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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Inkster, MI (NOW HIRING)

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Direct Support Professional information

See Inkster, MI salary details

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Inkster, MI is $15.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.51 and $16.44 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.

What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Inkster, MI look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Inkster, MI are:

What cities near Inkster, MI are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities near Inkster, MI with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:

Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Inkster, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,700 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Direct Support Professional (DSP) / 1st Shift / Full time (40 hours) / Highland

Hope Network

Bloomfield Hills, MI • On-site

$17.13/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Hope Network rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

493rd of 773 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Full time (40 hours), 1st shift/ Highland.

Make a real impact – help someone build independence while building a career, you’re proud of.

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) supports the individual goals of the person served and helps them become integrated into his/ her community in the least restrictive manner.  The DSP may assist in areas of mobility, activities of daily living, communication, cognition, health management, social networking, vocational, leisure time management, and community participation. 

What You’ll Do

The Direct Support Professional will assist in the following areas of personal care and development:

  • Monitor and ensure safety 24/7; this may be eyes- on, one-on-one, 15- or 30-minute checks, etc.
  • Support crisis prevention, intervention, and resolution
  • Establish collaborative relationships built on trust and empathy through consistent and meaningful communication
  • Foster a spirit of partnership with individuals served, the community, and other professionals
  • Help build effective skills for problem-solving, communication, and independence
  • Assist person served to identify and/or participate in social and leisure interest and activities such as transport/escort to stores, concerts, movies or in house social events (barbeques, movie nights, games, etc.)
  • Help person served with activities of daily living to include (but not limited to): get to and from places, dressed/undressed, bathe/shower, comb hair, trim nails, restroom assistance, and cooking
  • Monitor vitals for any medical condition or illness
  • Promote positive behavior
  • Attend medical appointments and ensure accurate information is relayed between medical provider and care team
  • Understand, read, and assist in the implementation of medical, behavioral, and/or clinical team care plans and provide accurate, timely, and descriptive documentation of such
  • Connect person served with opportunities or places in their community to develop relationships with others
  • Support community participation, volunteering, career goals or employment, and educational interests

What we’re looking for

  • You possess a strong desire to help others with empathy, patience, understanding, enthusiasm, and dedication
  • You exhibit characteristics of trustworthiness, integrity, and honesty
  • You respect diversity and inclusion
  • You demonstrate professionalism in communication, pleasantness, attendance, attention to accuracy and follow through, reliability, teamwork, and punctuality
  • You take part in continuous education, training, and personal development and growth

 What you’ll bring

Required

  • High school diploma/ GED
  • Valid State of Michigan driver’s license
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs.
  • Ability to become certified in CPR/First Aid
  • Commitment to scheduled shifts, assigned duties, and performance expectations: Shift Full-Time / Part Time including weekends and holidays.
  • Possess basic computer skills

Benefits

We’re proud to offer a robust and meaningful benefits package to support your career growth and overall well-being:

  • Wage $17.13
  • Medical, Vision, & Dental Care depending on full or part-time status.
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Educational Reimbursement
  • Career-Pathing
  • Paid Training
  • Employee Referral Bonus

Why Join Our Team?

Not your average Job.  Not your average impact.

At Hope Network you're not just filling a role, you're showing up for someone who needs consistency, encouragement, and support.  Every day looks different, but thing stay the same: what you do matters.

Our teams are built on trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to those we serve.  We believe no hum is more valuable than the next - and the work you do here truly matters

Apply today and start making a difference


What Hope Network employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About Hope Network

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Hope Network, the people we serve may share a setback, a condition, a diagnosis, or need. However, each is unique. Each is on a personal journey. We meet them on that journey. Then, we take on some of lifes toughest challenges together. We offer more than a list of services. We offer more than an expert approach. We offer the ability to overcome. We serve 240 plus communities, with 2,800 staff members, to more than 20,000 people annually throughout Michigan.

Industry

Individual, family and community social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Grand Rapids, MI, US

Year founded

1963

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