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

MyPath

Direct Support Professional - 1st Shift

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Direct Support Professional (DSP) to join our team. In this role, you will provide direct care and supervision to individuals participating in our day ...

Delta-T Group

Direct Support Provider

Waukegan, IL

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Our unique portfolio of services allows clients to access a strong team of professionals possessing ... The Opportunity As a Direct Support Professional, you will play a direct care role, assisting ...

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All JobsDirect Support Professional JobsDirect Support Professional Jobs in Racine, WI

Direct Support Professional information

See Racine, WI salary details

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 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 are Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)?

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.

What Is a Direct Support Professional?

Direct support professionals (DSPs) provide non-medical care and services to intellectually or physically disabled persons. These services may be in the patient's home, at assisted living facilities, or in government institutions. The primary duties of DSPs are to help the patient with everyday tasks, such as taking medication, providing transportation to doctor's appointments, and running errands. DSPs also aim to teach patients life skills, including light housework and meal preparation, to enable them to be a little more independent.

More about Direct Support Professional jobs
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:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Racine, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,760 per year, or $15.3 per hour.
Direct Support Professional ( Grayslake)

Direct Support Professional ( Grayslake)

LITTLE CITY FOUNDATION

Grayslake, IL • On-site

$19.35 - $19.85/hr

Other

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

This position is based in our Grayslake location.
Wage: $19.35/ Hr
With CNA: $ 19.85/ Hr
  • Subject Line: Open Position: DSP - Grayslake
  • Attach: Resume / Cover Letter (if available)

Option 2: Complete this Online Application
Please follow this link to appply: www.littlecity.org/careers/ or send your resume to: recruiter@littlecity.org
Shifts: Monday to Friday
7:30am-4:00pm (40 hours)
PURPOSE:The Direct Support Person (DSP) is responsible for providing direct supervision and training of individuals in work and/or non-work activities related to their person centered goals and objectives. The DSP is responsible for active engagement which occurs with individuals on a daily basis - including appropriate use of communication styles, identifying preferences and supporting choice making.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The list of essential duties and responsibilities, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the task to be performed. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein is such duties are a logical assignment to the position.
  1. Advocate for individuals served and promote courtesy, dignity and respect.
  2. Promote continuous active engagement to support individuals in their schedule.
  3. Implement skill and behavior programs as needed to increase individual skills and independence.
  4. Provide assistance as needed or requested with completion of activities of daily living (ADLs) including all areas of personal care such as toileting, oral hygiene, eating, dressing, body positioning or lifting and transfers, and utilizing adaptive equipment.
  5. Maintain accurate documentation including daily progress on individual objectives, work or non-work activities, time sheets, assessments and unusual incident reports.
  6. Participate in the development of functional objectives most likely to help the individual(s) accomplish personal goals and adhere to support plans as designed through the interdisciplinary team process.
  7. Communicate any safety, wellness or atypical behavior pattern concerns immediately or in progress notes, behavior data sheets, seizure or injury reports.
  8. Maintain adequate program supplies for the assigned schedule of activities.
  9. Ensure the cleanliness of the area and report any safety hazards, accidents or other barriers to promote a positive environment and a safe workplace.
  10. Transport individuals to and from community excursions, following all safety procedures including the proper use of safety/seat belts and tie-downs. Account for all individuals before, during and upon return from any activity.
  11. May provide coverage to other day program locations on an as needed basis.
  12. Responsible for attending and participating in staff meetings and in-service training sessions.
  13. Maintain professional behavior and a positive attitude at all times, on or off site.
  14. Successfully complete required Little City Foundation training, re-training, or additional training as required by policies, practices or as assigned by the immediate supervisor for specific program needs. Some required trainings include American Heart Association certification in First Aid and CPR, PACE certification for driving positions, Crisis Prevention Intervention and the approved DSP program.
  15. Other reasonable duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and be at least 21 years of age. One year of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavior and/or emotional challenges preferred. The DSP must be able to speak and write clearly and communicate information effectively in English. Comfort with technology for computer data entry. A valid driver's license, proof of automobile insurance is required. The DSP must also meet the LCF insurance requirements per policy in order to be maintained on the Approved Driver's list. This DSP position is a Pace Certified position.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is subject to sitting, walking, and standing for prolonged periods; frequently grasps, lifts, holds, or feels objects; occasionally stoops, kneels, crouches, or crawls. Some use of computer and typing is required. The employee frequently is required to use manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination when working with individuals served and handling office, medical or other equipment. The employee is subject to assist and lift or support up to 50 pounds with varying amounts of assistance on a reoccurring basis. The employee is required to have corrected vision and hearing within normal range and the ability to operate a motor vehicle. Must have the ability to perform CPR and CPI. Occupational exposure to blood, body fluids, infectious substances, including communicable diseases when performing personal care (Category III). Occasional exposure to cleaning agents and disinfectants. Work environment noise level ranges from normal to loud. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Disclaimer: The intent of this job description is to provide a representative level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

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