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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Waynesboro, MS

Help at Home

Direct Support Professional

Laurel, MS

$13 - $15/hr

Help at Home is hiring Direct Support Professionals in your community TODAY! Help at Home is hiring caring and dependable caregivers to support individuals with intellectual and developmental ...

Reliant Rehabilitation

Occupational Therapist

Quitman, MS · On-site

$37.75 - $49.75/hr

... support, professional development, and growth opportunities. Our leadership team began their ... Enhance patients' functional abilities through direct provision, oversight, and coordination of ...

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Direct Support Professional information

See Waynesboro, MS salary details

$9

$15

$19

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Waynesboro, MS is $15.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.65 and $16.63 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 Waynesboro, MS look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Waynesboro, MS are:

What cities near Waynesboro, MS are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities near Waynesboro, MS with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:

Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Waynesboro, MS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,110 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Help at Home

Bay Springs, MS

$13 - $15/hr

Other

Medical, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Help At Home rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 180 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

151st of 242 rated social care providers

Job description

Help at Home is hiring Direct Support Professionals in your community TODAY! 

Help at Home is hiring caring and dependable caregivers to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their homes and communities. Start your career with the nation’s leading provider of in-home support to seniors and become a hero for someone in your community. Pay ranges from $13 - $15 an hour. We offer weekly pay!


Why should you join Help at Home? 

  • Flexible schedules that fit your life
  • Competitive pay - starting pay ranges from $13 - $15/hour (can vary based on type of care)
  • Paid training and career growth opportunities
  • Health benefits, paid time off, and cash bonuses
  • Work that truly matters - helping people live with dignity and independence
  • 40+ years of trusted care experience
  • Veteran-friendly employer - we value your service and skills


Become a Help at Home Hero TODAY!  

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you’ll provide one-on-one support to individuals with developmental disabilities, both at home and in their community, helping them live as independently as possible.

Your work may include:

  • Supporting individuals with daily living skills such as cooking, cleaning, personal care (i.e. grooming, hygiene, etc.), or transportation
  • Encouraging participation in social and community activities such as shopping, social events, etc.
  • Helping people achieve personal goals and celebrating progress
  • Promoting choice, independence, and self-advocacy
  • Accurately documenting care, activities, and progress
  • Communicating with team members to ensure consistent, quality support


Eligibility Requirements: 

  • At least 18 years old
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Successful background check and required training
  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation with proof of insurance (primary or secondary)
  • Ability to work safely and respectfully in clients’ homes and communities
  • Compassion, reliability, and a desire to make a positive impact


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and/or autism, including implementing Individual Activity Support Plans (ASP) and Plans of Service and Supports (PSS).
  • Experience using foundational behavior-support strategies such as redirection, visual prompting, and environmental modification.


Caregivers must comply with state background screening requirements. Compensation, benefits, time off and bonuses vary by state and location, so please ask for complete details at your interview.  

Data Security and Privacy Statement

At Help at Home, we prioritize protecting your personal information during the hiring process. We comply with all relevant data privacy regulations, including HIPAA and SOX where applicable. Your data will only be used to assess your employment suitability and won't be shared with unauthorized parties.

We use strong security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access or disclosure. By submitting your application, you consent to this process. You can access, modify, or request deletion of your data by contacting us.

Employees must adhere to our data protection policies and legal requirements to safeguard sensitive information.

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