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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Rochester, MN

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Rochester, MN is $15.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $17.07 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 are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professional jobs in Rochester, MN? For Direct Support Professional jobs in Rochester, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Rochester, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Rochester, MN are:
What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Rochester, MN as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 47% Full Time, 43% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,958 per year, or $15.8 per hour.
Direct Support Professional - Temporary Relief

Direct Support Professional - Temporary Relief

Nexus Family Healing

Rochester, MN • On-site

$21/hr

Temporary

Posted 13 days ago

Nexus Family Healing rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Type
Temporary
Description
Nexus Family Healing is actively hiring mental health Direct Support Professionals for the Southeast Regional Crisis Center (SERCC) in Rochester, MN!
In this role, you will support and reinforce the therapeutic treatment plan of clients by providing guidance, assistance, and direction to clients in their daily living activities and scheduled therapeutic activities.
This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who is passionate about mission-driven work while aligning communities and regional partners to provide the right kind of care for individuals experiencing mental health crises across southeast Minnesota.
At Nexus Family Healing, we embrace diversity, promote equity, and foster inclusion. As a national mental health organization, we serve a diverse group of youth and families, and we strive for our workforce to support and represent that diversity.
Schedule & Pay:
  • 1st shift: 7am-3:30pm; 2nd shift: 3pm-11:30pm; 3rd shift: 11pm-7:30am
  • $21.00 per hour
  • Temporary relief schedule: scheduled for 2 full shifts a month, ability to pick up more!
  • Onsite in Rochester, MN

Position Summary: The Direct Support Professional is responsible for establishing, implementing, and reinforcing the therapeutic treatment plan of clients by providing guidance, assistance, and direction to clients in their daily living activities and scheduled therapeutic activities.
Primary responsibilities:
Program Oversight & Supervision
  • Support clients in following daily schedules, including therapy and appointments
  • Encourage personal hygiene and clean living spaces
  • Act as a positive role model, showing respect, empathy, and professionalism
  • Promote inclusivity and respect for all backgrounds and identities

Treatment Support
  • Stay informed about each client's treatment phase and adapt interactions accordingly
  • Use therapeutic techniques within boundaries and document interventions
  • Report concerns like self-harm or other risks to supervisors
  • Lead or assist in group sessions and help develop behavior plans
  • Attend and contribute to staff meetings

Client Safety & Teamwork
  • Ensure safety in all environments, including off-site activities
  • Maintain professional boundaries and protect client confidentiality
  • Collaborate with families to support treatment goals

Front Desk & Administrative Support
  • Welcome clients in crisis with empathy and professionalism
  • Provide excellent customer service and assist with clerical tasks

Requirements
Required Education and Licensure:
  • Qualified candidates are required to meet the Mental Health Practitioner criteria as defined in MN Statutes section 245.462, subdivision 17 located at https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/245.462
  • Bachelor's Degree preferred (human services)
  • Minimum 21 years of age
  • Valid driver's license required. Must meet state regulating agency and Home Office driving requirements
  • Must successfully pass a DHS criminal background check
  • Must have the ability to build strong relationships with diverse individuals or communities and understand their unique needs and challenges.
  • Must be open to meeting the cultural needs of individuals or communities, considering factors such as language, traditions, and values.

ICARE Values & Behavioral Competencies:
  • Innovation: Leading the way and implementing creative, cutting-edge ideas and approaches.
  • Compassion: Listening, honoring differences, and showing respect, kindness, empathy care, and concern.
  • Agility: Exhibiting flexibility and adapting quickly.
  • Responsiveness: Being quick, positive, and accurate.
  • Excellence: Demonstrating quality results that surpass ordinary standards.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion:
At Nexus Family Healing, our voices and actions will be focused on recognizing, affirming and respecting people of every race, ethnic background, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender expression and faith.
APPLY TODAY TO BE CONTACTED BY OUR RECRUITING TEAM! When you work at Nexus, you have the opportunity to change lives - including your own!

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