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Direct Support Professional Dsp Jobs in Springdale, AR

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Direct Support Professional Dsp information

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

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional dsp in Springdale, AR is $14.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.74 and $15.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

Is being a direct support professional a stressful job?

Being a direct support professional can be stressful due to the physical and emotional demands of assisting individuals with disabilities or mental health needs. The job often requires patience, strong communication skills, and the ability to handle challenging behaviors, which can contribute to stress levels. However, some find it rewarding and develop coping strategies to manage stress effectively.

What jobs can I get with a direct support professional certification?

A direct support professional (DSP) certification qualifies individuals for roles providing assistance to people with disabilities, such as direct support worker, behavioral technician, residential care aide, or personal care assistant. These jobs typically involve helping clients with daily activities, implementing care plans, and supporting independence in community or residential settings. Certification often enhances employment prospects and may be required by employers or state regulations.

Where do direct support professionals get paid the most?

Direct Support Professionals tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare and social services, such as certain metropolitan areas. Factors like experience, certifications, and the specific employer also influence salary levels, with some states or cities offering premium pay for specialized skills or longer tenure.

What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professional Dsp jobs in Springdale, AR?

For Direct Support Professional Dsp jobs in Springdale, AR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional Dsp jobs in Springdale, AR look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional Dsp jobs in Springdale, AR are:

What cities near Springdale, AR are hiring for Direct Support Professional Dsp jobs?

Cities near Springdale, AR with the most Direct Support Professional Dsp job openings:

Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional Dsp job openings in Springdale, AR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,954 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

Direct Support Professional (DSP) #4015

FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITY CARE

Bentonville, AR

$12.75 - $15.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Friendship Community Care rating

4.1

Company rating: 4.1 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

238th of 245 rated social care providers


Job description

Schedule: 4 flex hours a week & 3 overnights per month {10:00 PM - 7:00 AM Friday, 9:00 PM - 7:00 AM Saturday, & 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM Sunday}

Education level: High school diploma or general education degree

  

SUMMARY:

The Direct Support Professional works on an interdisciplinary team that delivers superior quality of service and provides appropriate activities in a safe and healthy environment within the home and community setting. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Essential duties include the following but are not considered an inclusive list.

  • Assists Clients in basic living skills and daily personal tasks. These include but are not limited to; showers, dressing, housekeeping, grocery shopping, preparing and planning meals and financial budgeting
  • Providing transportation to and from activities and appointments as needed, for which a valid Arkansas Driver's License is required.
  • Responsible for maintaining good communication via appropriate means (Facility logbook, staff meeting, etc.) between staff regarding clients' needs and progress toward their plan of care by the end of shift
  • Accurately completes all documentation that is required by FCC. Examples are, Behavioral Reports, Incident Reports, Compliant Forms, Personal Care Work Sheets, Requisitions, Maintenance Forms, Progress Reports, Monthly Attendance Logs, and other required documentation as deemed necessary
  • Strictly follow and complete necessary documentation and maintenance of records as is required for FTA vehicles and maintain all mileage/billing forms in compliance with Medicaid guidelines
  • Responsible for reporting incidents and/or emergencies to supervisors or delegated authorities immediately. This is a safety sensitive position.
  • Assists in the formulation, management, revision and follow-through of the client’s Plan of Care to ensure that treatment is carried out and good health, safety and security is prioritized.
  • Follows proper medication management guidelines and assists in the monitoring and documentation of these procedures
  • Organizes and carries out recreational activities for the clients
  • Firm expectation for good role modeling for clients through appropriate physical appearance, adhering to FCCs dress code, and appropriate actions
  • Will always treat the client and their families with dignity and respect. The Direct Support Professional is a direct reflection of FCC and must represent our mission in all that is done
  • Will assist in the maintenance of FCC facilities and grounds, keeping them clean, orderly and functioning
  • Will assist in the maintenance of FCC vehicles ensuring cleanliness and regular preventive maintenance
  • Attend necessary training and continue education
  • Will provide proof of liability insurance and keep current
  • Might be required to undergo periodic driving test and demonstrate proficiency in the operation of a motor vehicle, including passenger vans. Employees may also be required to drive his/her personal vehicle at times and maintain adequate liability coverage on any personal vehicle used to transport participants.
  • This is a safety sensitive position.

Maintains confidentiality of all information received regarding Friendship Community Care, Inc. and the clients. Conditions of confidentiality shall be in compliance with Friendship Community Care Non-Disclosure Policy and HIPAA Policies.

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive, and employees will also perform other reasonable related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required.

This organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

QUALITY ASSURANCE & COMPLIANCE: To adhere to the following and comply with all Quality Assurance’s & HIPAA procedures:

  • The Code of Conduct and Compliance Investigation Procedures as read and discussed in the new employee training must be followed at all times.
  • Consumers’ progress notes be maintained and completed daily or as needed on the prescribed forms.
  • Consumers’ records must be maintained weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly.  All information must be filed in consumers’ records as needed and updated as prescribed by funding sources.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

This organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice. A team member should perform all duties as assigned by his/her supervisor.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or two+ years' experience working with developmentally disabled individuals.
  • Must also have a valid driver's license.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL/COMPUTER SKILLS:

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.


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