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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Rensselaer, IN

What You'll Do As program director, you'll help lead and grow your community's LifeWise program by ... support a meaningful mission * Communicate clearly and professionally * Can manage details while ...

Director of Operations

Momence, IL ยท On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Review and support department heads in performance management. * Ensure Silva facilities are ... Masterful organizational, communication, and leadership skills, backed by previous professional ...

Direct Reports: Front End Manager, Assistant Front End Manager, and E-Commerce personnel ... professional. * Works on the sales floor to support customer engagement and maintain visibility.

Physical Therapist

Rensselaer, IN ยท On-site

$1.5K - $1.9K/wk

As an integral part of our team, you'll collaborate closely with fellow healthcare professionals ... Competitive compensation and weekly direct deposit * Compliance Support Specialist & Onboarding ...

... supporting the Store Director in daily operations. This exempt-level position drives execution ... Provides input on hiring decisions and contributes to the professional development of reporting ...

Monthly Stipend : $2,300+ monthly to support living expenses throughout medical school * Textbooks ... Direct connection with Army physicians Beyond Your MD: * Leadership from Day One: By the time you ...

Monthly Stipend : $2,300+ monthly to support living expenses throughout medical school * Textbooks ... Direct connection with Army physicians Beyond Your MD: * Leadership from Day One: By the time you ...

Monthly Stipend : $2,300+ monthly to support living expenses throughout medical school * Textbooks ... Direct connection with Army physicians Beyond Your MD: * Leadership from Day One: By the time you ...

Showing results 41-60

Direct Support Professional information

See Rensselaer, IN salary details

$8

$14

$18

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Rensselaer, IN is $14.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.03 and $15.87 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 Rensselaer, IN look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Rensselaer, IN are:
What cities near Rensselaer, IN are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Rensselaer, IN with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Rensselaer, 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 $30,644 per year, or $14.7 per hour.

Program Director

LifeWise Academy

Chalmers, IN โ€ข On-site

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

What You'll Do
As program director, you'll help lead and grow your community's LifeWise program by:
Building Community Relationships
  • Develop positive partnerships with school leaders, parents, churches and community
    members
  • Serve as a trusted representative of LifeWise Academy in the local community
  • Communicate the vision and impact of the program

Leading Fundraising and Community Support
  • Coordinate local fundraising efforts and community giving campaigns
  • Lead donor communication, appreciation and stewardship
  • Conduct church presentations, fundraising events, sponsorship opportunities and
    community outreach initiatives
  • Encourage ongoing financial partnerships to help sustain and grow the program
  • Utilize the LifeWise Academy fundraising strategies

Leading and Supporting Team Members
  • Recruit, train, encourage and support team members
  • Foster a safe, welcoming, Christ-centered culture for students and families
  • Coordinate teams to ensure classes run smoothly and safely

Managing Program Operations
  • Oversee communication, scheduling, enrollment and basic administrative tasks
  • Assist with budgeting, fundraising coordination and stewardship ofresources
  • Maintain compliance with school policies and LifeWise Academy procedures

What Success Looks Like
  • Students receive excellent biblical instruction and experience the gospel as part of every class
  • Families are supported and are connected to the local church
  • Team members feel equipped and valued
  • Donors and community partners feel connected to the mission and impact
  • Schools experience professionalism and partnership
  • Churches unite around a mission that impacts the next generation
  • The program operates sustainably, with the funding,resources, systems and partnerships needed to grow and serve students for years to come

You Might Be a Great Fit If You:
  • Love building relationships and bringing people together
  • Are passionate aboutreaching public school students with the gospel
  • Enjoy leadership, organization and community engagement
  • Are comfortable inviting others to financially support a meaningful mission
  • Communicate clearly and professionally
  • Can manage details while keeping sight of the bigger mission
  • Thrive in ministry, nonprofit, education or community leadership settings
  • Are self-motivated, dependable and flexible

Experience in ministry, education, fundraising, administration, volunteer coordination or community
engagement is helpful, but a heart forthe mission is essential.
Why People Love This Role
  • Meaningful Impact: You'll help bring Bible education to students who may never otherwise hear the gospel
  • Flexible Part-Time Work: This role is ideal for someone seeking meaningful, mission-driven work while balancing family, ministry or other professional commitments
  • Strong Support and Training: You won't do this alone. LifeWise Academy provides systems,
    resources, coaching and ongoing support to help you succeed.
  • Be Part of a Growing Movement: LifeWise Academy is expanding rapidly across the country as
    more communities seek to bring released time religious instruction to local students

Position Details
  • Part-time position (approximately 15-20 hours per week)
  • Some daytime availability required during school hours
  • Occasional weekend, evening or community events

If you're excited about building something meaningful in your community and helping impact the next
generation, we'd love to talk with you. Apply today to learn more about joining the LifeWise Academy
mission.
Benefits
  • Retirement plan, including employer match

LifeWise Academy's hiring practices and EEO Statement are fully in compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the "religion"section of employment discrimination laws for religious
organizations and permitsthem to give employment preference to members of their own religion. LifeWise
Academy is in that category.
Classification: Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Employment Type: Part-Time
Grid Level: 2a