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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Mypath

Direct Support Professional

Watertown, WI · On-site

$19/hr

Overview We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Direct Support Professionals (DSP) to join Prader-Willi Homes that has open availability to work 1st and 2nd shifts! Competitive pay starting at ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Jefferson, WI · On-site

$14 - $17.25/hr

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Johnson Creek, WI · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Johnson Creek, WI · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Sevita Health

Direct Support Professional

Madison, WI · On-site

$17.50/hr

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Sevita Health

Direct Support Professional

Madison, WI · On-site

$17.50/hr

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Sevita Health

Direct Support Professional

Johnson Creek, WI · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Sevita Health

Direct Support Professional

Jefferson, WI · On-site

$14 - $17.25/hr

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Sevita Health

Direct Support Professional

Watertown, WI · On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Sevita Health

Direct Support Professional

Janesville, WI · On-site

$15/hr

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Jefferson, WI · On-site

$14 - $17.25/hr

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

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All JobsDirect Support Professional JobsDirect Support Professional Jobs in Madison, WI

Direct Support Professional information

See Madison, WI salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Madison, WI is $16.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.52 and $17.69 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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Cities near Madison, WI with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:

Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Madison, WI 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 $34,135 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Consumer Direct Care Network

Sun Prairie, WI

$17.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Consumer Direct Care Network rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

159th of 245 rated social care providers

Job description

Description & Requirements
If you would like more information about our company, you can visit our website here: Who We Are - CDWI
This is a heartwarming opportunity for compassionate providers who love making a difference! We work with members throughout Wisconsin to find providers that fit each of their needs. Our goal is to help individuals be in more control of their own supports and to have a say in who is assisting them. This helps them to stay in their own homes as long as possible.

Hiring an experienced direct support professional that has an easy Going personality, loves animals and helping others!


Schedule:

26 hours a week

Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Thursdays

3.5 hours in am, and 3 hours in pm

Client located in Columbus WI.

Compensation:

$17.50 an hour

+mileage reimbursement for errands AND up to 30 minutes mileage one way!

Duties:

               Personal Cares (Bathing, transferring to toilet, grooming, dressing)

               Catheter disposal

               Accompany shopping

               Meal prep

               Laundry

               Housekeeping

               Wheelchair transfers

Requirements:

  • Previous experience preferred/highly desired
  • Must pass background check before hire
  • Driver's License, auto insurance, and reliable transportation

What Consumer Direct Care Network employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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