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Direct Support Professional Weekend Jobs in Madison, WI

Lead Direct Support Professional

Johnson Creek, WI · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

In this role, your tasks will be diversified and you will be supporting our mission. * Provide leadership and supervision to staff in the residence and community while providing direct services to ...

Showing results 41-60

Direct Support Professional Weekend information

See Madison, WI salary details

$9

$16

$20

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

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional weekend in Madison, WI is $16.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.52 and $17.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a direct support professional weekend?

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who work on weekends are caregivers who assist people with disabilities or special needs during weekend hours. Their duties may include helping clients with daily living activities, medication management, transportation, and social engagement. Weekend DSPs play a critical role in ensuring continuous support when regular weekday staff are unavailable. They often work in residential homes, community settings, or clients’ own homes, providing compassion and stability. This role requires flexibility, patience, and a dedication to improving clients’ quality of life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a direct support professional weekend?

To thrive as a Direct Support Professional Weekend, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic caregiving skills, and knowledge of support strategies for individuals with disabilities. Familiarity with documentation systems, assistive technology, and first aid/CPR certification is often required. Compassion, patience, reliability, and strong communication are crucial soft skills for building trust and supporting clients' independence. These skills ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of individuals while maintaining a supportive and responsive care environment.

What are some common challenges faced by direct support professionals working weekends, and how can they be managed?

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) working weekends often encounter challenges such as staffing shortages, increased responsibility due to fewer supervisors on site, and supporting individuals during less structured or recreational hours. To manage these challenges, it’s important to communicate proactively with team members, use effective problem-solving skills, and remain adaptable to changing needs. Many weekend DSPs also find it helpful to plan engaging activities in advance and to build strong rapport with both the individuals they support and their colleagues, ensuring a supportive and collaborative environment.

What is the difference between Direct Support Professional Weekend vs Direct Support Professional Full-Time?

AspectDirect Support Professional WeekendDirect Support Professional Full-Time
Work ScheduleWeekend shifts, typically Saturday and SundayFull weekly schedule, including weekdays
CredentialsSame certifications as full-time, such as CPR/First AidSame certifications as weekend roles
Work EnvironmentResidential facilities, community settingsResidential, community, or day programs
Employer & IndustryHuman services, healthcare providersSame as weekend roles

Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments. The main difference is the schedule, with weekend positions focusing on weekend shifts, while full-time roles cover the entire week. Your choice depends on your availability and preferred work hours.

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 services, such as urban areas or states with higher minimum wages. Factors like experience, certifications, and the specific employer also influence pay rates, with some facilities offering premium pay for weekend shifts or specialized skills.

What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional Weekend jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional Weekend jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Direct Support Professional Weekend jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Direct Support Professional Weekend job openings:

Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional Weekend job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,129 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Live In Direct Support Professional

Beacon Specialized Living

Madison, WI • On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Beacon Specialized Living rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 242 rated social care providers


Job description

Join Beacon Specialized Living – Where Every Shift Makes a Difference Are you looking for a meaningful career where your work truly matters? At Beacon Specialized Living, we support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, and autism, helping them live independent and fulfilling lives in their communities. Bring your compassion and reliability & we'll provide the training and support to help you succeed. This a live-in position that requires you to reside on the business premises, as a condition of employment, in order to provide the necessary services to the Individuals Served. For the avoidance of doubt, you are free leave the premises for normal private pursuits during all non-duty time, and you acknowledge and agree that the time you spend engaging in such private pursuits, such as eating, uninterrupted sleeping, entertaining, and other periods of complete freedom from all duties, will not be considered working time. Why Choose Beacon? Beacon Specialized Living is nationally recognized through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) for our commitment to professional direct support services and workforce development. Through our LEAP Program (Leadership, Excellence, Advancement, and Promotion), employees have the opportunity to earn nationally recognized NADSP certification while advancing their careers and developing leadership skills. At Beacon, this isn't just a job — it's a career with purpose and opportunity. What You'll Do as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) As a DSP, you will support individuals in daily life while helping them achieve personal goals and maintain independence in a safe, supportive environment. Daily Responsibilities * Assist with daily living skills and personal care * Support community engagement and recreational activities * Prepare meals and maintain a clean, organized home environment * Transport individuals to appointments and community activities * Administer medications as directed (training provided) * Maintain accurate documentation and advocate for individuals served * Promote dignity, respect, and person-centered support. What We Offer Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits Medical, dental, and vision insurance (eligible first of the month after 60 days) Paid Time Off: 88 Hours per year, eligible after 90 days of employment Free 24/7 telehealth for employees and families through First Stop Health. 401(k) with employer match and company-paid life insurance Paid training including CPR, de-escalation, and medication administration Employee discounts through Perkspot and cell phone savings programs Calm mental wellness app access Ongoing professional development and advancement through the LEAP Program Qualifications * Must be at least 18 years old. * Valid driver's license. * Vehicle with car insurance * GED or High School Diploma * Compassionate, dependable, and team- oriented * Strong communication skills and willingness to learn Why Work at Beacon At Beacon, we don't just offer jobs — we build careers that make a difference. You'll join a supportive, mission-driven organization that values your growth, recognizes your impact, and invests in your success. Beacon Specialized Living Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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