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Direct Support Professionals Jobs in Decatur, GA

Direct Support Professional

Marietta, GA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Direct Support Professional Type: Regular If you are a positive and personable individual looking for a satisfying and fun opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of people with ...

Join Our Team at Help at Home as a Direct Support Professional! At Help at Home, we value our employees and offer competitive pay starting at $14.00 per hour, professional development opportunities ...

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Direct Support Professional

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Provides active support and direct assistance in participants' participation in community social ... Participate in professional and social activities that promote the full inclusion of people with ...

Direct Support Professional

Marietta, GA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

CS NJ Addendum - Direct Support Professional _1001 _ MPA 3429 * * Employees must cooperate with the licensee and Department of Human Services staff in any inspection, inquiry, or investigation.

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Direct Support Professional

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Provides active support and direct assistance in participants' participation in community social ... Participate in professional and social activities that promote the full inclusion of people with ...

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Direct Support Professionals information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$8

$13

$17

How much do direct support professionals jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professionals in Decatur, GA is $13.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.21 and $14.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 solid understanding of client care, basic healthcare practices, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with documentation software, incident reporting systems, and sometimes CPR/First Aid certification is typically required. Patience, strong interpersonal communication, and problem-solving skills help build trust and provide effective support to individuals with disabilities. These skills are essential for ensuring client safety, promoting independence, and fostering a positive, supportive environment.

What are some common challenges Direct Support Professionals face when supporting individuals with varying needs, and how can they effectively address them?

Direct Support Professionals often encounter challenges such as communicating with individuals who have diverse abilities, managing behavioral crises, and adapting support strategies to each person's unique needs. Building trust and using person-centered approaches are key to overcoming these challenges. Effective professionals rely on ongoing training, teamwork, and open communication with supervisors and other care team members to ensure the highest quality of care and safety for those they support.

What are Direct Support Professionals?

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are caregivers who assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their daily lives. They provide support with personal care, medication management, and skill-building activities to promote independence and community involvement. DSPs work in various settings, including private homes, group homes, and day programs. Their role is crucial in helping individuals achieve their personal goals and live fulfilling lives.

What is the difference between Direct Support Professionals vs Personal Care Assistants?

AspectDirect Support ProfessionalsPersonal Care Assistants
CertificationsOften require certifications like CPR, First Aid, and sometimes specialized trainingMay require similar certifications, but less frequently mandated
Work EnvironmentAssist individuals with disabilities in community, residential, or healthcare settingsProvide personal care in private homes or healthcare facilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofit organizations, government agencies, healthcare providersHome healthcare agencies, private clients, assisted living facilities

Both roles involve providing personal care and support, but Direct Support Professionals typically work with individuals with disabilities in various settings and often require specific certifications. Personal Care Assistants mainly focus on assisting with daily living activities in private homes or healthcare environments. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professionals jobs in Decatur, GA? For Direct Support Professionals jobs in Decatur, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professionals jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professionals jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Direct Support Professionals jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Direct Support Professionals job openings:

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

FEHE Enterprises

Atlanta, GA

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Job Summary:

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) need people in their lives who provide them with assistance and instruction on completing tasks that most people take for granted. Professionals who provide this help and training are known as direct support professionals (DSPs).

DSPs aid people who suffer from a variety of disabilities and across a wide range of tasks, including transportation, personal care, cooking, and cleaning. The goal is to help people with IDD achieve a more comfortable level of independence.

Responsibilities:

  • Report any instances of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation
  • Assisting clients with activities (ie: personal hygiene, eating, meal preparation, dressing, toileting needed, exercise and ambulation)
  • Maintaining current/accurate charting
  • Facilitate resident's inclusion in the community's experiences and activities.
  • Assist with ambulation and transfers using proper techniques and equipment as needed
  • Assist with personal care tasks (ie:personal hygiene, grooming, feeding)
  • Establishing secure, positive environment that nurtures residents' needs, self-expression and goals Ensuring client safety and maintaining a safe environment
  • Encourage self-help activities
  • Report changes in client's condition or family situation to the office
  • Performing housekeeping duties
  • Accompanying client to scheduled appointments
  • Transporting clients or running errands for clients
  • Assist individuals with behavior plan
  • Consistent attendance and punctuality for scheduled shift.
  • Maintaining knowledge of residents' requirements.
  • Complying with facility's policies and procedures
  • Advancing residents' decision-making, productivity and participation in a range of activities. Promoting independence in daily activities, such as work, learning and leisure.
  • Follow principles of infection control and Universal Precautions
  • Maintain daily documentation record for each assigned client (tracking sheets, Learning Logs, etc.) Must successfully pass pre-employment physical, drug screen, and have a negative TB test result. Must be capable of lifting 50 pounds or more when needed which consists of pushing and pulling 50 pounds when assisting in the operation of adult size wheelchairs (electric and manual) and frequent bending.

Education:

  • High school degree/GED required

Required Skills/Abilities:

  • Must have a valid Georgia Driver's license and have operated a vehicle for three (3) years Own reliable vehicle and good driving record
  • Pass a Criminal Background Check
  • Must maintain at least liability vehicle insurance coverage
  • 18 years of age or older
  • Ability to work in a group home, home-like settings
  • Ability to communicate (verbally and written) with all levels of personnel, internal and external to the company

Physical Requirements:

  • Prolonged periods of sitting
  • Ability to lift/move up to 50 pounds
  • Bending, stooping, lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, and walking for long periods of time