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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Meridian, MS

HCS 247

Travel Physical Therapist

Meridian, MS · On-site

$1.8K - $2.2K/wk

Direct deposit * Free CEUs * 24/7 Clinical Support * Professional and General Liability Coverage * Accident Insurance * Critical Illness Insurance * Disability Insurance * Term Life Insurance

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All JobsDirect Support Professional JobsDirect Support Professional Jobs in Meridian, MS

Direct Support Professional information

See Meridian, MS salary details

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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 Meridian, MS is $15.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $17.21 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 Meridian, MS look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Meridian, MS are:
What cities near Meridian, MS are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Meridian, MS with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Meridian, MS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,224 per year, or $16 per hour.

Direct Support Professional Shift B 7a-14th Ave

Brandi's Hope Community Services

Meridian, MS

$17.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Are you patient, kind, caring, down-to-earth? Do you love arts & crafts, swimming, basketball, music, movies and dancing? Are you the type of person who is willing to put the needs of the person you support as the primary focus of your attention while at work? If so, this may be the job for you! Brandi's Hope is looking for a Direct Support professionals. If you believe everyone, regardless of abilities/disabilities, should have a choice for a meaningful life you might be just the right person. The right Direct Support Professional should possess strong interactive skills and a positive, creative, and energetic attitude to support people with intellectual/developmental disabilities who has challenging communication and behaviors. Good communication and a team oriented outlook are necessary attributes for success. Full benefit package for qualified applicants. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or equivalency, minimum two years experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, valid driver's license and pass background checks. We have several shifts available so please contact Brandi's Hope.

The starting pay for this position is $10.00 per hour with a set, guaranteed schedule of 45 hour per week. For DSPs the rate for overtime is $15.00. DSPs are given 3 hours of unworked overtime pay for perfect attendance each week after they have worked 42 hours. This makes the DSP rate of pay for worked hours $11.31 per hour. After the successful completion of orientation, the base rate of pay will increase to $11.50 per hour, overtime rate of $17.25 and the rate of pay for hours worked is now $13.01.

This position is for a Direct Support Professional (Days)
Hours: Wednesday 10am to 7 pm and Thursday, Friday, Saturday 7am - 7pm
Duties include, but not limited to: Provide daily support to individuals with varying degrees of development/intellectual disabilities. Will assist these persons within the following areas: job supports, self-care, recreational activities and community inclusion. Depending on need of client a DSP may be expected to transport to appointments, report to work assignment with client as a job advocate or could be assisting with feeding and hygiene. Duties will be discussed with employer.
Qualifications: High School diploma or GED, Minimum of One (1) year of verifiable work experience in the last three (3) years, must possess a current, valid drivers license in order to transport clients as needed, must possess current CPR training, must submit to an extensive background check and drug screening before employment offer can be made.

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