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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Pendleton, IN

Direct Support Professional

Oaklandon, IN · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

CS NJ Addendum - Direct Support Professional _1001 _ MPA 3429 * * Employees must cooperate with the licensee and Department of Human Services staff in any inspection, inquiry, or investigation.

Direct Support Professional

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

CS NJ Addendum - Direct Support Professional _1001 _ MPA 3429 * * Employees must cooperate with the licensee and Department of Human Services staff in any inspection, inquiry, or investigation.

Job Type Full-time, Part-time Description Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) directly assist individuals to realize their full potential and to pursue their wishes, needs, and interests. DSPs ...

Direct Support Professional

Indianapolis, IN

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

Description Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) directly assist individuals to realize their full potential and to pursue their wishes, needs, and interests. DSPs promote and advocate independence ...

Direct Support Professional

Oaklandon, IN · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/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:

Direct Support Professional

Carmel, IN · On-site

$14.25 - $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:

Direct Support Professional

Indianapolis, IN · 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:

Direct Support Professional

Indianapolis, IN · 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:

Direct Support Professional

Noblesville, IN · 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:

Direct Support Professional

Indianapolis, IN · 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:

Direct Support Professional

New Augusta, IN · 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:

Direct Support Professional

Indianapolis, IN · 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:

Direct Support Professional

Oaklandon, IN · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/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:

Showing results 41-60

Direct Support Professional information

See Pendleton, IN salary details

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$15

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Pendleton, IN is $15.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $17.02 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 Pendleton, IN look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Pendleton, IN are:

What cities near Pendleton, IN are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities near Pendleton, IN with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:

Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Pendleton, IN 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 $32,824 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

LittleStar ABA Therapy

Carmel, IN • On-site

$18.45/hr

Part-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description


We deliver exceptional service by hiring extraordinary talent! 

Direct Support services are provided to individuals needing additional assistance in their daily life. The degree of care can vary depending on the needs of the individual. Activities may include planning and providing instruction or assistance in activities of daily living, recreation and leisure, social and interpersonal skills, communication skills, decision making, self-advocacy, community integration, medication assistance, cooking, housekeeping, and other related services.

 We are currently looking for Monday-Friday 12pm-9pm availability

Why Work at LittleStar?

  • Collaborative and supportive team
  • A friendly and relaxed atmosphere
  • Healthy work-life balance

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

· Executes PCISP goals as outlined in the Person-Centered Individualized Support plan

· Assist in designing monthly day program activity schedule

· Implements appropriate response to high-risk areas as outlined in each individual’s high-risk plan

· Keeps client safe

· Provides and maintains an environment free of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. Reports any incidents or suspicions to a supervisor immediately

· Assists client with activities of daily living (ADLs)

· Adheres to diet, supplementation, and medication protocols, per parent/guardian instructions

· Refrains from any unauthorized use of cell phones, Internet and email that is not related to LittleStar duties

· Supervise a maximum of 16 clients in center

· Maintains client and family confidentiality per LittleStar policy and HIPAA Privacy Rule Regulations

· Refers parent to appropriate staff member with regards to non-waiver related questions

· Completes data collection as directed

· Completes and submits client billing as directed

· Completes and submits additional paperwork in a timely manner (time clock exception forms, incident reports, mileage reimbursement forms, temperature tracking forms, etc.)

· Reports to work on time, and calls appropriate person when going to be late

· Refrains from excessive absenteeism

· Requests time off well in advance, calls-out sick to the appropriate person at least two hours before the scheduled shift.

· Communicates with Waiver Services Director regarding all developments, problems or concerns as needed and requests feedback

· Responds appropriately and professionally to feedback

· Flexible with schedule changes

· Attends and participates in team meetings, trainings and other meetings as requested by the Waiver Services Director or Waiver Services Coordinator, or Executive Director

· Works collaboratively with other members of client’s treatment team and family

· Maintains environment by cleaning up after client and self

· Respects the property of LittleStar ABA Therapy and the family

· Acts as a positive role model for all staff, families, and client’s working with LittleStar

· Maintains professional relationship with parents and other family members

· Adheres to all LittleStar policies and procedures

· Performs other duties as assigned by the Waiver Services Director or Waiver Services Coordinator

Educational Qualifications and Skills

· Must be 18 years of age or older

· Must provide documentation of a negative TB screening from an authorized entity

· Must possess or be able to obtain CPR and First aid certification annually and perform, as necessary.

· Possess and maintain a clear criminal record per Medicaid Waiver regulation requirements.

· Maintain a valid Indiana driver's license, full-coverage insurance on personal vehicle, and maintain insurability as defined by the agency liability insurance carrier. Must possess and maintain reliable transportation that meets state requirements for transporting persons served

· Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is preferred, but not required

· A positive team player and energetic professional

· Strong organizational and time management skills along with the ability to manage multiple tasks

· Good judgment and creative thinking skills

· Ability to communicate appropriately given the circumstances of the situation and individuals involved

· Discretion in matters that need to remain private

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment

Position may operate in a variety of settings, including but not limited to LittleStar center, a client’s home, or community setting as needed to meet goals outlined in the client’s PCISP.

This role routinely uses standard office and audiovisual equipment.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to meet the following requirements.

Physical Requirements:

· Speaking – must speak and understand the English language

· Hearing – requires hearing ability sufficient to perform job duties safely and effectively

· Reaching with hands and arms; be dexterous while using hands to finger, handle or feel

· Exhibiting physical agility such as walk/run/climb stairs; sit/stand for long periods time;; have quick reaction time / move quickly

· Lifting/pushing/pulling at least 50 lbs.

Psychological Requirements:

· Patient behaviors may precipitate and/or impact an employee’s personal mental health. The DSP role may not be suitable for people with certain behavioral health conditions (e.g., PTSD, Anxiety, Bipolar, etc.).

· Must remain calm and focused under pressure

Reasonable accommodations can be provided to assist or enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, upon request.
 

Condition of Employment

· Must successfully pass the initial and updated criminal history, background, and record checks, which includes driving history checks.

· Must provide transportation to patients using your personal vehicle and travel to different locations within the surrounding area to assist individuals with their daily needs (grocery shopping, doctors appointments, community integration needs, etc.).

· Must provide proof of automobile insurance with a minimum of $100,000 combined in property and medical liability prior to and during employment.

· Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as needed, provided by LittleStar.

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