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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Waterloo, IA

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Vinton, IA · On-site

$15.25/hr

Direct Support Professional This position requires someone who has had a Drivers License for at least 1 year (post permit) and a clean driving record that meets Sevita's insurability policy. THRIVE ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$15.25/hr

Join Sevita as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and help individuals live their best lives--while building skills, relationships, and a rewarding career. What You'll Do: * Empower individuals to ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$15.25/hr

Join Sevita as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and help individuals live their best lives--while building skills, relationships, and a rewarding career. What You'll Do: * Empower individuals to ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$15.25/hr

Join Sevita as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and help individuals live their best lives--while building skills, relationships, and a rewarding career. What You'll Do: * Empower individuals to ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$15.25/hr

Join Sevita as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and help individuals live their best lives--while building skills, relationships, and a rewarding career. What You'll Do: * Empower individuals to ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$15.25/hr

Join Sevita as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and help individuals live their best lives--while building skills, relationships, and a rewarding career. What You'll Do: * Empower individuals to ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$15.25 - $16.25/hr

Join Sevita as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and help individuals live their best lives--while building skills, relationships, and a rewarding career. What You'll Do: * Empower individuals to ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$15.25 - $16.25/hr

Join Sevita as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and help individuals live their best lives--while building skills, relationships, and a rewarding career. What You'll Do: * Empower individuals to ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$15.25/hr

Join Sevita as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and help individuals live their best lives--while building skills, relationships, and a rewarding career. What You'll Do: * Empower individuals to ...

Sunrise

Direct Support Professional

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$20/hr

Direct Support roles within this organization are mandated reporters, and as such must report any instances of abuse, neglect, or exploitation that they are involved in or witness. Sunrise is an ...

Sunrise

Direct Support Professional

Cedar Falls, IA

$20/hr

Direct Support roles within this organization are mandated reporters, and as such must report any instances of abuse, neglect, or exploitation that they are involved in or witness. Sunrise is an ...

Sunrise

Direct Support Professional

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Direct Support roles within this organization are mandated reporters, and as such must report any instances of abuse, neglect, or exploitation that they are involved in or witness. Sunrise is an ...

Sunrise

Direct Support Professional

Cedar Falls, IA

$14 - $17/hr

Direct Support roles within this organization are mandated reporters, and as such must report any instances of abuse, neglect, or exploitation that they are involved in or witness. Sunrise is an ...

Sunrise

Direct Support Professional

Evansdale, IA · On-site

To provide support, assistance and supervision to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities to enable them to live valued lives in the community. Qualifications: * Must successfully ...

Sunrise

Direct Support Professional

Evansdale, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

To provide support, assistance and supervision to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities to enable them to live valued lives in the community. Qualifications: * Must successfully ...

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All JobsDirect Support Professional JobsDirect Support Professional Jobs in Waterloo, IA

Direct Support Professional information

See Waterloo, IA salary details

$9

$15

$19

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Waterloo, IA is $15.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.41 and $16.35 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 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 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.

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 are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professional jobs in Waterloo, IA? For Direct Support Professional jobs in Waterloo, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Waterloo, IA look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Waterloo, IA are:
What cities near Waterloo, IA are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Waterloo, IA with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Waterloo, IA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,535 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Sevita

Vinton, IA • On-site

$15.25/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Sevita Health rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 283 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

787th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

REM Community Services, a part of the Sevita family, provides community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Here we believe every person has the right to live well, and everyone deserves to have a fulfilling career. You’ll join a mission-driven team and create relationships that motivate us all every day. Join us today, and experience a career well lived. 

Direct Support Professional

This position requires someone who has had a Drivers License for at least 1 year (post permit) and a clean driving record that meets Sevita's insurability policy.

THRIVE AS A CAREGIVER AT SEVITA. EACH DAY, YOU’LL

  • Be proud of rewarding work helping people grow, learn, and live well
  • Develop real, meaningful relationships with the individuals you serve
  • Experience ownership and trust from your leaders to do what’s right for participants
  • Take initiative to help participants be part of the community and enjoy their favorite activities
  • Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition

You’ll assist people with their personal hygiene and support individuals who can have behavioral challenges and other complex needs. If you’re compassionate, patient, and find meaning in this type of work, you'll find a promising future at Sevita.

EVERY PERSON DESERVES A FULFILLING CAREER 

  • Hourly rate of $15.25 and full benefits package for full-time employees, including a 401(k) with a 3% company match
  • Time Off: Paid time off plus holiday pay to recharge so you can be your best at work
  •  Network of Support: Supervisors who care deeply about the participants and your wellbeing
  • Job Security: A stable job  at an established, growing company
  • Learning and Development: We invest in your development and provide the tools and training you need to have a fulfilling career 

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO SEVITA

  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Education: High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Skills: Communication, adaptability, multi-tasking, teamwork, time-management
  • Behaviors: Patient, compassionate, reliable, responsible
  • Vehicle:  Valid Driver's license and access to a registered vehicle with proof of insurance

Apply today and explore careers, well lived at Sevita.


Sevita is a leading provider of home and community-based specialized health care. We believe that everyone deserves to live a full, more independent life. We provide people with quality services and individualized supports that lead to growth and independence, regardless of the physical, intellectual, or behavioral challenges they face.
We’ve made this our mission for more than 50 years. And today, our 40,000 team members continue to innovate and enhance care for the 50,000 individuals we serve all over the U.S.
 

As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

What Sevita Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Sevita

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sevita is a leading provider of home and community-based specialized health care. We believe that everyone deserves to live a full, more independent life. We provide people with quality services and individualized support that leads to growth and independence, regardless of the physical, intellectual, or behavioral challenges they face. We've made this our mission for more than 50 years. And today, our 40,000 team members continue to innovate and enhance care for the 50,000 individuals we serve. We're an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. Sevita is a leading provider of home and community-based specialized health care, similar companies include Brookedale Senior Living, A New Hope, and North Star.

Industry

Nursing and residential care facilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

1980

Social media

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