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

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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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 Jun 12, 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.

How much do DSP workers make?

Direct Support Professionals typically earn between $15 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, certifications, and the employer. In some cases, wages may be higher with specialized skills or in certain regions, and many DSPs work part-time or full-time schedules with benefits varying by employer.

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 is the work of a Direct Support Professional?

A Direct Support Professional provides assistance to individuals with disabilities or special needs, helping them with daily activities such as personal care, household tasks, and community integration. They often work in clients' homes or care facilities, requiring good communication skills and sometimes certification in CPR or first aid.

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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Direct Support Professional typically earns less than $10,000 a month; however, high-paying roles in sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship can reach that level without a degree. These jobs often require strong interpersonal skills, self-motivation, and sometimes licensing or certifications, but they do not necessarily require a college degree.

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.

What is an example of a Direct Support Professional?

A Direct Support Professional is a trained caregiver who provides assistance to individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions, helping them with daily activities such as personal care, medication management, and community integration. They often work in settings like homes, group homes, or community centers and may require certifications like CPR or first aid.
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

Direct Support Professional/CNA

Centers for Independence

Milwaukee, WI

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job Purpose: The Direct Support Professional (DSP) I / CNA provides personal cares and support to individuals participating in Employment and Community Services programming. This role engages individuals served in a variety of enrichment activities and experiences that fosters growth and independence. The DSP promotes the importance of personal care, hygiene, and overall health and wellness. LIFE Services population includes individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and medical support needs. Brain Health Services population includes individuals with traumatic and acquired brain injuries.
Essential Job Functions:
(Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.)

  • Assists with personal care routines, including hygiene, toileting, and dressing, and participates in all required two-person transfers and Hoyer lift usage.
  • Supports individuals during mealtimes to ensure safety, promote independence, and maintain a respectful, pleasant dining environment.
  • Conducts body checks during personal care and promptly reports concerns to the Nurse Manager.
  • Completes accurate, timely documentation in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) regarding individual care, health needs, and program involvement.
  • Serves as secondary staff for outings and class activities and independently facilitates assigned program tracks after training and observation.
  • Assists individuals in using assistive technology and adaptive equipment as outlined in their individual care plans.
  • Maintains a clean, organized, and safe work environment by following daily checklists and infection control/safety protocols.
  • Promotes a culture of safety by following agency procedures and reporting all incidents, hazards, or concerns; performs other duties as assigned.
  • Other duties as assigned

Required Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure and Credentials: (Where appropriate, education and/or experience may be substituted)
Minimum Required Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent
Minimum Required Experience: Experience working with individuals with disabilities in a day service, residential or community setting.
Required License - Certification - Registration: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Issued By Governing Body (if applicable): Completion of Safety Education and First Aid certification within 120 days of hire.
Travel Type: None
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Basic computer proficiency, including use of web-based systems for documentation.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow protocols accurately.
  • Adaptable and flexible in response to changing individual or program needs.
  • Ability to support individuals with behavioral challenges in a respectful, person-centered manner.

Physical Requirements, Visual Acuity, and Work Conditions:
Physical Requirements: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.
Visual Acuity: The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal. Must be able to independently supervise individuals in various settings, ensuring safety through active observation, risk detection, sound judgment, and the ability to respond effectively in emergency situations.
Working Conditions: This position works in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments, which may include exposure to varying weather conditions, loud noise levels, and fluctuating temperatures.

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