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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Caregiver

Direct Support Professional

Mount Vernon, OH · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Description Direct Support Professional (DSP) At Caregiver, we believe everyone deserves to live their best, most independent life - and we're here to make that happen. As a leading Texas-based ...

Caregiver, Inc.

Direct Support Professional

Cardington, OH · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The Direct Support Professional (DSP 1) provides daily residential and community-based support to individuals receiving services. DSP 1 supports activities of daily living, skill development ...

Caregiver Inc.

Direct Support Professional

Mount Vernon, OH · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Direct Support Professional (DSP) At Caregiver, we believe everyone deserves to live their best, most independent life -- and we're here to make that happen. As a leading Texas-based provider for ...

Caregiver, Inc.

Direct Support Professional

Mansfield, OH · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Job Type Full-time, Part-time Description Direct Support Professional (DSP) At Caregiver, we believe everyone deserves to live their best, most independent life - and we're here to make that happen.

Caregiver

Direct Support Professional

Cardington, OH · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Description Direct Support Professional (DSP) At Caregiver, we believe everyone deserves to live their best, most independent life - and we're here to make that happen. As a leading Texas-based ...

HEART THAT HEALS LLC

Direct Support Professional

Columbus, OH · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Heart that Heals is seeking experienced Direct Support Professionals to work with clients that receive services through Department of Developmental Disabilities. We are looking for professionals that ...

Alliance Summit Group

Direct Support Professional

Columbus, OH · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Location: Columbus, Ohio Job Type: Full-Time / Part-Time / PRN (Flexible Schedules Available) Pay: $18-$25.00/hour (based on experience, medication certify ...

United Disablity Services

Direct Support Professional

Akron, OH · On-site

$14.61 - $16.21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL United Disability Services is a not-for-profit agency helping individuals of all abilities in Summit County and surrounding areas reach their full potential through ...

PurposeCare

Direct Support Professional

Columbus, OH · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Looking for Direct Support Professionals The Direct Support Professional is responsible to provide direct services and supports to the individuals served as outlined in the ISP including, but not ...

PurposeCare

Direct Support Professional

Columbus, OH · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Looking for Direct Support Professionals The Direct Support Professional is responsible to provide direct services and supports to the individuals served as outlined in the ISP including, but not ...

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All JobsDirect Support Professional JobsDirect Support Professional Jobs in Ohio

Direct Support Professional information

See Ohio salary details

$9

$15

$19

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 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 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 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 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.

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 areas 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.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, and 37% 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

Caregiver

Mount Vernon, OH • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Description

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

At Caregiver, we believe everyone deserves to live their best, most independent life - and we're here to make that happen. As a leading Texas-based provider for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), we're on a mission to create a world-class experience for the people we serve. And we're looking for compassionate, driven Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our mission.

What is a DSP? 

The Direct Support Professional (DSP 1) provides daily residential and community-based support to individuals receiving services. DSP 1 supports activities of daily living, skill development, community inclusion, and safe transportation while following each individual's service plan and all Caregiver policies and regulatory requirements. 

Why Caregiver?

Work That Matters: Help individuals with daily living skills, community activities, and personal growth - making a real difference every day.

People-First, Always: We believe everyone deserves respect, opportunity, and the chance to live life on their own terms - and that includes the amazing people who work here.

Grow Personally and Professionally: Build meaningful skills, form powerful connections, and discover just how rewarding your work can be.

What are the job duties? 

Provide direct support with activities of daily living (grooming, eating, bathing, and dressing). 

Support meal planning/preparation, household routines, and basic housekeeping. 

Help plan fun outings, encourage independence, and build meaningful community connections.

Support community integration, social interaction, leisure activities, and development of socially valued behaviors.

Provide transportation to work, appointments, & approved community activities, following Company vehicle safety requirements. 

Administer medications as trained and directed, per policy and each individual's plan. 

Complete accurate and timely documentation (daily notes, service delivery documentation, tracking logs, incident/injury reporting). 

Follow mandatory reporting requirements with timely incident reporting of injuries, suspected abuse/neglect/exploitation.

Participate in required training and coaching; demonstrate professional ethics and teamwork and other task as assigned. 

Be a trusted advocate, friend, and cheerleader every step of the way!

 Ready to find your passion - and change lives while you're at it?

Join Caregiver today. Let's make every day meaningful - together.


Benefits:

$1,000 sign on bonus with $500 payout at 90 days and $500 at 180 days of employment.

$10,000 in tuition reimbursement annually for full-time eligible employees.

$10,000 in life insurance for all employees at no cost.

Medical, Dental, Vision, Voluntary Life Insurance, and 401K


For more information, visit our website Empowering Independence | Caregiver 


#INDDSP 


Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent 

Valid driver's license and clear background check

Reliability, integrity, and a positive attitude

Ability to read, write, speak, and communicate effectively in English

Ability to complete electronic documentation and perform basic computer functions 

Ability to lift/move up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding work in residential/community settings 

Apply