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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Right at Home

Direct Support Professional

North Olmsted, OH · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

) **Direct Support Professional****Job Title:** Direct Support Professional**Job Location:** North Olmsted, Ohio, United States**Company Name:** Right at Home Cleveland West**Company Slogan:** "In Home ...

Right at Home

Direct Support Professional

Lakewood, OH · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

) **Direct Support Professional****Job Summary:**Right at Home Cleveland West, a leading provider of in-home care and assistance, is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Direct Support Professional to ...

EMPOWERING ANGELS LLC

Direct Support professional

Oberlin, OH · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Direct Support Professional -- Personal Care Specialist Join our compassionate team as a Direct Support Professional and make a real difference every day. You'll provide hands-on personal care and ...

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Ohio is $15.48, 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 Ohio? For Direct Support Professional jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Ohio are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Ohio as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, and 44% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,201 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Cap City Supported Living

Delaware, OH

$17 - $18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

**Direct Support Professional****Job Summary:**At Cap City Supported Living, we are seeking a dedicated and compassionate **Direct Support Professional** to join our team in Delaware, Ohio. As a Direct Support Professional, you will play a vital role in providing personalized support and care to individuals in their own homes, enabling them to live independently and safely. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding opportunity.**About the Role:**As a Direct Support Professional, you will be responsible for:* Providing person-centered care to individuals with varying levels of need, including assistance with daily living activities, personal care, and medication management* Assisting with meal preparation, light housekeeping, and errands to ensure the comfort and safety of our clients* Developing and implementing individualized care plans to meet the unique needs and goals of our clients* Building relationships and communicating effectively with clients, family members, and healthcare professionals* Maintaining accurate records and reports to ensure continuity of care**What We Offer:*** The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others* A supportive and collaborative work environment* Professional development and training opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge* Flexible scheduling and competitive compensation (salary: **$[insert salary here]**)**Requirements:*** **[Insert minimum years of experience or education level here]*** **[Insert any additional requirements here]****How to Apply:**If you are passionate about providing exceptional support and care to others, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding opportunity. Please [insert application instructions here]. We look forward to hearing from you!