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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Fairfield, IA

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Mount Pleasant, IA · On-site

$17/hr

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - PRN / As Needed Mt. Pleasant, IA | $17.00/hour | On Demand Pay Work that actually means something starts here. Looking for meaningful work with a schedule that ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Mount Pleasant, IA · On-site

$17/hr

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist people with their personal hygiene and support individuals who can have behavioral challenges and ...

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Direct Support Professional information

See Fairfield, IA salary details

$8

$14

$18

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Fairfield, IA is $14.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.60 and $15.29 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 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 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.

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 areas 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 Fairfield, IA are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities near Fairfield, IA with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:

Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Fairfield, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $29,530 per year, or $14.2 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Sevita

Mount Pleasant, IA • On-site

$17/hr

Other

Re-posted 24 days ago

Sevita Health rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 285 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

791st of 893 rated healthcare providers

Job description

REM Community Services, a part of the Sevita family, provides community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Here we believe every person has the right to live well, and everyone deserves to have a fulfilling career. You’ll join a mission-driven team and create relationships that motivate us all every day. Join us today, and experience a career well lived. 

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - PRN / As Needed 

Mt. Pleasant, IA | $17.00/hour | On Demand Pay 

Work that actually means something starts here.

Looking for meaningful work with a schedule that fits your life? As a PRN Direct Support Professional (DSP), you’ll have the flexibility to pick up shifts when you’re available while making a real impact in the lives of others.

You’ll support individuals with developmental disabilities, behavioral challenges, and complex needs in a home and community setting. Your role will help individuals build independence, develop daily living skills, and stay connected to the people and activities that matter most.

This is hands-on, rewarding work where your time and support can truly change someone’s day.

What You'll Do

This role is about more than providing support. It’s about building relationships and helping people live their best lives.

  • Build meaningful, respectful relationships with the individuals you support
  • Assist with daily living skills like hygiene, meals, and routines
  • Support goals such as budgeting, communication, exercise, and nutrition
  • Encourage participation in community activities and daily engagement
  • Provide calm, consistent support for individuals with behavioral needs
  • Help maintain a safe, positive, and respectful home environment
  • Work closely with your team to support each person’s goals

Why PRN?

PRN is a great option if you want flexibility without a set weekly schedule.

  • Pick up shifts based on your availability
  • Great for those balancing school, family, another job, or other commitments
  • Make a difference while maintaining control of your schedule
  • Gain valuable experience in healthcare and human services

What We Offer: 

  • Pay: $17.00/hour
  • Pay on Demand: Access your earnings when you need them
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Job Stability: Work with a growing, established national organization
  • Training & Development: Paid onboarding and ongoing learning opportunities
  • Supportive Leadership: Supervisors who understand the work and support you in it

Who Thrives in This Role

You don't need a healthcare background to be great at this job. You just need the right mindset.

We’re looking for people who are:

  • Compassionate, patient, and dependable
  • Comfortable working with individuals with behavioral or complex needs
  • Good communicators and team players
  • Flexible and able to adapt in real time
  • Responsible, reliable, and consistent

What You'll Need:

  • High School Diploma or GED 
  • Valid driver's license (held for at least one year)
  • Access to a registered, insured vehicle
  • Ability to support individuals in home and community settings 

Experience in caregiving, healthcare, CNA work, behavioral health, or human services is helpful but not required. We provide training and support so you can succeed.

Why This Work Matters

Every shift is an opportunity to help someone gain confidence, build independence, and experience life more fully.

With PRN flexibility, you choose when you work while doing work that truly matters.

Apply today and start making a difference on your schedule.


Sevita is a leading provider of home and community-based specialized health care. We believe that everyone deserves to live a full, more independent life. We provide people with quality services and individualized supports that lead to growth and independence, regardless of the physical, intellectual, or behavioral challenges they face.
We’ve made this our mission for more than 50 years. And today, our 40,000 team members continue to innovate and enhance care for the 50,000 individuals we serve all over the U.S.
 

As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

What Sevita Health employees say

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About Sevita

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sevita is a leading provider of home and community-based specialized health care. We believe that everyone deserves to live a full, more independent life. We provide people with quality services and individualized support that leads to growth and independence, regardless of the physical, intellectual, or behavioral challenges they face. We've made this our mission for more than 50 years. And today, our 40,000 team members continue to innovate and enhance care for the 50,000 individuals we serve. We're an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. Sevita is a leading provider of home and community-based specialized health care, similar companies include Brookedale Senior Living, A New Hope, and North Star.

Industry

Nursing and residential care facilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

1980

Social media

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