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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Athens, GA (NOW HIRING)

GEORGIA OPTIONS

Direct Support Professional

Athens, GA

$12/hr

We are currently looking for Direct Support Professionals who are reliable, fun and willing to try new things! ABOUT THE JOB - You will provide support, guidance and coaching to assist the person to ...

GEORGIA OPTIONS

Direct Support Professional

Athens, GA · On-site

$12/hr

We are currently looking for Direct Support Professionals who are reliable, fun and willing to try new things! ABOUT THE JOB - You will provide support, guidance and coaching to assist the person to ...

Help at Home

Direct Support Professional

Elberton, GA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Join Our Team at Help at Home as a Direct Support Professional! At Help at Home, we value our employees and offer competitive pay starting at $14.00 per hour, professional development opportunities ...

Help at Home

Direct Support Professional

Madison, GA

$14 - $17/hr

Join Our Team at Help at Home as a Direct Support Professional! At Help at Home, we value our employees and offer competitive pay starting at $14.00 per hour, professional development opportunities ...

Help at Home

Direct Support Professional

Winder, GA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Join Our Team at Help at Home as a Direct Support Professional! At Help at Home, we value our employees and offer competitive pay starting at $14.00 per hour, professional development opportunities ...

Help at Home

Direct Support Professional

Braselton, GA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Join Our Team at Help at Home as a Direct Support Professional! At Help at Home, we value our employees and offer competitive pay starting at $14.00 per hour, professional development opportunities ...

Help at Home

Direct Support Professional

Auburn, GA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Join Our Team at Help at Home as a Direct Support Professional! At Help at Home, we value our employees and offer competitive pay starting at $14.00 per hour, professional development opportunities ...

Help at Home

Direct Support Professional

Auburn, GA

$14 - $17/hr

Join Our Team at Help at Home as a Direct Support Professional! At Help at Home, we value our employees and offer competitive pay starting at $14.00 per hour, professional development opportunities ...

Help at Home

Direct Support Professional

Elberton, GA

$14 - $17/hr

Join Our Team at Help at Home as a Direct Support Professional! At Help at Home, we value our employees and offer competitive pay starting at $14.00 per hour, professional development opportunities ...

Help at Home

Direct Support Professional

Madison, GA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Join Our Team at Help at Home as a Direct Support Professional! At Help at Home, we value our employees and offer competitive pay starting at $14.00 per hour, professional development opportunities ...

Help at Home

Direct Support Professional

Braselton, GA

$14 - $17/hr

Join Our Team at Help at Home as a Direct Support Professional! At Help at Home, we value our employees and offer competitive pay starting at $14.00 per hour, professional development opportunities ...

Help at Home

Direct Support Professional

Winder, GA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Join Our Team at Help at Home as a Direct Support Professional! At Help at Home, we value our employees and offer competitive pay starting at $14.00 per hour, professional development opportunities ...

Help at Home

Direct Support Professional

Winder, GA

$14 - $17/hr

Join Our Team at Help at Home as a Direct Support Professional! At Help at Home, we value our employees and offer competitive pay starting at $14.00 per hour, professional development opportunities ...

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Direct Support Professional information

See Athens, GA salary details

$9

$15

$19

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Athens, GA is $15.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $16.92 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 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.

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 cities 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 job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Athens, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Athens, GA are:
What cities near Athens, GA are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Athens, GA with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Athens, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,705 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

GEORGIA OPTIONS

Athens, GA

$12/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Creating a More Inclusive Community for Over 30 Years

Georgia Options is an Athens based non-profit dedicated to helping adults with developmental disabilities have typical life experiences.

We are currently looking for Direct Support Professionals who are reliable, fun and willing to try new things! 

ABOUT THE JOB

- You will provide support, guidance and coaching to assist the person to make friends and establish strong natural relationships within their community.

- You will provide personal care (bathing, cooking, cleaning, etc), assist with health-related activities (medication administration), and at times, you may need to help your person work through difficult emotions or behavior to effectively communicate their needs and/or wants.

-You will help your person live their best life.

No previous experience needed, but enthusiasm and a positive attitude are a must!!

PAY!!

This position pays $13 per hour.

***all roles are eligible for a raise after 6 months and satisfactory performance***

Apply