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Direct Support Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Community Inclusion LLC

Direct Support Professional

Russell, KY · On-site

$11.75 - $14.25/hr

Role Overview As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) specializing in Personal Assistant and Personal Care services, you are the primary link between our participants and their community. Your role is ...

Community Inclusion LLC

Direct Support Professional

Russell, KY · On-site

$11.75 - $14.25/hr

Role Overview As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) specializing in Personal Assistant and Personal Care services, you are the primary link between our participants and their community. Your role is ...

Mainsl Services Inc

$250/hr

As a Direct Support Professional, you'll gain valuable skills, hands-on experience, and opportunities to grow into leadership roles. Pay & Schedule * $17.00/hour - $21.50/hour based on level of ...

Community Inclusion LLC

Direct Support Professional

Russell, KY · On-site

$11.75 - $14.25/hr

Role Overview As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) specializing in Personal Assistant and Personal Care services, you are the primary link between our participants and their community. Your role is ...

RHA Health Services, LLC

$250/hr

## Caregiver / Direct Support Professional / YadkinApplylocations: Hamptonville, NCtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: R61884**We are hiring for:**Caregiver / Direct Support ...

Limitless Decatur

$250/hr

# Direct Support Professional - 5am - 9am PTHot JobEducation LevelHigh School## DescriptionIf so, Macon Resources is the place for you! MRI serves **over 800 children and adults with disabilities*

Meridian Services Incorporated

$250/hr

Direct Support Professional Location: New Brighton, MN (multiple schedules available across various locations) Schedule: Mon 5p-9p, Tues 2p-10p, Wed 2p-9p and E/O Weekend 12p-9p Wage: $19.00 hourly ...

Residential Services Inc.

$250/hr

Direct Support Professional (DSP) (Mora, MN) Residential Services, Inc. (RSI) is hiring a full-time Direct Support Professional(DSP) for our adult foster care home in Mora, MN. As a DSP, you will ...

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All JobsDirect Support JobsDirect Support Jobs in Kentucky

Direct Support information

See Kentucky salary details

$8

$14

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How much do direct support jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support in Kentucky is $14.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $15.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a direct support professional?

Direct Support professionals, also known as Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), are individuals who assist people with disabilities or special needs in their daily lives. They help clients with tasks such as personal care, medication management, transportation, and participation in community activities. DSPs play a vital role in promoting independence, dignity, and quality of life for the individuals they support. Their work may take place in group homes, private residences, or community settings.

What are some common challenges direct support professionals face when supporting clients, and how can they be addressed?

Direct Support Professionals often encounter challenges such as communication barriers, managing behavioral issues, and adapting to each client's unique needs. Addressing these challenges involves ongoing training, strong teamwork, and utilizing person-centered approaches to build trust and rapport with clients. Regular communication with supervisors and colleagues also helps in finding effective strategies and sharing best practices for delivering high-quality support.

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 knowledge of personal care, client safety, and basic health support, often backed by a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Familiarity with care documentation systems and first aid/CPR certification is commonly required. Patience, empathy, and strong communication are crucial soft skills for building trust and supporting clients with diverse needs. These abilities are essential for ensuring client well-being, promoting independence, and maintaining a safe, supportive environment.

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

AspectDirect SupportPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsOften requires specialized training or certifications in disability supportMay require basic caregiving or health-related certifications
Work EnvironmentSupports individuals with disabilities in homes, community settings, or facilitiesProvides personal care in private homes, healthcare facilities, or assisted living
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed by disability agencies, non-profits, or government programsHired by families, healthcare agencies, or assisted living facilities
Job FocusAssisting with daily living, community integration, and advocacyAssisting with personal hygiene, mobility, and daily routines

While both roles involve providing personal assistance, Direct Support typically encompasses a broader scope of supporting individuals with disabilities in various aspects of life, including advocacy and community engagement. Personal Care Assistants mainly focus on personal hygiene and daily living tasks. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Direct Support jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Direct Support jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Direct Support jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Direct Support job openings:

Direct Support jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,418 per year, or $14.1 per hour.

Direct Support Professional - Strategic

Henderson, KY • On-site

RiverValley Behavioral Health
Offices of Mental Health Practitioners • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about RiverValley Behavioral Healthexternal

$15 - $17/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Attend to participants' needs, including assistance with grooming, feeding, toileting, transferring, and communication, as outlined in the Plan of Care.

  • Maintain a safe environment by reporting unsafe conditions, completing emergency drills, and adhering to safety procedures.

  • Complete documentation of participant care, medication administration, and community involvement, ensuring timely submission and accuracy.

Job description

Job Summary:
Under the general direction and supervision of the Executive, Senior Director, and Assistant Residential Directors, the Direct Support Professional is responsible for providing and fulfilling the medical, health, safety, and training needs of each participant receiving services, along with maintaining a clean and healthy environment in each home.
Essential Functions:
  • Attends to participant's needs, which may include assistance with grooming, choosing appropriate dress, bathing, oral hygiene, feeding, incontinence care, toileting, transferring, ambulation, range of motion, communicating, and/or any needs participant has listed in Plan of Care.
  • Maintains a safe environment. Reports any unsafe conditions or acts to direct supervisor or on-call. Familiarizes self with location of fire extinguishers and home emergency evacuation plans. Completes designated monthly emergency drills-(fire, tornado, etc.) before the 15th of each month as instructed per schedule.
  • Ensures the nutritional needs of the participants in their homes. Assists with weekly grocery shopping and adherence of prescribed diets.
  • Interacts appropriately with participants. Treats participants with dignity and respect. Educates participants to advocate for themselves and exercise rights on a daily basis.
  • Provides assistance to each participant in exploring opportunities for community involvement, specifically leisure and recreation activities, as outlined in the participant's Plan of Care. Documents community involvement on appropriate record(s).
  • Completes documentation in the participant's residential record using correct terminology on the daily notes, summaries, charts, and data sheets. Indicating whether Plan of Care goals and outcomes have been achieved. Submits all paperwork by the required monthly deadlines.
  • Completes initial and ongoing medication administration training. Administers and documents medication at 90% - 95% accuracy as documented through Agency medication error/incident reports.
  • Cooperates and works as a team member with co-workers and supervisors. Treats co-workers and supervisors with respect. Promotes teamwork and maintains a positive attitude.
  • Completes initial and annual training-(SCM, CPR, Tb skin tests, etc.) as directed by Agency policy and regulatory standards. Attends monthly staff meetings and additional staff development trainings as scheduled.
  • Adheres to Agency policy and procedures. Maintains a consistent work attendance record. Limits use of calling off to a minimum and notifies direct supervisor in appropriate amount of time when unable to report to work.
  • Fosters collaborative working relationships among members of the leadership and management teams and programs.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:
  • High School diploma or GED; prefer one (1) year of experience working with individuals with disabilities or in a residential setting.

Knowledge and Skills:
  • Good verbal and writing skills.
  • Ability to work 24-hour shifts.
  • Ability to maintain client confidentiality.
  • Must consistently exhibit mental and emotional stability in order to understand and perform the essential functions on the job.

EXPOSURE CATEGORIES:
  • Blood Borne Disease Exposure Category: Category II
  • Other Potential Hazard(s): Participates in therapeutic intervention which involves some personal risk when dealing with a physically aggressive client. Lifting: May participate in lifting or transferring clients. Back supports are provided and are mandatory to wear at all times while lifting.

TRAINING:
  1. Medication Administration/Seizure Training: Strategic Partnership's staff are required to complete and pass the Medication Administration/Seizure Training class prior to independent functioning. The Medication Administration/Seizure training must be re-certified annually.
  2. College for Direct Supports Training: Strategic Partnership's staff are required to successfully complete the College for Direct Supports on-line curriculum phase I before independent functioning and phase II during first 6 months of employment.

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