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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Princeton, MN

Cottages Group

Direct Support Professional

Sauk Rapids, MN · On-site

$15 - $17.50/hr

Our Direct Support Professional support individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental health needs to live their fullest lives. At the Cottages Group we utilize acts of service to enhance the ...

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Direct Support Professional information

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Princeton, MN is $15.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $16.68 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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What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Princeton, MN look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Princeton, MN are:

What cities near Princeton, MN are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities near Princeton, MN with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:

Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Princeton, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,161 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

The Cottages of St. Cloud

Sauk Rapids, MN

$15 - $17.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Description

Are you searching for a new position that brings meaning to your world? Are you passionate about caring for others? Do you take pride in providing support that helps individuals achieve their goals? If these statements describe you? There is NO experience required to join The Cottages Group and start your career today!

Our Direct Support Professional support individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental health needs to live their fullest lives. At the Cottages Group we utilize acts of service to enhance the diverse lives of others through inclusion, compassion, and respect.


Purpose of your job position.

The Direct Support Professional is responsible for providing personal care, guidance, and support to male and female clients specific to clients' needs. The Direct Support Professional will perform all their duties in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines and regulations governing the location(s) they are working. Direct Support Professional must also follow all policies and procedures that apply to the performance and duties of their job. This position is responsible for administering client programs & goals and ensuring the client's personal needs are satisfied in a safe manner.


What will my day-to-day look like as a Direct Support Professional?

- Provide opportunities through the day to help residents meet their goals. - Adhere to the person-centered plans, and behavior plans as written for each resident.

- Provide quality of care and safe and healthy setting free from harm while upholding the rights of all residents.

- Create a space of trust and relationship with all residents.

- Cook meals as necessary for residents based upon food specifications, diets, food exchanges and documentation.

- Transport residents and attend appointments, advocate, and obtain necessary documentation, when needed.

- Assist with supervision of residents doing their laundry and complete facility laundry as needed. - Administer medications to residents as needed.

- Must remain awake and immediately accessible in all homes requiring 24/7 care.


Advancement opportunities are available frequently!

Benefits:

401(k) after 1 year (with employer Match up to 4%)

Affordable Dental, Vision, and Health insurance (1st of the month after 60 days of employment)

Employer Paid Life insurance

Paid time off regardless of weekly hours worked

Referral bonuses

Yearly service bonuses

Yearly active driver bonuses

Holiday and Birthday gifts


Schedule:

Full time and part time availability

8-hour shifts

Flexible schedules

Day shift Night shift

Overnight shift

Swing shifts

Holidays

Overtime Weekend flexibility

Requirements

Physical and Sensory Requirements:(With or without the aid of mechanical devices)

  • Must be able to move frequently throughout the workday
  • Must be able to speak, write and read the English language in an understandable manner
  • Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position
  • Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to ensure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
  • Must function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel and support agencies.
  • Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of the company.
  • Must be able to relate to and work with a variety of disabilities and illnesses some of which may present a potential hazard to the worker.
  • Must be able to push, pull, move and/or carry a minimum of eighty (80) pounds a minimum distance of ten (10) feet.


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