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

Sevita

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

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

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:

Rise Up

Direct Support Professional

Madison, WI · On-site

$16.50/hr

Join a team of dedicated, compassionate individuals providing support to young adults in their home. This is truly sacred work-caring for trauma-informed individuals who need support to care for ...

Rise Up

Direct Support Professional

Madison, WI · On-site

Join a team of dedicated, compassionate individuals providing support to young adults in their home. This is truly sacred work-caring for trauma-informed individuals who need support to care for ...

Cornerstone Caregiving

Direct Support Professional

Monona, WI · On-site

$15.50 - $19/hr

We are committed to providing exceptional care to individuals in need. Our CNAs are highly trained and compassionate, with a passion for making a positive impact in the lives of others. With flexible ...

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

Direct Support Professional information

See Madison, WI salary details

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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 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 Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs?

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 $34,129 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Productive Living Systems

Whitewater, WI • On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

$16-$18 with Shift Differential and Sign-On Bonus!

1st & 2nd Shift Positions Available

Driver License Required - Clean Driving Record Check

Are YOU ready to make a difference?

Productive Living System, Inc. (PLS) provides residential services for ambulatory adults who have a diagnosis of an intellectual disability or mental illness that require minimal personal cares. The main role of the Direct Support Professional (DSP) is to provide care to the clients by encouraging independent living. PLS is in the mental health field of Caregiving. We are employee-owned!

Primary Duties for DSP (Caregiver):
  • Engage clients in a variety of activities
  • Implement clients Individualized Service Plan
  • Accompany your client to appointments or social events
  • Electronic Progress Note Charting
  • Monitor/administer medication to clients
  • Provide transportation for errands or activities
  • Light housekeeping
  • Other duties as assigned
    • Requirements:
  • Must be 21 years or older
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED/HSED equivalent
  • Available to work every other weekend & some holidays
  • Proof of a valid Wisconsin driver's license with clean driving record (required)
  • Successful completion of preemployment physical, TB test, caregiver background check, and applicable training
    • Benefits:
  • 1st Shift: $500 signon bonus
  • 2nd Shift: $0.50/hour shift differential + $750 signon bonus
  • 3rd Shift: $2.00/hour shift differential + $1,000 signon bonus
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): Eligible employees receive shares of PLS stock annually, making them employeeowners who benefit from the longterm success and growth of the company.
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan: Eligible employees are automatically enrolled in the Productive Living Systems 401(k) Retirement Plan, with up to a 5% company match.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO): Available to all fulltime employees beginning on the first day of fulltime employment. Accrual rates range from 5 to 30 days annually based on years of service.
  • Floating Holidays: Eligible employees receive 56 hours (equivalent to 7 days) of floating holidays to use at their discretion throughout the calendar year.
  • Annual Profit Sharing: Paid to all eligible employeeowners when PLS meets or exceeds its annual financial goals.
  • Health Insurance: Low to no cost coverage options for all employees working at least 30 hours per week.
  • Dental and Vision Insurance: Offered to all fulltime employees.
  • Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment: Employees working 20 hours or more per week receive $20,000 in Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage at no cost.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): A free, confidential mental health counseling program available to all employees.
  • Voluntary Benefits: Employees working 20 hours or more per week may enroll in additional voluntary benefits, including Short and LongTerm Disability, Accident, and Critical Illness coverage.
  • Paid Group Activities: Paid admission to group events attended with clients, such as movies, sporting events, and field trips.
  • Paid Training and Certifications: Includes required and industryrecognized certifications such as Standard Precautions, First Aid and Choking, Fire Safety, and Medication Administration.

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