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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Riverside, MO

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Get Paid Daily! Starting Pay: $19.65/hour | Full-time Location: Belton, MO Work that actually means something starts here. As a Direct Support Professional, you'll ...

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Get Paid Daily! Starting Pay: $19.65/hour | Full-time Location: Lee's Summit, MO Work that actually means something starts here. As a Direct Support Professional ...

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Get Paid Daily! Starting Pay: $19.65/hour | Full-time Location: Independence, MO Work that actually means something starts here. As a Direct Support Professional ...

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Get Paid Daily! Starting Pay: $19.65/hour | Full-time Location: Raytown, MO Work that actually means something starts here. As a Direct Support Professional, you ...

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Get Paid Daily! Starting Pay: $19.65/hour | Full-time Location: Lee's Summit, MO Work that actually means something starts here. As a Direct Support Professional ...

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Get Paid Daily! Starting Pay: $19.65/hour | Full-time Location: Lee's Summit, MO Work that actually means something starts here. As a Direct Support Professional ...

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Get Paid Daily! Starting Pay: $19.65/hour | Full-time Location: Lee's Summit, MO Work that actually means something starts here. As a Direct Support Professional ...

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Get Paid Daily! Starting Pay: $19.65/hour | Full-time Location: Belton, MO Work that actually means something starts here. As a Direct Support Professional, you'll ...

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Get Paid Daily! Starting Pay: $19.65/hour | Full-time Location: Kansas City, MO Work that actually means something starts here. As a Direct Support Professional ...

Direct Support Professional

Independence, MO · On-site

$18.20 - $19.20/hr

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL Department : Residential--Community Living Reports To : Program Coordinator FLSA : Non-Exempt SUMMARY A Direct Support Professional ("DSP") provides support in all areas ...

Direct Support Professional

Liberty, MO · On-site

$18.20 - $19.20/hr

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL Department : Residential--Community Living Reports To : Program Coordinator FLSA : Non-Exempt SUMMARY A Direct Support Professional ("DSP") provides support in all areas ...

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Get Paid Daily! Starting Pay: $19.65/hour | Full-time Location: Kansas City, MO Work that actually means something starts here. As a Direct Support Professional ...

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Get Paid Daily! Starting Pay: $19.65/hour | Full-time Location: Raytown, MO Work that actually means something starts here. As a Direct Support Professional, you ...

Direct Support Professional

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

As a Direct Support Professional you will work in an environment where you truly have the ability to make a positive impact in the lives of others. You will participate in planning, development and ...

Showing results 21-40

Direct Support Professional information

See Riverside, MO salary details

$9

$15

$19

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Riverside, MO is $15.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $16.97 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.

What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Riverside, MO look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Riverside, MO are:

What cities near Riverside, MO are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities near Riverside, MO with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:

Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Riverside, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,745 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Sevita

Belton, MO • On-site

$19.65/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Sevita Health rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 285 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

793rd of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Mentor Community Services, a part of the Sevita family, provides community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Here we believe every person has the right to live well, and everyone deserves to have a fulfilling career. You’ll join a mission-driven team and create relationships that motivate us all every day. Join us today, and experience a career well lived.

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Get Paid Daily!

Starting Pay: $19.65/hour | Full-time 

Location: Belton, MO 

Work that actually means something starts here.

As a Direct Support Professional, you’ll support individuals with developmental disabilities, behavioral challenges, and complex needs in a home and community setting. You’ll help people live more independently, try new things, and stay connected to their community.

This is hands-on work that includes helping with personal care and daily living tasks, while also encouraging growth, independence, and dignity.

If you’re patient, dependable, and find purpose in helping others live fuller lives, this is work that stays with you.

Why Join Sevita?

Get Paid Daily

  • Access your earnings whenever you need them with On-Demand Pay - no waiting for payday. 

Excellent Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus a 401(k) with company match.

Paid Time Off

  • Enjoy generous PTO and paid holidays so you can recharge.

Career Growth Opportunities

  • We believe in promoting from within. Receive ongoing training, mentorship, and opportunities to grow into leadership roles across our nationwide network.

Referral Bonuses

  • Know someone who would be a great fit? Earn extra cash when you refer qualified candidates.

What You'll Do

As a DSP, you'll play an important role in helping individuals thrive by:

  • Building meaningful, trusting relationships with the individuals you support
  • Assisting with personal care, hygiene, meals, medication reminders, and daily routines
  • Encouraging independence through life skills such as budgeting, communication, nutrition, and healthy living
  • Supporting community involvement, recreational activities, and social engagement
  • Providing patient, respectful support to individuals with behavioral or complex needs
  • Creating a safe, positive, and supportive home environment
  • Working alongside your team to help individuals achieve their personal goals

Who Thrives in This Role

You don't need a healthcare background to be great at this job. You just need the right mindset.

We’re looking for people who are:

  • Compassionate, patient, and dependable
  • Comfortable working with individuals with behavioral or complex needs
  • Good communicators and team players
  • Flexible and able to adapt in real time
  • Responsible, reliable, and consistent

Qualifications: 

  • High school diploma or GED or five years of documented caregiving experience in place of education
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Valid driver's license (held for at least 1 year)
  • Access to a registered, insured vehicle
  • Ability to successfully complete required background checks
  • Dependable, compassionate, and committed to providing quality care

Make a Difference. Build a Career.

If you're compassionate, dependable, and looking for meaningful work with opportunities to grow, we'd love to meet you.

Apply today and start a rewarding career with Sevita—where every day, your work changes lives.


Sevita is a leading provider of home and community-based specialized health care. We believe that everyone deserves to live a full, more independent life. We provide people with quality services and individualized supports that lead to growth and independence, regardless of the physical, intellectual, or behavioral challenges they face.
We’ve made this our mission for more than 50 years. And today, our 40,000 team members continue to innovate and enhance care for the 50,000 individuals we serve all over the U.S.


As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. 


What Sevita Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About Sevita

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sevita is a leading provider of home and community-based specialized health care. We believe that everyone deserves to live a full, more independent life. We provide people with quality services and individualized support that leads to growth and independence, regardless of the physical, intellectual, or behavioral challenges they face. We've made this our mission for more than 50 years. And today, our 40,000 team members continue to innovate and enhance care for the 50,000 individuals we serve. We're an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. Sevita is a leading provider of home and community-based specialized health care, similar companies include Brookedale Senior Living, A New Hope, and North Star.

Industry

Nursing and residential care facilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

1980

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