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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Lexington, KY

Delion Care Services

Direct Support Professional

Frankfort, KY · On-site

$13 - $15.75/hr

Frankfort and surrounding counties Direct Support Professional (DSP) - SCL & Michelle P. Waiver Empower Lives. Build Community. Make an Impact. Are you looking for a career where your presence truly ...

Delion Care Services

Adult Day Training DSP

Richmond, KY · On-site

$13 - $14/hr

Day Training Direct Support Professional (Full-Time, Part-Time, & PRN) Make Every Day Meaningful | Monday - Friday | No Nights, Weekends, or Holidays! Are you a high-energy, creative individual ...

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All JobsDirect Support Professional JobsDirect Support Professional Jobs in Lexington, KY

Direct Support Professional information

See Lexington, KY salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Lexington, KY is $16.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.33 and $17.45 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.
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What cities near Lexington, KY are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities near Lexington, KY with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:

Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Lexington, KY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,665 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Delion Care Services

Frankfort, KY • On-site

$13 - $15.75/hr

Other

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description


Frankfort and surrounding counties
Direct Support Professional (DSP) - SCL & Michelle P. Waiver
Empower Lives. Build Community. Make an Impact.
Are you looking for a career where your presence truly matters? Our mission is simple: "Doing the right thing for the right reason." We are a premier provider of caregiver and skill-building supports across Kentucky, specializing in the Supports for Community Living (SCL) and Michelle P. Waiver programs.
We are looking for enthusiastic, dependable, and compassionate individuals to join our team and help our participants live their best, most independent lives.
The Role
As a DSP, you aren't just a caregiver; you are an advocate and a mentor. Because every participant has unique needs, your day-to-day will vary. You might provide hands-on assistance with personal care for one individual, while helping another navigate the grocery store or discover a new hobby.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Health & Wellness: Ensure participants receive prescribed medications and monitor their overall health, safety, and welfare.
  • Daily Living Support: Assist with ADLs, including meal preparation, personal hygiene, and household maintenance as needed.
  • Goal Achievement: Partner with participants to reach their personal goals and develop new skills for independence.
  • Community Engagement: Accompany participants on outings and encourage social interaction-having fun is a job requirement!
  • Documentation: Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant daily progress notes and paperwork.

Qualifications
  • Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Experience: At least one year of experience in human services, healthcare, or a related caregiving field is preferred, but not required.
  • Age: Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Mobility: Valid Driver's License and active auto insurance.
  • Screening: Ability to pass background checks and drug screenings.
  • Communication: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with participants, families, and administrative staff.

Why Join Our Team?
We take pride in having a strong culture of caring-not just for our participants, but for our employees too.
  • Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a highly flexible work schedule tailored to your availability.
  • Autonomy: Have a say in your service provision and the participants you support.
  • Unmatched Support: Receive "fabulous" administrative backing and comprehensive training.
  • Purpose: Work for the best agency in KY and go home every day knowing you made a tangible difference.

Apply