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Direct Support Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Direct Support Professional

Johnson Creek, WI · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Direct Support Professional

Jefferson, WI · On-site

$14 - $17.25/hr

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Showing results 21-40

Direct Support information

See Madison, WI salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do direct support jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support in Madison, WI is $16.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.52 and $17.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

Is a degree needed to be a direct support professional?

A degree is not typically required to become a direct support professional, but many employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills such as communication, patience, and sometimes certification in CPR or first aid are often more important for this role.

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 is a direct support career?

A direct support career involves providing assistance and care to individuals with disabilities or special needs, helping them with daily activities, personal care, and community integration. These roles often require strong communication skills, patience, and may involve certifications such as CPR or first aid. Direct support professionals work in settings like homes, group homes, or community programs to promote independence and well-being.
What are the most commonly searched types of Direct Support jobs in Madison, WI? The most popular types of Direct Support jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Direct Support jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Direct Support job openings:
Infographic showing various Direct Support job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,129 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Sevita

Johnson Creek, WI • On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Sevita Health rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 284 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

784th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

REM Community Services, a part of the Sevita family, provides community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Here we believe every person has the right to live well, and everyone deserves to have a fulfilling career. You’ll join a mission-driven team and create relationships that motivate us all every day. Join us today, and experience a career well lived. 

THRIVE AS A CAREGIVER AT SEVITA. EACH DAY, YOU’LL

  • Be proud of rewarding work helping people grow, learn, and live well
  • Develop real, meaningful relationships with the individuals you serve
  • Experience ownership and trust from your leaders to do what’s right for participants
  • Take initiative to help participants be part of the community and enjoy their favorite activities
  • Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition

You’ll assist people with their personal hygiene and support individuals who can have behavioral challenges and other complex needs. If you’re compassionate, patient, and find meaning in this type of work, you'll find a promising future at Sevita.

EVERY PERSON DESERVES A FULFILLING CAREER 

  • Competitive Pay: Pay on DemandFull benefits package for full-time employees, including a 401(k) with a 3% company match
  • Time Off: Paid time off plus holiday pay to recharge so you can be your best at work
  •  Network of Support: Supervisors who care deeply about the participants and your wellbeing
  • Job Security: A stable job  at an established, growing company
  • Learning and Development: We invest in your development and provide the tools and training you need to have a fulfilling career 

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO SEVITA

  • Education: High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Experience: Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred
  • Skills: Communication, adaptability, multi-tasking, teamwork, time-management
  • Behaviors: Patient, compassionate, reliable, responsible
  • Vehicle:  Valid Driver's license and access to a registered vehicle with proof of insurance

   

Apply today and explore careers, well lived at Sevita.


Sevita is a leading provider of home and community-based specialized health care. We believe that everyone deserves to live a full, more independent life. We provide people with quality services and individualized supports that lead to growth and independence, regardless of the physical, intellectual, or behavioral challenges they face.
We’ve made this our mission for more than 50 years. And today, our 40,000 team members continue to innovate and enhance care for the 50,000 individuals we serve all over the U.S.
 

As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. 


What Sevita Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Sevita logo

About Sevita

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sevita is a leading provider of home and community-based specialized health care. We believe that everyone deserves to live a full, more independent life. We provide people with quality services and individualized support that leads to growth and independence, regardless of the physical, intellectual, or behavioral challenges they face. We've made this our mission for more than 50 years. And today, our 40,000 team members continue to innovate and enhance care for the 50,000 individuals we serve. We're an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. Sevita is a leading provider of home and community-based specialized health care, similar companies include Brookedale Senior Living, A New Hope, and North Star.

Industry

Nursing and residential care facilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

1980

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