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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

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 ...

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 - 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 ...

LSU AgCenter

LSU Law Center Advocacy Fellow

Hebert, LA

$97K - $131K/yr

Professional Job Summary: Provides support and coaching to student participants in the LSU Paul M ... Supports and assists the Program Director with competition registration and team travel ...

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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 Aug 17, 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 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.
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.

CHARGE NURSE - LVNLPN (69236)

PRIORITY MANAGEMENT

Ruston, LA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

RESPONSIBILTIES: 
To provide nursing care to residents as prescribed by the physician and in accordance with standards of nursing practices and regulations, as directed by the Director of Nursing.  To lead or direct licensed and non-professional staff in the delivery of direct Resident care and support functions. 

OTHER DUTIES:  

  1. Understand, comply with and promote all rules regarding resident’s rights. 
  2. Other duties as assigned. 

WORK SCHEDULE: As assigned, including some weekends, evenings and holidays. Non-Exempt Position.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Basic Company Paid Life insurance
  • Long Term Disability
  • Voluntary Life Insurance for the Employee, Employee Spouse and Employee Children
  • Short Term Disability, Cancer, Critical Illness, Accidental and Universal Life
  • Employee Referral Bonus Potential Program
  • Daily Pay
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Paid Time Off
  • Must be a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in good standing and currently licensed in State of Texas. 
  • Must be capable of performing the essentials of this job, with or without reasonable accommodation. 

Priority Management Group, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable Federal, State or Local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment. Management Group, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable Federal, State or Local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.

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