ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Direct Support Professional Jobs in Wayzata, MN (NOW HIRING)

TSE, Inc.

Direct Support Professional

Roseville, MN · On-site

Direct Support Professional - Monday through Friday 7:30A-3:30P. Make a difference in someone's life by becoming a direct support professional. If you are creative and love helping people, you will ...

TSE Inc.

Direct Support Professional

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$19.25/hr

Direct Support Professional Make a difference in someone's life by becoming a direct support professional. If you are creative and love helping people, you will LOVE this opportunity! $17.50/hour ...

New

Cottages Group

Direct Support Professional

Apple Valley, MN · On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

Join Our Team as a Direct Support Professional! Are You Looking for a Meaningful Career? Do you have a passion for caring for others? Do you take pride in helping individuals achieve their personal ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDirect Support Professional JobsDirect Support Professional Jobs in Wayzata, MN

Direct Support Professional information

See Wayzata, MN salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Wayzata, MN is $16.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $17.79 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 job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Wayzata, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Wayzata, MN are:
What cities near Wayzata, MN are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Wayzata, MN with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Wayzata, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,306 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Pinnacle Services Incorporated

Minneapolis, MN

$16/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Description

Pinnacle Services is seeking dedicated, caring individuals to join our team as Direct Support Professionals! Our Direct Support Professionals have the ability to assist persons served with developmental disabilities, mental health diagnoses, and behavioral issues in a residential setting providing support and encouragement to work towards outcomes and goals to gain life skills. We have a variety of full time and part time shifts available throughout the metro area. 


Duties and Responsibilities

Job duties and responsibilities of the position vary to meet the needs of persons served but may include:

  • Meal planning/preparation.
  • Facilitation of community activities by using company vehicles.
  • Assisting with personal and medical cares (helping with dressing, bathing, etc.)
  • Behavior management.
  • Medication administration.


Available Shifts

We have three shift types available all seven days of the week:

  • Mornings- 6am-2pm
  • Evenings- 2pm-10pm
  • Overnights (Awake or Asleep)- 10pm-6am


Salary Description

Direct Support Professional

$16.00/hour 

*$13.00/hour asleep overnights*

Direct Support Professional Lead:

$17.00/hour

On-Call Direct Support Professional:

 $17.00/hour for hours worked during on-call weekend.



 Traditional Benefits for Full-Time Employees

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Short Term Disability
  • Voluntary Life Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Paid Time Off
  • 7 Holidays
  • 401K Eligible to contribute 6 months from start date.




Locations Available

Champlin

Chaska

Golden Valley

Minneapolis

New Hope

St. Louis Park



Pinnacle Service Inc. provides person centered services to people with intellectual, developmental, or behavioral disabilities in various settings. We provide top level services to the individuals that we support through, residential services, in-home care, case management and other supportive programs. We have ambitious standards and go above and beyond in our organization to set ourselves apart from the others.


Requirements

Required Qualifications

  • Have a passion for helping others and is willing to assist persons served with their varying needs. 
  • Must be 18 years or older.
  • Must successfully clear a background check.
  • Current driver's license, current auto insurance, reliable transportation and an acceptable driving record determined by Pinnacle Services policy. Unacceptable driving record will result in reduction of placement options.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Previous direct care experience.
  • CPR/AED certified (will train if missing qualification).

Apply