ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Direct Support Professional Jobs in Appleton, WI

Lutheran Social Services

Support Professional

Appleton, WI · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Description Adult Residential Support Professional - 2nd Shift Location: Grandstone/Eastwood Facility, Lutheran Social Services of WI & Upper MI. Staff will be assigned a primary home base, but they ...

GT Independence

Care Integration Senior Aide

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Provide advanced, non-clinical support to clients and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) within the CSL program. The CISA focuses on observing, documenting, and communicating changes in clients ...

GT Independence

Care Integration Senior Aide

Appleton, WI · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Provide advanced, non-clinical support to clients and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) within the CSL program. The CISA focuses on observing, documenting, and communicating changes in clients ...

Vista Care

Caregiver Residential-Oshkosh

Oshkosh, WI · On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Non-Exempt/Hourly Department: Operations Reports To: Residential Shift Supervisor Date: May 11, 2025 Job Summary: Under the direction of the Residential Shift ...

Vista Care

Caregiver Residential-Neenah

Neenah, WI · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Non-Exempt/Hourly Department: Operations Reports To: Residential Shift Supervisor Date: May 11, 2025 Job Summary: Under the direction of the Residential Shift ...

Innovative Care Services

In Home Caregiver

Appleton, WI · On-site

$15/hr

Become a Direct Support Professional with Innovative Care Services! Position: Direct Support Professional (DSP) Shifts Available: Part-time Compensation: $15.00/hr About Us: At Innovative Care ...

Innovative Care Services

In Home Caregiver

Appleton, WI · On-site

$15/hr

Become a Direct Support Professional with Innovative Care Services! Position: Direct Support Professional (DSP) Shifts Available: Part-time Compensation: $15.00/hr About Us: At Innovative Care ...

GT Independence

Care Integration Senior Aide

Appleton, WI · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Provide advanced, nonclinical support to clients and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) within the CSL program. The CISA focuses on observing, documenting, and communicating changes in clients ...

Agape of Appleton

Fox Valley Caregiver

Kaukauna, WI · On-site

Agape of Appleton is seeking dedicated Direct Support Professionals to join our mission-driven team. This isn't just a job; it's a chance to build meaningful relationships and make a profound ...

Agape of Appleton

Fox Valley Caregiver

Little Chute, WI · On-site

$16 - $20.60/hr

Agape of Appleton is seeking dedicated Direct Support Professionals to join our mission-driven team. This isn't just a job; it's a chance to build meaningful relationships and make a profound ...

Agape of Appleton

Kaukauna Caregiver

Kaukauna, WI · On-site

$16 - $20.60/hr

Agape of Appleton, a nonprofit human services agency, is seeking compassionate and dedicated Direct Support Professionals (also known as Caregivers) to join our team. With a starting wage of $16-$20 ...

Agape of Appleton

Kaukauna Caregiver

Kaukauna, WI · On-site

Agape of Appleton, a nonprofit human services agency, is seeking compassionate and dedicated Direct Support Professionals (also known as Caregivers) to join our team. With a starting wage of $16-$20 ...

Agape of Appleton

Overnight Kaukauna Caregiver

Kaukauna, WI · On-site

$16 - $20.60/hr

Agape of Appleton, a nonprofit human services agency, is seeking compassionate and dedicated Direct Support Professionals (also known as Caregivers) to join our team. With a starting wage of $16-$20 ...

Wyndy LLC

Supportive options in De Pere, WI

De Pere, WI · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

As a Supportive Care Provider, you will play a vital role in offering emotional support ... are professionals to design and implement personalized care plans. Qualifications * A love of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDirect Support Professional JobsDirect Support Professional Jobs in Appleton, WI

Direct Support Professional information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$9

$15

$19

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Appleton, WI is $15.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $16.83 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 Appleton, WI? For Direct Support Professional jobs in Appleton, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Appleton, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Appleton, WI are:
What cities near Appleton, WI are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Appleton, WI with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Appleton, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,489 per year, or $15.6 per hour.
Support Professional

Support Professional

Lutheran Social Services

Appleton, WI • On-site

$19.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) is a private, non-profit, human service agency providing a variety of services throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Over the years, LSS has grown to become one of the largest human service agencies in the two state area serving more than 125,000 clients annually. We are looking for passionate, mission-driven individuals like you to help provide services including outpatient behavioral health management, international, domestic and special needs adoptions, older adult services, support services for children, youth and families, community corrections programs and support services for adults with disabilities and/or mental health concerns.
Motivated by the compassion of Christ, we help people improve the quality of their lives. Does this describe your personal mission statement? Are you motivated to serve by sharing your talents? If you would like to help us achieve our mission, please apply for the following opportunity.
Description
Adult Residential Support Professional - 3rd Shift

Location: Grandstone/Eastwood, Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan

Staff are assigned a primary home base but will work at both Grandstone and Eastwood as needed. The two facilities are located just eight minutes apart.

Schedule: Full-Time | 40 Hours per Week
Pay: Starting at $19.75 per hour
Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend

Make a Difference Every Day

Are you passionate about helping others on their mental health and recovery journey? Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan (LSS) is seeking compassionate, dependable Adult Residential Support Professionals to join our Grandstone/Eastwood team.

In this role, you'll provide encouragement, guidance, and support to adults experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges. You'll work alongside a dedicated team to create a safe, welcoming, and recovery-focused environment where residents can build independence and move toward their personal goals.

About Grandstone/Eastwood

Grandstone and Eastwood are 8-bed Community-Based Residential Facilities (CBRFs) that provide 24-hour support for adults experiencing mental health and substance use challenges. Our programs focus on recovery through compassionate care, life skills development, medication support, transportation, educational programming, and community integration.

What You'll Do

  • Build positive, supportive relationships with residents.

  • De-escalate crisis situations using trauma-informed, non-restrictive techniques.

  • Assist residents with daily living skills and promote independence.

  • Facilitate recovery-focused groups, activities, and educational programming.

  • Provide medication assistance in accordance with program policies.

  • Transport residents to appointments, community resources, and recreational activities.

  • Document services, maintain accurate records, and monitor client progress.

  • Perform household responsibilities, including light cleaning and grocery shopping.

  • Collaborate with coworkers and community partners to provide high-quality care.

  • Maintain professional boundaries while ensuring a safe and supportive environment.

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

  • Flexible Spending Accounts (Health & Dependent Care)

  • Paid Time Off and 10 Paid Holidays

  • 403(b) Retirement Plan

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Free CCS Training

  • Mileage Reimbursement

  • Employee Recognition and Service Awards

  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligibility

Qualifications

Required

  • High school diploma or GED.

  • Reliable transportation.

  • Ability to pass required background, caregiver, and medical clearances.

Preferred

  • Experience working in mental health, behavioral health, addiction recovery, or human services.

  • College coursework in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field.

  • Valid driver's license.

Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and respected.

Qualifications

Education
High School Diploma/ GED (required)

Licenses & Certifications
Driver's License (preferred)

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Apply