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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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$8

$14

$18

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Michigan is $14.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $15.29 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.

How much do DSP workers make?

Direct Support Professionals typically earn between $15 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, certifications, and the employer. In some cases, wages may be higher with specialized skills or in certain regions, and many DSPs work part-time or full-time schedules with benefits varying by employer.

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 is the work of a Direct Support Professional?

A Direct Support Professional provides assistance to individuals with disabilities or special needs, helping them with daily activities such as personal care, household tasks, and community integration. They often work in clients' homes or care facilities, requiring good communication skills and sometimes certification in CPR or first aid.

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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Direct Support Professional typically earns less than $10,000 a month; however, high-paying roles in sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship can reach that level without a degree. These jobs often require strong interpersonal skills, self-motivation, and sometimes licensing or certifications, but they do not necessarily require a college degree.

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.

What is an example of a Direct Support Professional?

A Direct Support Professional is a trained caregiver who provides assistance to individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions, helping them with daily activities such as personal care, medication management, and community integration. They often work in settings like homes, group homes, or community centers and may require certifications like CPR or first aid.
More about Direct Support Professional jobs
What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professional jobs in Michigan? For Direct Support Professional jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $29,522 per year, or $14.2 per hour.
Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional

Beacon Specialized Living Services, Inc.

Augusta, MI • On-site

$13.50 - $16.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

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

Beacon Specialized Living rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

186th of 228 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.
Flexible schedules available including full-time, part-time, and on-call opportunities.
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.

  • 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.

What Beacon Specialized Living employees say

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