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Direct Support Professional information

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Indiana is $15.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $16.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)?

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are caregivers who assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their daily lives. They help with personal care, medication management, meal preparation, and transportation, while also supporting clients in achieving personal goals and participating in community activities. DSPs play a vital role in promoting independence, dignity, and quality of life for those they support.

What are some common challenges Direct Support Professionals face when supporting individuals with disabilities, and how can they effectively handle them?

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) often encounter challenges such as managing behavioral outbursts, ensuring effective communication with nonverbal individuals, and balancing the need for independence with safety. Handling these situations requires patience, empathy, and strong problem-solving skills. Many DSPs find it helpful to use individualized behavior support plans, maintain clear communication with team members, and participate in ongoing training. Building trust and understanding the unique needs of each individual also play a key role in overcoming daily challenges.

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

AspectDirect Support ProfessionalPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, sometimes specialized trainingCPR, First Aid often required
Work EnvironmentAssisting individuals with disabilities in community or residential settingsProviding personal care in private homes or facilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, healthcare providersHome care agencies, private clients

Both roles involve assisting individuals with daily activities, often requiring similar certifications like CPR and First Aid. However, Direct Support Professionals typically work in community or residential settings supporting people with disabilities, while Personal Care Assistants mainly provide personal care services in private homes. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the role that best matches their skills and career goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Direct Support Professional, 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, incident reporting tools, and sometimes CPR/First Aid certification is typically required. Patience, strong interpersonal skills, and empathy are crucial soft skills for effectively supporting individuals and building trust. These skills are vital for ensuring client safety, promoting independence, and delivering compassionate care tailored to each individual's needs.

What Is a Direct Support Professional?

Direct support professionals (DSPs) provide non-medical care and services to intellectually or physically disabled persons. These services may be in the patient's home, at assisted living facilities, or in government institutions. The primary duties of DSPs are to help the patient with everyday tasks, such as taking medication, providing transportation to doctor's appointments, and running errands. DSPs also aim to teach patients life skills, including light housework and meal preparation, to enable them to be a little more independent.

More about Direct Support Professional jobs
What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professional jobs in Indiana? For Direct Support Professional jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,231 per year, or $15.5 per hour.
Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional

LittleStar ABA Therapy

Princeton, IN • On-site

$18.45/hr

Part-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

We deliver exceptional service by hiring extraordinary talent!
We are looking for a part-time Direct Support Professional that is passionate about helping others and wants to make a difference in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.
About Us
LittleStar ABA Therapy is a non-profit organization that has been providing ABA therapy for over 20-years. We were the first ABA center in the state of Indiana. In effort to further assist families with children with developmental disabilities, in 2015, we expanded services to include respite and Participant Assistance and Care (PAC) through the Family Support Waiver program.
Summary
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) position is fun and rewarding, and a great fit for those wanting to help others and looking for part-time hours. Direct Support Professionals provide much needed relief to the caregivers of individuals who are unable to care for themselves. Activities may include planning and providing instruction or assistance in activities of daily living (e.g., cooking, housekeeping, hygiene, etc.), recreation and leisure, social and interpersonal skills, communication skills, decision making, self-advocacy, community integration, medication assistance, and other related services. We are currently looking for staff to work on Tuesday or Wednesday from 6-8pm and Sunday 5-8pm every week.
Qualifications and Skills of a Direct Support Professional
  • A passion for helping others
  • Responsible and dependable
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Possess and maintain a clear criminal record per Medicaid Waiver regulation requirements
  • Maintain a valid Indiana driver's license, full-coverage insurance on personal vehicle, and maintain insurability as defined by the agency liability insurance carrier. Must possess and maintain reliable transportation that meets state requirements for transporting persons served.

Why Work at LittleStar?
  • Highly competitive pay, $18.45/hour
  • We are a non-profit organization, so we always focus on what is best for the individuals we serve
  • Quality training and a supportive team
  • Flexible schedule

Mission
To inspire, serve, and guide all those touched by autism to achieve a better reality.
Vision
To be the trusted, innovative, compassionate partner creating new possibilities for individuals touched by autism across their lifespan.
Core Values
Real Care, Real Advocacy, and Real Progress
This Employer Participates in E-Verify and All Offers of Employment are Contingent Upon Clear Results of a Background Check

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