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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Stevens Point, WI

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Direct Support Professional information

See Stevens Point, WI salary details

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Stevens Point, WI is $15.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $17.02 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 Stevens Point, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Stevens Point, WI are:

What cities near Stevens Point, WI are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities near Stevens Point, WI with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:

Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Stevens Point, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,892 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Direct Support Professional (Caregiver)- FLOAT - Plover

Aurora Community Services

Plover, WI โ€ข On-site

$19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Your New Beginning Starts Here!
Employee-Owned, Mission-Driven
Wage: $19/hr.
Call for details 715-835-9202!
Paid Training
If you are passionate and committed to helping individuals live fuller, happier, and more satisfying lives, then Aurora Community Services has a rewarding career opportunity for you!
For over 35 years, Aurora has been a leader in providing customized services that support individuals with disabilities, chronic mental illness, and traumatic brain injuries in residential settings. We value employees that are passionate about making people smile every day by empowering them to live as independently as possible.
The services we provide require a dedicated staff that is committed to utilizing behavioral support programs, aiding with self care, or performing essential duties, while maintaining the consumer's dignity.
Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Seek out opportunities for community/social integration
  • Help consumers plan and prepare their choices of fun events and outings
  • Assisting with self care- dressing, bathing or showering, brushing teeth, toileting, shaving
  • Medication Administration
  • Meal Preparation/Planning
  • Transportation of consumers
  • Follow individual service plans
  • Other duties as assigned

Essential Functions/Requirements:
  • 18 years of age
  • Acceptable Background Character Verification
  • Valid drivers license and acceptable driving record for consumer transport
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Must be able to twist, turn, squat, bend, reach, pull, push from high/low position, raise arms above shoulder, walk, sit (chair and floor), climb stairs, and use hands and fingers
  • Communicate basic English
  • Basic reading, writing, and internet navigation skills
  • Experience with adults with disabilities

Float Staff Requirements/Qualifications
  • Work and training schedule is obtained ONLY from the Direct Support Coordinator
  • Must be available every other weekend
  • Must maintain a minimum of Secondary Drive Status
  • Must be willing to travel to all operations within the region
  • Drive time is paid after 30 minutes of travel from staff residence
    • Drive time reimbursement must be submitted monthly
  • If full time, the employee must maintain a full-time work schedule
  • 2+ years of experience in residential services required
  • Frequent schedule changes/declining scheduled shifts is grounds for discharge
  • If "regular" position is desired, must apply - rate of pay would be regular rate of pay for that position

Float positions are available with the following schedules:
  • Full Time: Must include every other weekend hours, designated days off weekly - $1.50/hr shift differential for weekend hours
  • Full Time Weekend: Work 32 hours every weekend (Paid for 40 hours) - NO shift differential
  • Part Time Weekend: Work 32 hours every other weekend - NO shift differential

Benefits:
  • Option to get paid before payday
  • Flexible scheduling around availability, and every other weekend off
  • Opportunities for advancement in a growing, hire-from-within company
  • Shift differential on weekends
  • Employee discount - Verizon and Dell
  • Health Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vacation/Personal Hours
  • Employee Stock Ownership
  • 401-K
  • Employee Achievement Program
  • Longevity Bonus for Part Time or Full Time Employees
  • Casual dress (no uniforms), fun work atmosphere
  • And more

If you are looking to make a difference, join the Aurora team! Aurora Community Services is proud to be an Employee Owned Company! An EOE/AA Employer
#JobListings #Plover #MentalHealthAwareness #NewBeginning #PersonalCare #hiringnow #hiring #joinourteam #careers #jobs #jobsearch #programassistant #Caregiver #Caretaker #DirectCareStaff #PersonalCareWorker #DirectSupportProfessional #ResidentialCareProvider #DayStaff #NowHiring #InHomeCare #AdultCare #Aide #Caregiver
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

AURORA COMMUNITY SERVICES logo

About AURORA COMMUNITY SERVICES

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Aurora Community Services is a prominent company based in Menomonie, WI, US, positioned primarily within the healthcare industry. This commendable entity offers a comprehensive range of essential community and residential services, focusing on assisting individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, and mental health needs. Since its inception, the company has fostered a welcoming, inclusive environment and is dedicated to enhancing the lives of those they care for, tailoring programs to suit individual needs, emphasizing empowerment, and promoting independence.

Industry

Individual, family and community social assistance

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Menomonie, WI, US

Year founded

1986