct Support Professional

Atlanta, GA ยท On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

THRIVE AS A CAREGIVER AT SEVITA. EACH DAY, YOU'LL * Be proud of rewarding work helping people grow ... Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ...

Direct Support Professional

Atlanta, GA ยท On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

THRIVE AS A CAREGIVER AT SEVITA. EACH DAY, YOU'LL * Be proud of rewarding work helping people grow ... Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ...

Direct Support Professional

Atlanta, GA ยท On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

THRIVE AS A CAREGIVER AT SEVITA. EACH DAY, YOU'LL * Be proud of rewarding work helping people grow ... Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ...

Direct Support Professional

Lithonia, GA ยท On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

THRIVE AS A CAREGIVER AT SEVITA. EACH DAY, YOU'LL * Be proud of rewarding work helping people grow ... Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ...

Showing results 21-40

Direct Support Professional Caregiver information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$8

$15

$20

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

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional caregiver in Decatur, GA is $15.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.12 and $16.88 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.

What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professional Caregiver jobs in Decatur, GA? For Direct Support Professional Caregiver jobs in Decatur, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional Caregiver jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional Caregiver jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Direct Support Professional Caregiver jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Direct Support Professional Caregiver job openings:
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional Caregiver job openings in Decatur, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,276 per year, or $15 per hour.

Direct Support professional

COMMUNITY CARE HOME INC

Jonesboro, GA โ€ข On-site

$10 - $12/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

DSP) DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL
DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL are people who work directly with individuals who have physical and/or intellectual disabilities with the aim of assisting the individual to become integrated into his/her community in the least restrictive environment. A DSP also acts as an advocate for the disabled individual, in communicating their needs, self-expression and goals.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE JOB
  • Ability to perform First Aid/CPR.
  • Ability to observe and assess the needs of individuals.
  • Ability to maintain information in a confidential manner.
  • Ability to speak clearly and express oneself effectively in English.
  • Ability to read and comprehend instructions written in English.
  • Ability to organize, prioritize and multi-task work assignments.
  • Ability to learn and apply positive methods to modify behavior.
  • Ability to facilitate groups and/ provide individual skill instruction.
  • Ability to write legibly in English in a clear, concise, and logical manner.
  • Ability to understand and relate to persons with intellectual disabilities.
  • Ability to apply the principles of "Everyday Lives "and Self Determination.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in field location assignments.
  • Ability to maintain professional and respectful interaction with individuals and co-workers.
  • Knowledge and the ability to utilize good listening skills & comprehend verbal instructions given in English.
  • Knowledge of acceptable social, work, and interpersonal behavior.
  • Knowledge of basic computer skills required.

DUTIES OF DIRECT SUPPORT STAFF include, but are not limited to:
  • Provides personal care and protective oversight and supervision.
  • Provide services, supports, care and treatment and/or supervision as required.
  • Participates in the development and implementation of each (ISP) Individual's Support Plan.
  • Provides supervision as determined in the (ISP) Individuals' Support Plans.
  • Adheres to Department of Human Resources Office of Regulatory Services, requirements.
  • Responsible for individual's work related personal and financial transactions.
  • Ensures that the facility or home is safe, comfortable, well maintained, and free from hazards.
  • Provides coverage in emergency situations.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Assesses and documents instructional needs initially and on an ongoing basis.
  • Ensures individuals' health, safety and welfare, enhances the quality of individuals' lives, and supports community inclusion.
  • Provides direct assistance to the participant in self-help, socialization, and adaptive skills training, retention and improvement.
  • Implements the behavioral support plans of participants to reduce inappropriate and/or maladaptive behaviors and to acquire alternative adaptive skills and behaviors.
  • Provides assistance and training on independent community living skills, such as personal hygiene, light housework, laundry, meal preparation, transportation, grocery shopping, using the telephone, and medication and money management.
  • Provides direct assistance in teaching such concepts as rule compliance, attendance, task completion, problem solving, endurance, work speed, work accuracy, increased attention span, motor skills, and safety to groups of participants.
  • Provides direct assistance in training appropriate social interaction skills required in the workplace to groups of participants.
  • Provides participant-specific assistance, such as assistance with personal care and self-administration of medications.
  • Implements the behavioral support plans of participants to reduce inappropriate and/or maladaptive behaviors and to acquire alternative adaptive skills and behaviors.
  • Participates in the implementing of all program plans designed to enhance the individual's social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and independent living skills.
  • Completes and updates all daily, weekly and monthly records, reports, logs, casework notes, administrative paperwork, fiscal reports, and medical records in an accurate, timely, and professional manner.
  • Collaborates and cooperates with involved agencies, family members, and other service providers; participates in meetings and provides relevant information.
  • Transports individuals in personal and/or company vehicle for community outings or scheduled appointments.
  • Provides support and assistance to individuals in arranging for medical care when responsible to do so and follows health care recommendations.
  • Utilizes community resources to promote community integration, independence, and interdependence.

COMPETENCY [Education, Credentials, and Experience]
  • High school diploma or General Education Development (GED).
  • Professional License if applicable.
  • Pass State PCA Competency Test if diploma is unavailable.
  • The knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the functions of this position.

EXPECTATIONS
  • Must be able to drive passenger vehicle if applicable.
  • Must have an annual Negative test results for TB Skin Test.
  • Must have the ability to obtain clearances as defined by regulations.
  • Must be able to work flexible hours to meet individual's and program's needs.
  • Must be able to travel to trainings/meetings upon request of program director.
  • Must have a valid driver's license, good driving record, and access to a reliable vehicle to attend trainings, meetings, and/or transport individual to appointments.
  • Must be able to accompany individuals into the community and provide support and assistance in interactions in the community while maintaining sensitivity to the rights and dignity of the individual.
  • Must have an annual (Physical) health examination with signed statement from a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant that you are free of communicable disease.