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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Stevens Point, WI

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Anesthesiology Physician

Wisconsin Rapids, WI · On-site

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Direct Support Professional information

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 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.
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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:

Direct Support Professional jobs near you
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.

Complex Behavioral (DSP) - Nekoosa

Vista Care

Wisconsin Rapids, WI • On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Description
Job Title: Direct Support Professional Complex Behavioral (DSP) Non-Exempt/Hourly
Department: Operations
Reports To: Complex Behavioral Shift Supervisor,
Date: May 11, 2025
Job Summary:
Under the direction of the Complex Behavioral Shift Supervisor, the Direct Support Professional (DSP) Complex Behavioral, is responsible to work cooperatively with other staff in developing, implementing, and evaluating Vista Care Individuals care and support as designed in the Individual Service Plan (ISP) and or Behavioral Support Plan (BSP). The DSP is responsible for reporting any and all concerns regarding program or personnel issues to the Complex Behavioral Shift Supervisor. Services may include but are not limited to assisting in maintaining a clean, safe living environment, meal preparation and assisting in the activities of daily living.
Duties/Responsibilities:
PROGRAM:
  • DSP is to be able to read, write, acknowledge and adhere to all Vista Care policies and procedures.
  • Follows guidelines of shift duties and tasks.
  • Demonstrates reliability and dependability in reporting for scheduled shifts, including remaining on duty at program locations until another staff arrives to maintain a safe environment for our individuals served.
  • Respects the rights of individuals served, including being familiar with Individual Rights and ensuring a supervisor is informed of any issues related to the rights of those served with a sense of urgency.
  • Acts as an advocate for individuals supported and served, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect at all times.
  • Maintains professional boundaries at all times with individuals served, guardians, other team members, etc.
  • Responsible for maintaining a clean, comfortable and supportive, working atmosphere ensuring a homelike environment.
  • Relate to those served with a caring and professional attitude and shows respect to them and other team members in every interaction.
  • Demonstrates positive communication in all interactions and initiates services. Treats individuals in an age appropriate manner with dignity and respect.
  • Works to involve individuals supporting in the decorating and care of their surroundings.
  • Ensures individuals supported are kept clean and neat in appearance, inclusive of assisting them in their choice of dressing, initiating the individual served to assure hygiene needs are met, ensuring all clothing is clean and in good condition with any needs reported to the supervisor.

QUALITY:
  • Completes all charting, logs, documentation and plans of those served in a timely manner while on duty.
  • Completes daily logs and documentation in a timely, thorough manner.
  • Administers and or verifies that medications have been administered properly by adhering to Vista Care Company policies and procedures.
  • Maintains knowledge of all approved behavior support plans as designed and ensures plans are implemented and documented. Includes but is not limited to knowing and being able to identify signs of agitation for the purpose of implementing recommended behavior support, provides recommendations for revisions of plans to supervisor, etc.
  • Consistently remains alert to behavior/physical changes of those served and notifies supervisors as appropriate. Documents observed changes in company EHR, reads and logs notes related to support plans regularly.
  • Encourages active choice and involvement for individuals supported including but not limited to encouraging interaction with others, supports individuals in meal preparation and household tasks, planning activities, and recognizes and initiates moments of choice.
  • Actively assists those supported with family and personal contacts. Is aware of defined restrictions of contacts and assists in compliance. May assist in making phone calls and contacts and with family and friends. Supports those served as requested in writing, addressing and mainly letters. Demonstrates respect and attentiveness when interacting with families of those served. Notifies supervisors of any concerns related to family interactions, questions, or issues.
  • Initiates planned activities and involves those served in the planning of activities. Encourages individuals to choose activities and documents their preferences. Offers a variety of activities and maintains awareness of those community activities that may be of interest. Actively makes suggestions to the supervisor of recommended activities etc.
  • Successfully understands and follows the Five Rights of Nursing Delegation

PERSONAL:
  • Attends all required training sessions and meetings as required/scheduled.
  • Attends annual training necessary to meet any CEU requirements per state/county regulations.
  • Knowledgeable in the use of all medical equipment needed to care for individuals served.
  • Promotes a positive and collaborative environment of teamwork with other staff
  • Embraces Vista Care Values and maintains a positive attitude
  • Acts as a positive role model
  • Offers constructive, positive solutions to problems
  • Demonstrates an openness towards constructive feedback
  • Promotes a cooperative relationship with other areas and outside contacts.

GENERAL:
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must successfully complete all certification and training requirements within the assigned state(s) of operation within 90 days of hire.
  • Must successfully complete medication administration training and CPI training during orientation period
  • Valid driver's license and clear driving record in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and Vista Care's best practices required if position requires transport of persons served in a company owned vehicle. Authorization must be provided to Vista Care to obtain a DMV record which can be approved for coverage by our company insurance carrier.
  • Experience in human services, customer service, or a related field preferred
  • Prior experience in residential services and supports for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities preferred.
  • Clear background check in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and Vista Care's best practices
  • Consistently demonstrate effective decision-making abilities, strong communication skills, and computer literacy
  • Ability to read/write, comprehend in English language to facilitate documentation requirements and ability to comprehend Behavioral Support Plans/Individual support Plans.

Education:
  • High School Diploma or GED Required
  • A college, or university degree or the equivalent added bonus. Social services or similar fields preferred.
  • CPI or similar certification preferred, ability to complete CPI training within the orientation period required.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:
  • Prompt and regular attendance is a requirement.
  • Ability to lift at least fifty (50) pounds on a routine basis to assist with individuals supported.
  • Ability to bend, twist, lift, reach and assist individuals supported with their movements including their ability to stand up.
  • Required to work in residential settings and/or day programs.
  • Successful applicant(s) may be required to travel to the various programs as assigned under the direction of Vista Care leadership.
  • All persons in this position should be prepared to work weekends and holidays. Scheduled hours may require transfer to assist other locations as needed. Employees are eligible to accept additional open hours as posted.
  • Prompt and regular attendance is expected and required.
  • The possibility of exposure to blood borne pathogens exists if universal precautions are not followed.
  • May require working under stressful conditions at times and handling emergencies. There will be pressure at times to meet scheduled appointments and deadlines and manage crisis situations.
  • This position will interact with individuals who are intellectually and developmentally disabled and may be frail or confused and have the potential for verbal or physical aggression.

Requirements
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must successfully complete all certification and training requirements within the assigned state(s) of operation within 90 days of hire.
  • Valid driver's license and clear driving record in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and Vista Care's best practices required if position requires transport of persons served in a company owned vehicle. Authorization must be provided to Vista Care to obtain a DMV record which can be approved for coverage by our company insurance carrier.
  • Experience in human services, customer service, or a related field preferred
  • Prior experience in residential services and supports for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities preferred.
  • Clear background check in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and Vista Care's best practices
  • Consistently demonstrate effective decision-making abilities, strong communication skills, and computer literacy
  • Ability to read/write, comprehend in English language to facilitate documentation requirements and ability to comprehend Behavioral Support Plans/Individual support Plans. Education:
  • High School Diploma or GED Required
  • A college, or university degree or the equivalent added bonus. Social services or similar fields preferred.
  • CPI or similar certification preferred
  • Physical Demands
  • Prompt and regular attendance is a requirement.
  • Ability to lift at least fifty (50) pounds on a routine basis to assist with individuals supported.
  • Ability to bend, twist, lift, reach and assist individuals supported with their movements including their ability to stand up.
  • Required to work in residential settings and/or day programs.
  • Successful applicant(s) may be required to travel to the various programs as assigned under the direction of Vista Care leadership.
  • All persons in this position should be prepared to work weekends and holidays. Scheduled hours may require transfer to assist other locations as needed. Employees are eligible to accept additional open hours as posted.
  • Prompt and regular attendance is expected and required.
  • The possibility of exposure to blood borne pathogens exists if universal precautions are not followed.
  • May require working under stressful conditions at times and handling emergencies. There will be pressure at times to meet scheduled appointments and deadlines and manage crisis situations.
  • This position will interact with individuals who are intellectually and developmentally disabled and may be frail or confused and have the potential for verbal or physical aggression

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