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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Midvale, UT (NOW HIRING)

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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 Midvale, UT is $15.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.61 and $16.54 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.
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Midvale, UT look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Midvale, UT are:
What cities near Midvale, UT are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Midvale, UT with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Midvale, UT 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 $31,944 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Caregiver/Direct Support Professional

Utah Division of Human Resource Management

American Fork, UT โ€ข On-site

$13.43 - $24.66/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Caregiver/Direct Support Professional
FT / PT Status - Full-Time
Salary - $13.43 - $24.66 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office - In-Office / On-SiteRecruiter - Tiffany Wagner twagner@utah.gov 801-763-4070
Application Deadline - Continuous until filled*
*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Key Responsibilities
Day-to-day responsibilities of this position:
  • Participation in active treatment, providing Trauma Informed practices within the scope of individualized treatment programs for the individuals.
  • Preparing and serving meals while following dietary guidelines.
  • Performing direct care services to include bathing, showering, dressing, toileting or changing incontinent briefs (diapering), and oral hygiene.
  • Providing transportation of individuals to their daily activities.
  • Supervising and participating in daily activities with the individuals.
  • Understanding the developmental needs of others.
  • Coaching, mentoring, and helping others to improve their knowledge, skills and abilities.
  • Observing, reporting and documenting the behavior and progress of the individuals.
  • Properly support aggressive, self-injurious, and non-compliant individuals in learning more adaptive and positive behaviors.
  • Follow structured daily schedules and daily routines.
  • Effectively implement prescribed individualized treatment plans.
  • Provide trauma informed care, be reliable and professional in all aspects of the job duties.
  • Demonstrate excellent written and oral skills in a professional manner.
  • Maintain a calm demeanor in the face of aggressive acts from individuals and the application of appropriate safety precautions and restraint techniques.

Qualifications
Minimum or "day-one" qualifications:
  • You must pass a background check.
  • You must be willing to assist individuals with their daily hygiene which may include bathing, toileting, and changing briefs.
  • You must be willing to work the afternoon shift from 1:30 pm to 10:00 pm including weekends and holidays.
  • You must be willing to provide appropriate care for individuals who may exhibit aggressive behaviors.
  • This position requires you to be able to lift up to 50 pounds or 1/4 of your body weight, whichever is less with or without a reasonable accommodation. You will also be expected to use mechanical lifts where required and be able to transfer individuals correctly.

Preferred or trainable/on-the-job qualifications:
  • Experience caring for intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals.
  • Experience working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
  • Experience providing behavioral health care for individuals.

About the Role
Psychiatric/Developmental Technicians provide direct care to individuals with mental and behavioral health needs including: observing, monitoring, and reporting an individual's behavior; participating in and supervising activities; teaching daily living skills; intervening in crisis situations or de-escalating them as appropriate; assisting in maintaining a therapeutic, safe, and secure environment. Employees must be able to properly manage aggressive, self-abusive, and non-compliant individuals and be able to implement and follow prescribed behavioral programs. Employees must repetitively lift (minimum 50 pounds), and transfer individuals; perform direct care services to include: bathing, showering, dressing, toileting or changing incontinent briefs, oral hygiene, feeding, etc. Employees will work collaboratively as a valued member of the treatment team for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness.
Location -
895 N 900 E
American Fork, Utah, 84003
United States
Background Check Required - You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
Drug Test Required - No
Schedule Code - TL - Time limited
Why You Should Join Our TeamIn Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:
  • Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
  • Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
  • Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
  • Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The AgencyThe mission of the Utah State Developmental Center is to serve as "a statewide resource center for people with disabilities while promoting opportunity through choice and outcome based support." This will be accomplished by providing critical services, support and resources for the intellectually disabled individuals that reside at our facility. For more information on USDC, click here!
EEO StatementThe State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.