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

Direct Support Professional

Beach Park, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Direct Support Professional (DSP) (Nonprofit / Social Services / Healthcare / Transitional Living Programs / DD Residences, TLPs, CILAs) The Personality Have you cared for a loved one and found it ...

Direct Support Professional

Grayslake, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Direct Support Professional (DSP) (Nonprofit / Social Services / Healthcare / Transitional Living Programs / DD Residences, TLPs, CILAs) The Personality Have you cared for a loved one and found it ...

Direct Support Professional

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Direct Support Professional (DSP) (Nonprofit / Social Services / Healthcare / Transitional Living Programs / DD Residences, TLPs, CILAs) The Personality Have you cared for a loved one and found it ...

As a Direct Support Professional, you will assist individuals in living independently, achieving personal goals, and enhancing their overall quality of life. Key Responsibilities: * Provide direct ...

As a Direct Support Professional, you will assist individuals in living independently, achieving personal goals, and enhancing their overall quality of life. Key Responsibilities: * Provide direct ...

As a Direct Support Professional, you will assist individuals in living independently, achieving personal goals, and enhancing their overall quality of life. Key Responsibilities: * Provide direct ...

As a Direct Support Professional, you will assist individuals in living independently, achieving personal goals, and enhancing their overall quality of life. Key Responsibilities: * Provide direct ...

Overview We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Direct Support Professionals (DSP) to join Prader-Willi Homes that has open availability to work 1st and 2nd shifts! Competitive pay starting at ...

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:

Our companies provide a spectrum of services and support which promote the ability of those we serve to live as independently as possible in the community. Overview Grow with Homes for Independent ...

Our companies provide a spectrum of services and support which promote the ability of those we serve to live as independently as possible in the community. Overview Grow with Homes for Independent ...

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Direct Support Professional information

See Racine, WI salary details

$9

$15

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Racine, WI is $15.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.51 and $16.44 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 Racine, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Racine, WI are:
What cities near Racine, WI are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Racine, WI with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Racine, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,760 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Beacon Specialized Living

Brookfield, WI • On-site

$18.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Beacon Specialized Living rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

165th of 239 rated social care providers


Job description

Join Beacon Specialized Living - Where Every Shift Makes a Difference
Are you looking for a meaningful career where your work truly matters? At Beacon Specialized Living, we support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, and autism, helping them live independent and fulfilling lives in their communities.
Bring your compassion and reliability & we'll provide the training and support to help you succeed.
Flexible schedules available including full-time, part-time, and on-call opportunities.
Why Choose Beacon?
Beacon Specialized Living is nationally recognized through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) for our commitment to professional direct support services and workforce development.
Through our LEAP Program (Leadership, Excellence, Advancement, and Promotion), employees have the opportunity to earn nationally recognized NADSP certification while advancing their careers and developing leadership skills.
At Beacon, this isn't just a job - it's a career with purpose and opportunity.
What You'll Do as a Direct Support Professional (DSP)
As a DSP, you will support individuals in daily life while helping them achieve personal goals and maintain independence in a safe, supportive environment.
Daily Responsibilities
  • Assist with daily living skills and personal care

  • Support community engagement and recreational activities

  • Prepare meals and maintain a clean, organized home environment

  • Transport individuals to appointments and community activities

  • Administer medications as directed (training provided)

  • Maintain accurate documentation and advocate for individuals served

  • Promote dignity, respect, and person-centered support.

What We Offer
  • Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance (eligible first of the month after 60 days)

  • Paid Time Off: 88 Hours per year, eligible after 90 days of employment.

  • Free 24/7 telehealth for employees and families through First Stop Health.

  • 401(k) with employer match and company-paid life insurance

  • Paid training including CPR, de-escalation, and medication administration

  • Employee discounts through Perkspot and cell phone savings programs

  • Calm mental wellness app access

  • Ongoing professional development and advancement through the LEAP Program

Qualifications
  • Must be at least 18 years old.

  • Valid driver's license.

  • GED or High School Diploma

  • Compassionate, dependable, and team- oriented

  • Strong communication skills and willingness to learn

Why Work at Beacon
At Beacon, we don't just offer jobs - we build careers that make a difference. You'll join a supportive, mission-driven organization that values your growth, recognizes your impact, and invests in your success.
Beacon Specialized Living Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

What Beacon Specialized Living employees say

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