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Direct Support Professional Dsp Jobs in Rome, GA

LPN CRISIS

Silver Creek, GA

$24.25 - $32.75/hr

This position directly supervises the activities of the Direct Support Professional and Registered Behavioral Technicians and agency staff. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with ...

LPN CRISIS

Silver Creek, GA

$24.25 - $32.75/hr

This position directly supervises the activities of the Direct Support Professional and Registered Behavioral Technicians and agency staff. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with ...

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Direct Support Professional Dsp information

See Rome, GA salary details

$9

$16

$20

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

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional dsp in Rome, GA is $16.29, 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 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 job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional Dsp jobs in Rome, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional Dsp jobs in Rome, GA are:
What cities near Rome, GA are hiring for Direct Support Professional Dsp jobs? Cities near Rome, GA with the most Direct Support Professional Dsp job openings:
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional Dsp job openings in Rome, GA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,887 per year, or $16.3 per hour.
Direct Service Professional (Developmental Disabilities)

Direct Service Professional (Developmental Disabilities)

Highland Rivers Behavioral Health

Cedartown, GA โ€ข On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Highland Rivers Behavioral Health rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

There is a place for you at Highland Rivers Behavioral Health!

Highland Rivers provides treatment and recovery services to individuals impacted by mental illness; substance use disorders and intellectual developmental disabilities.

Are you ready to make a Difference?

JOB SUMMARY: Community Access Group (CAG) services are provided to an individual participant, with a one-to-one staff to participant ratio which are directly linked to goals and expectations of improvement in skills. The intended outcome of CAG services is to improve the participant's access to the community through increased skills, increased natural supports, and/or less paid supports. The position provides teaching and coaching to assist the participant in developing social skills, networking abilities, and adaptive skills to allow the individual independence with community participation outside of their residence. The position may also support an individual to reduce maladaptive or inappropriate behaviors.

Duties and Responsibilities include:

  • Provide services in non-facility, community-based settings outside the Participants' own or family home or any other residential setting. Assistance Acquiring, retaining, or improving socialization, and adaptive skills for active community participation and independent functioning such as assisting the participant with money management, teaching appropriate shopping skills, using public transportation, and teaching nutrition and diet information.
  • Other related participant-specific assistance, such as assistance with personal care items like meals and toileting needs.
  • Transportation to and from activities and settings primarily utilized by theParticipant.
  • Documentation of the individual activities addressing goals and progress in the electronic behavioral health record within the required timeframe.
  • Collaboration with the Program Coordinator and Treatment Team members for any significant changes or updates to ensure health, safety and welfare of the individual supported.
  • Reporting all changes or concerns to the Program Coordinator within one hour of observation.
  • Assure the confidentiality and client rights requirements are maintained and in alignment with the federal, state and agency guidelines.
  • Assure successful completion of all initial and annual training requirements.
  • Assist with the development of individual support plan for each assigned individual.
  • Use age-appropriate interaction and materials to promote individual dignity and independence.
  • Participate and assists with meal and leisure time activities for individuals.
  • Provide individual and/or small group age-appropriate functional training activities such as: self-help, language development, perceptual motor development, simple academic and vocational work activities.
  • Assure the confidentiality and client rights requirements are maintained and in alignment with the federal, state and agency guidelines.
  • Perform general cleaning activities.
  • Daily documentation in Carelogic and other tracking required by ISP or medical needs.
  • Adherence and implementation of Behavioral Support plan and tracking.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Benefits:

  • Health Insurance through the State Health Benefit Plan of GA
  • Flexible Benefits such as dental, vision, life, critical illness, etc.
  • Retirement Plan with employer matching
  • 4 weeks of Paid Time Off with increase of accruals based on years of service
  • 10 paid holidays
  • 1 personal day
  • Qualifying employer for Public Student Loan Forgiveness