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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Ruston, LA (NOW HIRING)

Bernice NRC LLC

Certified Nursing Assistant

Bernice, LA · On-site

... directed by a healthcare professional * Monitor patients' vital signs and report any changes to the appropriate staff member * Communicate with patients and families to provide education and support

Bernice NRC LLC

Certified Nursing Assistant

Bernice, LA · On-site

... directed by a healthcare professional * Monitor patients' vital signs and report any changes to the appropriate staff member * Communicate with patients and families to provide education and support

Priority Management

CHARGE NURSE - RN (69237)

Ruston, LA · On-site

$65 - $75/hr

To lead or direct licensed and non-professional staff in the delivery of direct Resident care and support functions. OTHER DUTIES * Understand, comply with and promote all rules regarding resident ...

Hunt, Guillot & Associates LLC

Pipeline Engineer

Ruston, LA · On-site

$110 - $150/hr

Ruston , Louisiana Direct Hire Jul 29, 2026 The Pipeline Engineer provides technical management ... Professional Engineer license required. 10+ years of related experience in a consulting engineering ...

Pafford EMS

ADVANCED EMT - FULL TIME

Ruston, LA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Provides Advanced Life Support including medical evaluation, treatment and stabilization of the ... Responsible for managing and directing all first responders at the scene of a medical emergency ...

Pafford EMS

ADVANCED EMT - PART TIME

Arcadia, LA · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Provides Advanced Life Support including medical evaluation, treatment and stabilization of the ... Responsible for managing and directing all first responders at the scene of a medical emergency ...

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All JobsDirect Support Professional JobsDirect Support Professional Jobs in Ruston, LA

Direct Support Professional information

See Ruston, LA salary details

$7

$13

$16

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Ruston, LA is $13.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.63 and $14.18 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.
More about Direct Support Professional jobs

What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Ruston, LA look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Ruston, LA are:

What cities near Ruston, LA are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities near Ruston, LA with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:

Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Ruston, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $27,342 per year, or $13.1 per hour.

Licensed Practical Nurse (PRN) - LTAC Hospital - (Monroe,LA)

Hire Energy

Farmerville, LA

$30/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 9 hours ago

Job description

Job Title: PRN Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – Long-Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH)
Location:  Monroe, LA 
Job Type: PRN
Shifts: Day & Night Shifts, 7a-7p, 7p-7a
Agency: Hire Energy Healthcare Staffing 
Starting Hourly Pay: $30.00

Overview:
We are currently seeking experienced and compassionate Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to join our team for acute care hospital assignments. As part of our dedicated nursing staff, you will provide essential patient care, collaborate with the healthcare team, and ensure the highest quality of service in a fast-paced hospital setting.

Responsibilities:
  • Provide direct patient care under the supervision of RNs and physicians
  • Monitor vital signs, administer medications, and assist with treatments
  • Document patient care accurately in the hospital’s electronic health records (EHR) system
  • Communicate effectively with patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members
  • Support patient comfort and safety through timely response and high-quality clinical care
  • Assist in discharge planning and patient education
Qualifications:
  • Current and valid LPN license in Louisiana 
  • Minimum 1 year LTAC LPN experience in MedSurg
  • BLS (Basic Life Support) certification required 
  • Strong clinical and critical thinking skills
  • Experience using Epic Systems is a plus 
  • Ability to adapt to a dynamic hospital environment
Why Work With Us:
  • Competitive pay rates
  • Flexible scheduling options
  • Weekly direct deposit 
  • 24/7 support from our dedicated team
  • Opportunities at top healthcare facilities
  • LLH Benefits

Culture
Our staffing professionals are committed to meeting your individual needs and exceeding your expectations. Experienced top-quality candidates are the result of our extensive screening process, in-depth evaluations, industry-specific testing, and reference checking.
Responsibilities
  • Provide direct patient care under the supervision of RNs and physicians
  • Monitor vital signs, administer medications, and assist with treatments
  • Document patient care accurately in the hospital’s electronic health records (EHR) system
  • Communicate effectively with patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members
  • Support patient comfort and safety through timely response and high-quality clinical care
  • Assist in discharge planning and patient education

Requirements
Authorized to work in the US without sponsorship
Active LPN license in the state of Louisiana
BLS
Must have 1+ Year experience working in Med Surg
Minimum 1+ Years experience working in a LTAC Hospital
English
Equal Opportunity Employer
Hire Energy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Requisition #cmk752eaq14o50iqyuz9eq2m5