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Direct Support Worker Jobs in Macon, GA (NOW HIRING)

D111 - Direct Support Professional DSP

Macon, GA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Specialized Transitional Home Company Overview: At River Edge ... At least 1 year working in behavioral health/ intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) or ...

D111 - Direct Support Professional DSP

Macon, GA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Specialized Transitional Home Company Overview: At River Edge ... At least 1 year working in behavioral health/ intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) or ...

Showing results 41-60

Direct Support Worker information

See Macon, GA salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do direct support worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support worker in Macon, GA is $15.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a direct support worker?

As a direct support worker, you provide care and training for people with developmental disabilities. You offer community support by using your skills and experience to help individuals become more active and social. Some direct support workers provide live-in, 24-hour support for clients, while others provide care on a regular, but less constant, basis. A career as a direct support worker requires you have some formal qualifications and education, typically a bachelor’s degree in health, counseling, or a related field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a direct support worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Direct Support Worker, you need a foundational understanding of person-centered care, basic health and safety practices, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with documentation systems, assistive technology, and first aid/CPR certification is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to communicate compassionately make someone stand out in this role. These skills are crucial to effectively support individuals with disabilities, ensure their well-being, and foster independence in daily living.

What are some common challenges faced by direct support workers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Direct Support Workers often encounter challenges such as managing clients with complex behavioral or medical needs and adapting to varying routines. Effective communication, patience, and ongoing training are essential in navigating these situations. Building strong, trusting relationships with clients and collaborating closely with families and healthcare professionals can also help manage difficulties. Many organizations provide regular supervision and access to support networks, which can be valuable resources for addressing workplace challenges.

What is the difference between Direct Support Worker vs Personal Care Assistant?

AspectDirect Support WorkerPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsOften requires certifications like CPR, First Aid, and sometimes specialized trainingMay require similar certifications, especially First Aid and CPR, but less specialized training
Work EnvironmentSupports individuals with disabilities, mental health, or developmental needs in community or residential settingsProvides personal care services in clients' homes or healthcare facilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, healthcare providersHome healthcare agencies, private households, healthcare facilities

Both roles involve assisting individuals with daily activities, but Direct Support Workers typically work with people with disabilities or mental health needs in community settings, while Personal Care Assistants mainly provide personal care in home or healthcare environments. The certifications and work environments overlap, but the focus and client needs differ slightly.

Where do direct support workers get paid the most?

Direct support workers tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare services, such as urban areas or states with higher minimum wages. Factors like experience, certifications, and the specific employer also influence pay rates, with some private agencies offering higher compensation than public programs.

What job categories do people searching Direct Support Worker jobs in Macon, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Worker jobs in Macon, GA are:

What cities near Macon, GA are hiring for Direct Support Worker jobs?

Cities near Macon, GA with the most Direct Support Worker job openings:

Infographic showing various Direct Support Worker job openings in Macon, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,264 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Direct Support Professional (Part-Time)

Wesley Glen Ministries

Macon, GA • On-site

$17/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Monitor and document individuals' medications and assist in their ongoing medical care.

  • Provide transportation, supervision, and support to individuals to promote their safety, well-being, and development.

  • Maintain a clean, safe, and structured environment, including household standards, safety procedures, and documentation of progress and incidents.


Job description

The DSP for Residential Programs provides for the day-to-day care, nurturing, supervision, support, and development of the individuals assigned. 11:00 PM to 9:00 AM; Days Vary. Must be available to work every other weekend. 


Job Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Maintains accurate and orderly procedures for monitoring and documenting individuals’ medications
  • Assists in the ongoing medical care of individuals
  • Provides transportation to individuals as needed
  • Assures ongoing relationship and environment that promotes the individuals’ feelings of self-worth
  • Structure:  Maintains the integrity of the program structure and ensures a healthy environment of the program as indicated by:
    1. Fills in the gaps of the basic schedule with positive learning opportunities and experiences for individuals
    2. Is flexible enough to manage any unexpected challenges with minimal disruption of the schedule
    3. Assists the individuals with their daily life skill needs
    4. Follows a person-centered curriculum according to the individual’s needs and strengths
  • Documentation:  Effectively communicate written information to the right people in such a way as to establish an accurate record of everyone’s progress (daily notes, ISP goals, bowel tracking, seizure tracking, skin integrity, incident/accident reporting, etc).
  • Helps promote an appealing, clean, healthy, and safe environment that is conducive to positive change.
  • Establishes and maintains an environment that promotes the safety of the individuals as evidenced by:
    1. Being aware of individuals whereabouts and attitudes
    2. Being aware of hazards and efforts to eliminate them
    3. Reporting illness and injuries to appropriate staff
    4. Complete maintenance requests forms in a timely manner
    5. Participate and assist in all required safety drills
    6. Operates and maintains agency vehicles in a safe manner per policy
  • Maintains high household standards (including cleaning, organization)
  • Has a systematic approach to laundry needs.
  • Prepares and/or assists in preparation of meals according to agency standards
  • Supervision:  Maintains supervision of individuals in accordance with program guidelines
  • Participates in activities with individuals
  • Crisis Management:  Ability to handle crises in such a manner so as not to compromise the positive milieu of other individuals and/or program
  • Relationship Building:  Develop and maintain effective relationships
    1. Understands how own emotions can affect individual’s care and where that impact is non-productive
    2. Treats individuals, families, and guests with respect
    3. Initiate 1:1 contact with individuals
    4. Gives individuals positive feedback
    5. Role models good interpersonal and problem-solving skills with co-workers
    6. Respects individual’s rights in compliance with recognized standards
    7. Is honest, constructive, and sincere with individuals
  • Professionalism:  Promote a professional, positive work environment as indicated by:
    1. Reports to shifts, meetings, and training on time
    2. Actively participates in agency activities in a constructive manner
    3. Follows agency procedures in use of leave time
    4. Is flexible and willing to fill in as needed
    5. Represents themselves and the agency in a positive way
    6. Uses good telephone skills
    7. Conducts self-improvement (education, professional development)
    8. Uses direct communication
    9. Demonstrates good problem-solving/conflict resolution skills
    10. Works toward team and agency goals
    11. Actively participate in team decisions
  • Leadership:  Role model and mentor for staff as indicated by:
    1. Takes initiative to implement good practice and meet licensing and accreditation standards
    2. Assumes a leadership role in handling a crisis
    3. Assess needs in crisis situations
  • Interacts professionally and cooperatively with other parts of the agency (i.e. Human Resources, Finance, Residential, etc)
  • Other duties as assigned
  • Upholds the mission and values of Wesley Glen Ministries
  • Completes training necessary to perform position consistent with program and agency staff development plans

11:00 PM to 9:00 AM; Days Vary; Must Work Every Other Weekend