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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Pathways Inc.

Direct Support Professional

Morehead, KY

$12.50/hr

Direct Support Professional (DSP) As a DSP at Horizon Village, you will work directly with children, youth, adults, and elderly individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Your role ...

Pathways Inc.

Direct Support Professional

Morehead, KY · On-site

$12.50/hr

Direct Support Professional (DSP) As a DSP at Horizon Village, you will work directly with children, youth, adults, and elderly individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Your role ...

Community Inclusion LLC

Direct Support Professional

Russell, KY · On-site

$11.75 - $14.25/hr

Role Overview As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) specializing in Personal Assistant and Personal Care services, you are the primary link between our participants and their community. Your role is ...

Community Inclusion LLC

Direct Support Professional

Russell, KY · On-site

$11.75 - $14.25/hr

Role Overview As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) specializing in Personal Assistant and Personal Care services, you are the primary link between our participants and their community. Your role is ...

Community Inclusion LLC

Direct Support Professional

Russell, KY · On-site

$11.75 - $14.25/hr

Role Overview As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) specializing in Personal Assistant and Personal Care services, you are the primary link between our participants and their community. Your role is ...

The New Cool

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Louisville, KY · On-site

$12 - $15/hr

Read, understand and implement written and oral instructions; perform required documentation, participant in participants person centered plan Has two years' experience providing direct supports to ...

Marpe Contractors

Direct Support Professional

Florence, KY · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Support : Providing prompts and assistance to Participants to ensure that their goals and ... Two years of direct service experience with individuals with intellectual or developmental ...

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Kentucky is $14.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $15.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a direct support professional?

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.

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. States or cities with a strong focus on healthcare, social services, or specialized care often offer higher pay rates for this role. Factors like experience, certifications, and the specific employer also influence salary levels.
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Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $29,418 per year, or $14.1 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Easterseals Redwood

Fort Mitchell, KY

$16 - $17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL - FULL-TIME
Who is Easterseals Redwood?
At Easterseals Redwood, we believe in the power of purpose and the power of work. We empower children and adults with disabilities, military veterans, and people facing disadvantages in our region to live full and meaningful lives. Our programs are designed to meet individuals where they are -- to enrich education, expand employment, enhance health, and elevate our communities.
By 2030, 10,000 people each year will say Easterseals Redwood makes their lives better. As one of the largest human service providers in the region, our team members won’t rest until every one of us is valued, respected, and accepted.

Our Values: Believe in people, Joy, Inclusion, Curiosity, Impact, and Courage
Why join Easterseals Redwood as a Direct Support Professional:
  • Starting at $16.00+/hour commensurate with experience and education
  • PTO and Extended Illness Time
  • Health Insurance options
  • 401 K Retirement Plan with a company match
  • Dental and Vision Insurance options
  • Disability Insurance options
  • Education and Professional Development Assistance
  • Free daily lunch (Kentucky campus)
  • Humana Employee Assistance Plan
  • 10 Paid holidays
  • Growth Opportunities
Position Summary:
DSPs provide support and guidance to promote physical, social/emotional development and functional independence for daily care services to address basic life needs which includes physical handling of adults for wheelchair transfers, positioning, personal hygiene, toileting, dressing, emergency response, and other such tasks depending on the ability of the adult.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Demonstrates knowledge of assigned adult’s condition. Reads individual files. Reviews assessments, individualized objectives, and performance data. Identifies preferences, means of participation, method of problem solving, and proficiency of adults in performing tasks.
  • Provides active learning programs for individuals/small groups to support the development of new skills and achievement of learning objectives.
  • Maintains required documentation of personal care, attendance records, incident reports, documentation of seizure frequency or inappropriate behaviors, food service reports, and other required documentation on designated written or computerized forms.
  • Uses safe lifting techniques. Makes full and proper use of lift equipment when performing personal care duties, as indicated by the assessed needs of the adult.
  • Observes the health status of adults throughout the day. Ensures adults exhibiting signs of illness or injury have access to prompt nursing/medical attention from the onsite nursing department.
  • Uses an integrated teaching approach that embeds opportunities to improve social, communication, cognitive, and motor skills (developmental functions) during practical life activities and routines.
  • Implements behavior management programs as directed.
  • Provides direct supervision and positive interaction with adults during all personal care services.
  • Assists adults with any type of personal care as needed and as assigned.
  • Assists and encourages adults to actively engage in preparing snacks, setting up/cleaning up for meals, selecting and putting away materials, and completing related tasks to foster development of daily living skills and personal responsibility.
  • Provides safe physical management of adults during emergency drills and/or crisis situations.
  • Assists with shared duties including preparation and cleanup of snacks/meals, supervision of break or lunch, assistance with laundry, cleaning/organizing program materials, bus duty, and similar tasks.
  • Communicates pertinent information regarding each adult’s care and wellbeing to the Program Manager of Adult Services, other production trainers, and program volunteers as appropriate.
Education/Qualifications:
  • At least two years’ experience working with adults with disabilities
  • A degree in human services or related field (associates or bachelors) or certification as a Kentucky State Registered Nurse Assistant in good standing
  • High School Diploma or GED (Required)
  • CPR/First Aid Certificate preferred

*We are a drug-free workplace.

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