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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Appleton, WI

Mypath

Direct Support Professional - Caregiver

Neenah, WI · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Our companies provide a spectrum of services and support which promote the ability of those we serve to live as independently as possible in the community. Overview Grow with Homes for Independent ...

tmn

Direct Support Lead

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$17/hr

Duties are split between providing direct support, professional or program activities, and supervision. * Facilitate community involvement by accompanying individuals on outings in the community or ...

tmn

Direct Support Lead

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$17/hr

Duties are split between providing direct support, professional or program activities, and supervision. * Facilitate community involvement by accompanying individuals on outings in the community or ...

tmn

Direct Support Lead

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$17/hr

Duties are split between providing direct support, professional or program activities, and supervision. * Facilitate community involvement by accompanying individuals on outings in the community or ...

tmn

Direct Support Lead

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$17/hr

Duties are split between providing direct support, professional or program activities, and supervision. * Facilitate community involvement by accompanying individuals on outings in the community or ...

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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 Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Appleton, WI is $15.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 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 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 June 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 $32,235 per year, or $15.5 per hour.
Caregiver - Direct Support Professional

Caregiver - Direct Support Professional

Mypath

De Pere, WI • On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Majority Women Employee-Owned. Empowered by Everyone to Transform Lives.

Are you someone who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others? Do you enjoy caring for and mentoring others with disabilities?

MyPath and its Operating Companies provide specialized services and dignified care for children, adolescents and adults with special needs. Our companies provide a spectrum of services and support which promote the ability of those we serve to live as independently as possible in the community.

Overview

Grow with Homes for Independent Living as a Caregiver assisting 1-4 adult clients with behavioral, medical and/or physical disabilities in a residential home setting. Ensure clients safety, assist clients with daily tasks, be a positive influence chaperoning fun events plus redirect behaviors as needed.

Training is provided, apply today!

Responsibilities:

  • Assure the health, safety, and well-being of all clients
  • Administer positive behavioral redirection and encourage self-coping mechanisms
  • Assist with daily living activities as needed based on care plans
  • Assist with food preparation and cleaning as needed
  • Maintain positive relationships with clients, guardians, and staff
  • Complete daily logs and report inconsistencies

We offer:

  • Competitive hourly pay $14.00- $18.00 per hour, plus shift differential, extra $1.00 hr. on 2nd shiftANDExtra $2.00 hr. on weekends. Pay based on experience, location and shift. Full-time and part-time hours available.
  • Set schedules with guaranteed hours, ability to pick up overtime
  • Wage increases with experience
  • 4 weeks of PTO every year
  • $2,000 Referral Bonus Program
  • Full benefit package, including medical, dental, vision insurance, 401k plan, ESOP and more!

Qualifications:

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Compassion for client care and wellbeing
  • Ability to prioritize multiple duties and responsibilities
  • Consent to background check
  • Driver's license with 3 years of clean driving recordpreferred not required

Homes for Independent Living (HIL)is Wisconsin'sLARGESTprovider of customized care for adults with disabilities in small residential settings. We offer exciting challenges, growth opportunities, and a chance to make a difference while preserving a strong work-life balance.

Additional Information

MyPath is composed of a beautifully diverse spectrum of employees with different characteristics, abilities, and life experiences. We believe that equitable, diverse, and inclusive practices in our workspaces are integral to the existence of MyPath. We value our diverse spectrum of Owners, the individuals we serve and the communities we encounter.

Our success as an organization is directly proportional to our ability to create belonging and genuinely engage our Owners and potential Owners. We ask for demographic information so that we can be intentional in supporting our Owners best. Although not required, we would appreciate you sharing to help our commitment of cultivating a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and belonging MyPath.

Our Culture

At MyPath, we support an ownership culture throughout the organization. Our culture is based on our five beliefs and behaviors:

  • Passion

  • Accountability

  • Teamwork

  • Openness

  • Continuous Learning and Innovation

As an employee owner, you can expect transparency, respect and appreciation. You'll impact the place you work and map a career within MyPath. With your passion and our breadth of services, your options are nearly limitless!

MyPath is proudly Majority Women Employee-Owned, with women leading at every level from the frontline to the boardroom. Our strength comes from all of us. Every Owner, regardless of gender, plays a vital role in shaping our culture, driving our mission, and building a workplace where opportunity and ownership are shared by all.

MyPath is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We embrace the unique characteristics, abilities, and life experiences of our employees and believe that equitable and inclusive practices are essential to our success. We value the diversity of our Owners, the individuals we serve, and the communities we engage with.

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