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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Lexington, SC

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Direct Support Professional information

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Lexington, SC is $13.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.36 and $15.00 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 are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professional jobs in Lexington, SC? For Direct Support Professional jobs in Lexington, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Lexington, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Lexington, SC are:
What cities near Lexington, SC are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Lexington, SC with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Lexington, SC 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 $28,992 per year, or $13.9 per hour.

Part-time Direct Support Professional (Day Shift)

Burton Center For Disabilities & Special Needs

West Columbia, SC • On-site

$14.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Burton Center is looking for a part-time (16 - 24 hours per week) Direct Support Professional (DSP) to add to our dynamic team! DSP fulfill the Burton Center mission to develop and discover unlimited potential in adults with disabilities and special needs. Through coaching, training, community advocacy, verbal prompts, and hands-on support as needed, Direct Support Professionals promote individuals to have the best quality of life. If you are a creative, energetic, and caring person, this position is for you!
About Burton Center
Burton Center is a non-profit disability and special needs board. Our organization was created in 1971 to provide essential services to individuals with disabilities and special needs and to offer much needed assistance to their families. Over the last five decades, we have been able to expand our range of services. With locations in Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Lexington, McCormick, Ware Shoals, and Saluda counties, Burton Center's staff of 325, assists over 500 people. Our services are provided free of charge to those who meet specific eligibility criteria by the South Carolina Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. We offer Day Programs, Residential Services, and Employment Placement Programs.
About the Position
This is a day shift, part-time position. The hours are between 7:45am - 7:45pm every other Saturday and Sunday, totaling 16 - 24 hours per week. This position is a part of Burton Center's Community Training Home Program (CTH).
As a Direct Support Professional in a Community Training Home (CTH), your role will be pivotal in creating the best quality of life for up to 4 adults with disabilities and special needs who live in this home. Using person-centered support, you will implement effective training programs, encourage independence and community engagement, and provide direct care with self-help skills and personal hygiene. Our team will provide in-depth training on how to provide quality, direct support that may include toileting and changing incontinence briefs, bathing, administering medication, feeding assistance, or any individualized care needed. You will be able to encourage and teach a positive and healthy lifestyle by preparing and demonstrating how to prepare light meals from a designated meal plan, following behavioral support plans, and participating in planned outings, hobbies, or activities. You will also be provided with a Chromebook to track individuals' objectives and complete progress reports using the online system, Therap. Thorough in-person training and on-the-job training will also prepare you to drive Burton Center vehicles, operate wheelchair lifts safely, use therapeutic options, and provide Basic Life Support and MedTech certifications.
Required Qualifications
SC Driver's License
Ability to lift or maneuver up to 50lbs,
Ability to stand or walk for long periods of time,
Ability to be adaptive, a team player, and advocate for others
Excellent oral and written communication skills
How To Apply
Please apply online through Burton Center's website at under Employment Opportunities. Once you have submitted your completed application, an HR representative will reach out to set up an interview if you are a qualified candidate.
All newly hired Burton Center staff must complete a mandatory in-person orientation, MedTech, and complete all assigned online training prior to on-the-job training. Orientation is held once a month, over the course of three days, from 9am-5pm.
2026 Orientation dates*
*Please note these dates are subject to change. We provide the tentative dates in advance to inform applicants of job requirements
March 24th-26th and 31st
April 21st-23rd and 30th
May 19th-21st and 28th
June 2nd-4th and 18th
July 14th-16th and 23rd
Aug 11th-13th and 20th
Sep 8th-10th and 17th
Oct 6th-8th and 15th
Nov 17th-19th and 25th
Dec 1-3 and 22nd

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