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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA

Discovery HSF

Culture & Discipline Support

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

This position supports the school's efforts to maintain a safe, positive, and student-centered ... Ability to remain calm, professional, and solution-oriented in challenging situations * Demonstrate ...

Discovery HSF

Culture & Discipline Support

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$11.75 - $14.25/hr

This position supports the school's efforts to maintain a safe, positive, and student-centered ... Ability to remain calm, professional, and solution-oriented in challenging situations * Demonstrate ...

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Direct Support Professional information

See Baton Rouge, LA salary details

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Baton Rouge, LA is $14.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.74 and $15.53 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
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What cities near Baton Rouge, LA are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Baton Rouge, LA with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 52% Full Time, 39% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,969 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Special Needs Unlimited

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site

$9/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Direct Support Professional - Looking for a 2nd job? Looking to supplement your current income? Come check us out! We work directly with individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or physical disabilities assisting the individual to become self-sufficient and integrated into his/her community by providing support with daily living including simple household chores and care in a manner that promotes dignity, and physical and mental health wellbeing. The DSP assists the individual to lead a self-directed life while encouraging attitudes and behaviors which enhance community inclusion. Supporting a person with a disability may include at home, work, school, church, and other community places. A DSP also acts as an advocate for the individual supported to communicate their needs, self-expression, and goals. Our DSPs work rotating 12-hour shifts of 7 days on, then 7 days off and also some evening shifts are available. Full-time positions are available. Daytime & overnight positions are available.
Job Duties:
  • Complete required program orientation and training, and demonstrate competency.
  • Assist with daily living skills including personal care- hygiene, bathing, toileting, dressing, ambulation, and transfer, etc.
  • Assist individuals to develop social, recreational, and other independent living skills as appropriate.
  • Meal preparation and general light housekeeping (e.g., laundry).
  • Maintaining prescribed progress notes, timesheets, and respective documentation of all important events or changes during shifts worked timely, accurately, and legibly.
  • Participation in the development of the CPOC/ISP (plan of care and individual support plan).
  • Assist in transportation needs for school, work, and community activities when applicable.
  • Assist in scheduling medical appointments.
  • Maintain First Aid Certification and all other continuing training requirements as defined by agency policies and local or federal regulations.
  • Represent the agency in a professional manner (individual supported, community).
  • Promote health and well-being and protect individuals from harm.
  • Advise the supervisor of all concerns promptly.

Job Requirements:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Possess a current Driver’s license, insurance, and reliable transportation.
  • Valid proof of car insurance and annual inspection stickers.
  • A minimum of one year’s experience working with an individual(s) with disabilities or have a combination of work experience and education.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrate ability to work as a team player.