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Direct Support Professional Dsp Jobs in Decatur, GA

Direct Support Professional

Marietta, GA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides personalized support to individuals with disabilities, helping them engage meaningfully in their communities and achieve their personal goals. This role ...

Direct Support Professional

Marietta, GA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides personalized support to individuals with disabilities, helping them engage meaningfully in their communities and achieve their personal goals. This role ...

Direct Support Professional

Stone Mountain, GA · On-site

$13.50 - $16.50/hr

All employees, including the Direct Support Professional (DSP) are expected to model and promote the organization's mission and values in every aspect of their work. Essential Job Duties and ...

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Direct Support Professional Dsp information

See Decatur, GA salary details

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

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional dsp in Decatur, GA is $15.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.09 and $17.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), and why are they important?

To thrive as a Direct Support Professional, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic caregiving knowledge, and an understanding of developmental disabilities. Familiarity with documentation systems, medication administration, and CPR/First Aid certifications are often required. Compassion, patience, strong communication, and problem-solving abilities distinguish exceptional DSPs. These skills ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of individuals receiving support, fostering a positive and empowering environment.

What are some common challenges faced by Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and how can they be managed?

Direct Support Professionals often encounter challenges such as managing unpredictable behaviors, balancing the needs of multiple clients, and maintaining clear communication with both clients and their families. Building strong relationships, utilizing de-escalation techniques, and participating in ongoing training can help DSPs navigate these situations effectively. Team collaboration and regular support from supervisors also play a vital role in overcoming daily hurdles and ensuring high-quality care.

What is a Direct Support Professional (DSP)?

A Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a caregiver who assists individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their daily lives. DSPs help with personal care, skill development, community involvement, and fostering independence. Their work may include assisting with bathing, meal preparation, transportation, and providing emotional support. DSPs play a vital role in ensuring the safety, well-being, and quality of life for those they support.

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

AspectDirect Support Professional DspPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsOften requires CPR, First Aid, and state-specific trainingMay require similar certifications, but less frequently mandated
Work EnvironmentSupports individuals with disabilities in community or residential settingsProvides personal care in private homes or healthcare facilities
Employer & IndustryHuman services agencies, non-profits, government programsHome healthcare agencies, private clients

Both roles involve assisting individuals with daily activities, but Direct Support Professionals typically work with people with disabilities in community or residential settings, requiring specific certifications. Personal Care Assistants often work in private homes, focusing on personal hygiene and daily living tasks, with slightly different certification requirements. Understanding these differences helps clarify job expectations and career paths in the caregiving industry.

What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professional Dsp jobs in Decatur, GA? For Direct Support Professional Dsp jobs in Decatur, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional Dsp jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional Dsp jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Direct Support Professional Dsp jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Direct Support Professional Dsp job openings:
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional Dsp job openings in Decatur, GA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,069 per year, or $15.9 per hour.
Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional

RHA Health Services

Marietta, GA • On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


RHA Health Services rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 90 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

186th of 228 rated social care providers


Job description

We are hiring for:

Direct Support Professional

Type:

Regular

If you are a positive and personable individual looking for a satisfying and fun opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of people with intellectual, developmental disabilities, and people facing mental health, and substance use challenges, join our team at RHA Health Services!

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides personalized support to individuals with disabilities, helping them engage meaningfully in their communities and achieve their personal goals. This role involves assisting individuals in identifying and expressing their needs, implementing services aligned with their person-centered plans, and fostering independence and self-advocacy. A successful DSP seeks to understand each individual's history, social and family networks, and aspirations, providing support with compassion and respect. This position operates under supervision and follows established guidelines to ensure high-quality care and advocacy.
SIGN ON BONUS: $1000

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Advocate for individuals' human, legal, and civil rights.
  • Promote health and safety by supporting wellness initiatives and accident prevention.
  • Encourage self-advocacy and empower individuals in making their own choices.
  • Facilitate community engagement by accompanying individuals to work, recreational activities, and social events.
  • Teach and support independent living skills, including household management and personal care.
  • Provide transportation for appointments, errands, and community activities.
  • Foster social connections by supporting relationship-building within the community.
  • Support informed decision-making regarding living arrangements, employment, and social activities.
  • Assist with personal care tasks, such as hygiene, bathing, dressing, and household chores (laundry, cleaning, and decorating).
  • Maintain accurate documentation of provided services and support.
  • Understand and address challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, using effective advocacy strategies.
  • Connect individuals with community resources for career development, education, and volunteer opportunities.
  • Encourage effective communication, adapting to individual needs and preferences.
  • Assist with medication administration in accordance with state laws and regulations.
  • Ensure confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in all aspects of care.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Meet all pre-employment screening
  • Compassionate, patient, and dedicated to person-centered support.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to foster independence while providing necessary support.
  • Knowledge of disability rights, self-advocacy, and community integration principles.
  • Ability to maintain accurate records and follow regulatory guidelines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

  • Regularly required to lift 30 lbs.
  • Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 lbs.
  • Must be able to pull minimum of 25 lbs.
  • Must be able to squat, kneel, crawl, crouch, climb, and stoop.
  • Must be able to regularly use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
  • Required to regularly stand and walk.
  • Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in CPR from the floor level requiring to work on hands, knees, bending, standing and lifting.
  • Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision.
  • Must be able to talk and hear.
  • Exception - Deaf and Hard of Hearing Programs: For these programs only, employees must be fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). The requirement to talk and hear does not apply.

RHA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, prohibits discrimination based on the following protected categories: race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex/gender, marital status, civil status, domestic partnership status, familial status, religion, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, or disability.

Pre-employment screening:

  • Complete criminal background
  • Name checked in the registries. (OIG exclusions database, Child Abuse Registry, and Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities)
  • Drug testing
  • Education verification and other credentialing based on position requirements.
  • Proof of employment history or references (if required)
  • Positions that require driving Proof of driver's license, driver's insurance, and vehicle, IF required for providing transportation for individuals.

We offer the following benefits to employees:

  • Payactiv: early access to the money you've earned from hours you've already worked,before payday!
  • Employee perks and discount program:to help you save money!
  • Paid Time Off(full-time employees only)
  • Health/Insurance (full-time employees only)
  • 401(k)retirement savings program
  • Wellbeing Programs: Physical, Emotional and Financial
  • Chronic Disease management programs forhypertension and diabetes (for qualifying employees)
  • Training: Free CPR, first aid, and job-specific training opportunities

*contract/contingent workers and interns do not qualify for any of the above benefits

EEO Statement RHA is an equal opportunity employer. In addition, we provide reasonable accommodation to qualified employees who have protected disabilities to the extent required by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact our solutions center.

About RHA:

At RHA Health Services, we help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health and/or substance use needs live their best lives. Our mission is to provide a safe and healthy environment while creating opportunities for personal outcomes.

For over 30 years, the people we serve and support have remained at the very center of everything we do. RHA currently provides services in North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and New Jersey.

If you are ready to make a difference in the lives of people we serve and support apply to join the team today.


What RHA Health Services employees say

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RHA Health Services logo

About RHA Health Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At RHA Health Services, we help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health and/or substance use needs live their best lives. Our mission is to provide a safe and healthy environment while creating opportunities for personal outcomes. For over 30 years, the people we serve and support have remained at the very center of everything we do. RHA currently provides services in North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Asheville, NC, US

Year founded

1989

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