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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Decorah, IA (NOW HIRING)

Reliant Rehabilitation

Occupational Therapist

Waukon, IA

$37.75 - $49.75/hr

... support, professional development, and growth opportunities. Our leadership team began their ... Enhance patients' functional abilities through direct provision, oversight, and coordination of ...

Reliant Rehabilitation

Occupational Therapist

Waukon, IA · On-site

$37.75 - $49.75/hr

... support, professional development, and growth opportunities. Our leadership team began their ... Enhance patients' functional abilities through direct provision, oversight, and coordination of ...

Reliant Rehabilitation

Occupational Therapist

Waukon, IA · On-site

$50 - $55/hr

... support, professional development, and growth opportunities. Our leadership team began their ... Key Responsibilities: • Enhance patients' functional abilities through direct provision ...

Reliant Rehabilitation

Occupational Therapist

Waukon, IA · On-site

$50 - $55/hr

... support, professional development, and growth opportunities. Our leadership team began their ... Key Responsibilities: • Enhance patients' functional abilities through direct provision ...

Reliant Rehabilitation

Physical Therapist Assistant

Waukon, IA · On-site

$26.25 - $34.75/hr

... support, professional development, and growth opportunities. Our leadership team began their ... Advance clinical, professional, and leadership skills through collaboration, self-directed learning ...

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All JobsDirect Support Professional JobsDirect Support Professional Jobs in Decorah, IA

Direct Support Professional information

See Decorah, IA salary details

$9

$15

$19

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Decorah, IA is $15.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $16.25 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 cities near Decorah, IA are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Decorah, IA with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Decorah, IA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,371 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Harmony

Cardinal of Minnesota, Ltd.

MN • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Cardinal Of Minnesota rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Cardinal of Minnesota creates an environment where meaningful careers flourish alongside exceptional client care. Cardinal has built its reputation on a simple yet powerful principle: when employees thrive, clients receive the best service possible.
Wage scales starting at $18/hour for all awake hours and potential of up to $1,000 Retention Bonus for select sites! Please note all DSP positions require an e/o weekend rotation.
Become an Agent of Change! Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) support individuals with disabilities live an independent and inclusive life and committed professionals are needed! Cardinal offers flexibility - Full-time, part-time, or every other weekend - perfect for students or individuals seeking additional income. We also have an In-home department that has flexibility of hours during the week and offers opportunities to have weekends off. We find creative, flexible work schedules that meet YOUR unique and individual needs!
As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) you will ensure that the daily needs of each client are met through teaching, counseling, advising, and providing a positive role model in a manner which enables the greatest degree of independence possible in their activities of daily living.
Compliments of the Nest:
  • Competitive starting wages
  • Vacation and sick time
  • FT Benefit eligible employees are offered medical plans through an ICHRA (Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement) and ancillary benefits that include dental, vision, LTD, accident, hospital indemnity, critical illness, voluntary term life insurance, and ER paid term life insurance
  • Wellness Reimbursement Program
  • 22% Verizon Discount
  • 401(k) with a generous company match
  • Clear career path with our Career Development plans which leads to greater opportunities for advancement
  • Company outings and events
  • FUN and rewarding work environment!

You'll be a good fit for this role if you:
  • Have a sense of humor and enjoy having fun at work!
  • Are passionate about your work and motivated to make a difference
  • Are 18 years of age or older and ability to pass a MN Criminal Background Screen; valid Driver's License and acceptable motor vehicle record
  • Have the ability to follow a recipe and cook homestyle meals
  • Will provide personal cares for all clients which may include assistance with oral care, toileting, bathing, and feeding
  • Have the ability to walk, squat, stoop/bend, kneel, climb stairs, be able to lift at least 50 pounds, push and pull against potential resistance
  • Due to the safety and regulatory requirements, and the need to communicate and supervise our clients, an applicant must have adequate vision, reading, writing, and documentation skills and comprehension of the English language and possess adequate computer skills; ability to perform the essential functions of the role
  • Demonstrate commitment to the mission and core values of COM, and have the ability to actively participate in a team approach atmosphere

In keeping with our mission to provide a safe, happy, healthy living environment for our clients, Cardinal of Minnesota, Ltd. provides residential and support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Cardinal was founded in 1995 and operates 44 residential homes in Minnesota, serving 250 clients and is comprised of a workforce of approximately 425 employees. Cardinal operates in the following communities: Rochester, Winona, Austin, Red Wing, Spring Valley, Harmony, Chatfield, La Crescent, Mantorville, and Bemidji.
Cardinal of Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, or any other protected status. We envision a workplace without barriers-where opportunity is universally accessible, differences are celebrated, and our people reflect the diverse communities we serve. All applicants over the age of 18 are encouraged to apply.

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