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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Jackson, MS (NOW HIRING)

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Direct Support Professional

Flowood, MS · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Help at Home is hiring Direct Support Professionals in your community TODAY! Help at Home is hiring caring and dependable caregivers to support individuals with intellectual and developmental ...

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Direct Support Professional

Canton, MS · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Help at Home is hiring Direct Support Professionals in your community TODAY! Help at Home is hiring caring and dependable caregivers to support individuals with intellectual and developmental ...

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Direct Support Professional

Byram, MS · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Help at Home is hiring Direct Support Professionals in your community TODAY! Help at Home is hiring caring and dependable caregivers to support individuals with intellectual and developmental ...

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Direct Support Professional

Brandon, MS

$13 - $15/hr

Help at Home is hiring Direct Support Professionals in your community TODAY! Help at Home is hiring caring and dependable caregivers to support individuals with intellectual and developmental ...

Help at Home

Direct Support Professional

Flowood, MS · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Help at Home is hiring Direct Support Professionals in your community TODAY! Help at Home is hiring caring and dependable caregivers to support individuals with intellectual and developmental ...

Help at Home

Direct Support Professional

Canton, MS · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Help at Home is hiring Direct Support Professionals in your community TODAY! Help at Home is hiring caring and dependable caregivers to support individuals with intellectual and developmental ...

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Direct Support Professional

Jackson, MS · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Help at Home is hiring Direct Support Professionals in your community TODAY! Help at Home is hiring caring and dependable caregivers to support individuals with intellectual and developmental ...

Help at Home

Direct Support Professional

Ridgeland, MS · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Help at Home is hiring Direct Support Professionals in your community TODAY! Help at Home is hiring caring and dependable caregivers to support individuals with intellectual and developmental ...

Help at Home

Direct Support Professional

Brandon, MS · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Help at Home is hiring Direct Support Professionals in your community TODAY! Help at Home is hiring caring and dependable caregivers to support individuals with intellectual and developmental ...

Help at Home

Direct Support Professional

Flora, MS

$13 - $15/hr

Help at Home is hiring Direct Support Professionals in your community TODAY! Help at Home is hiring caring and dependable caregivers to support individuals with intellectual and developmental ...

Help at Home

Direct Support Professional

Ridgeland, MS · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Help at Home is hiring Direct Support Professionals in your community TODAY! Help at Home is hiring caring and dependable caregivers to support individuals with intellectual and developmental ...

Help at Home

Direct Support Professional

Byram, MS · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Help at Home is hiring Direct Support Professionals in your community TODAY! Help at Home is hiring caring and dependable caregivers to support individuals with intellectual and developmental ...

Help at Home

Direct Support Professional

Flora, MS · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Help at Home is hiring Direct Support Professionals in your community TODAY! Help at Home is hiring caring and dependable caregivers to support individuals with intellectual and developmental ...

Help at Home

Direct Support Professional

Jackson, MS · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Help at Home is hiring Direct Support Professionals in your community TODAY! Help at Home is hiring caring and dependable caregivers to support individuals with intellectual and developmental ...

Madison Court

Direct Support Professional

Canton, MS

$12.75 - $15.50/hr

BASIC FUNCTION Provides supervision and direct care services and training to individuals, including ... Support Plans. (ISP) 2. Supervise, observe, account for, and interact appropriately with ...

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Direct Support Professional information

See Jackson, MS salary details

$8

$14

$18

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Jackson, MS is $14.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 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 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 Jackson, MS look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Jackson, MS are:
What cities near Jackson, MS are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Jackson, MS with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Jackson, MS 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 $29,495 per year, or $14.2 per hour.

Direct Support Professional/PCA

Ascent Healthcare Management

Canton, MS • On-site

$12.75 - $15.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Direct Support Professional Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications
 

A Direct Support Professional, or Direct Support Care Professional, cares for individuals experiencing developmental or intellectual disabilities or illnesses. Their main duties include helping patients complete basic housekeeping tasks, transporting patients to appointments or other social outings and keeping patients safe from potential health hazards in their surrounding environment.

Direct Support Professional duties and responsibilities 

Direct Support Professionals work with individuals with mental or developmental disabilities by creating behavior plans, teaching self-care skills, cooking meals and doing laundry. Additional duties may include: 

  • Assisting clients with daily personal tasks, including bathing and dressing
  • Completing housekeeping tasks such as vacuuming, washing dishes and tidying
  • Helping plan client appointments and organize a schedule
  • Organizing with transportation arrangements to appointments
  • Shopping for groceries and preparing meals that meet specific client dietary needs
  • Encouraging client engagement in social networks and communities

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