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Direct Support Jobs in Milwaukee, WI (NOW HIRING)

Balance Inc.

Be Seen First

Direct Support Professional

Grafton, WI · On-site

$15.45/hr

The Direct Support Professional provides direct supervision and promotes engagement with participants in all of Balance Inc.'s services. The Direct Support Professional assists with activities of ...

Balance Inc.

Be Seen First

Direct Support Professional

Grafton, WI · On-site

$15.45/hr

The Direct Support Professional provides direct supervision and promotes engagement with participants in all of Balance Inc.'s services. The Direct Support Professional assists with activities of ...

Sevita Health

Direct Support Lead

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$17/hr

M-F 8a-4p and oncall $17/hr Direct Support Lead Are you looking for a career opportunity where you can make a difference in the lives of others? Look no further! This role is critical to our success.

Doma WI

Direct Support Professional

Hartford, WI · On-site

$17/hr

As a Direct Support Professional, you will assist individuals in living independently, achieving personal goals, and enhancing their overall quality of life. Key Responsibilities: * Provide direct ...

Doma

Direct Support Professional

Hartford, WI · On-site

$17/hr

As a Direct Support Professional, you will assist individuals in living independently, achieving personal goals, and enhancing their overall quality of life. Key Responsibilities: * Provide direct ...

Doma

Direct Support Professional

Hartford, WI · On-site

$17/hr

As a Direct Support Professional, you will assist individuals in living independently, achieving personal goals, and enhancing their overall quality of life. Key Responsibilities: * Provide direct ...

Doma

Direct Support Professional

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$16/hr

As a Direct Support Professional, you will assist individuals in living independently, achieving personal goals, and enhancing their overall quality of life. Key Responsibilities: * Provide direct ...

Doma WI

Direct Support Professional

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$16/hr

As a Direct Support Professional, you will assist individuals in living independently, achieving personal goals, and enhancing their overall quality of life. Key Responsibilities: * Provide direct ...

Doma

Direct Support Professional

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$10 - $16/hr

As a Direct Support Professional, you will assist individuals in living independently, achieving personal goals, and enhancing their overall quality of life. Key Responsibilities: * Provide direct ...

Doma WI

Direct Support Professional

New Berlin, WI · On-site

$16/hr

As a Direct Support Professional, you will assist individuals in living independently, achieving personal goals, and enhancing their overall quality of life. Key Responsibilities: * Provide direct ...

Doma WI

Direct Support Professional

West Bend, WI · On-site

$19/hr

As a Direct Support Professional, you will assist individuals in living independently, achieving personal goals, and enhancing their overall quality of life. Key Responsibilities: * Provide direct ...

E-VOLVE CARE

Direct Support Professional

West Bend, WI · On-site

$19/hr

As a Direct Support Professional, you will assist individuals in living independently, achieving personal goals, and enhancing their overall quality of life. Key Responsibilities: * Provide direct ...

Doma

Direct Support Professional

New Berlin, WI · On-site

$16/hr

As a Direct Support Professional, you will assist individuals in living independently, achieving personal goals, and enhancing their overall quality of life. Key Responsibilities: * Provide direct ...

Doma

Direct Support Professional

New Berlin, WI · On-site

$16/hr

As a Direct Support Professional, you will assist individuals in living independently, achieving personal goals, and enhancing their overall quality of life. Key Responsibilities: * Provide direct ...

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All JobsDirect Support JobsDirect Support Jobs in Milwaukee, WI

Direct Support information

See Milwaukee, WI salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do direct support jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support in Milwaukee, WI is $16.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.31 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 Milwaukee, WI?

The most popular types of Direct Support jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:

What cities near Milwaukee, WI are hiring for Direct Support jobs?

Cities near Milwaukee, WI with the most Direct Support job openings:

Direct Support jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support job openings in Milwaukee, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,413 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Beacon Specialized Living

Brookfield, WI

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Beacon Specialized Living rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

173rd of 245 rated social care providers

Job description


Join Beacon Specialized Living – Where Every Shift Makes a Difference 

Are you looking for a meaningful career where your work truly matters? At Beacon Specialized Living, we support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, and autism, helping them live independent and fulfilling lives in their communities.  

Bring your compassion and reliability & we’ll provide the training and support to help you succeed. 

Flexible schedules available including full-time, part-time, and on-call opportunities. 

Why Choose Beacon?  

Beacon Specialized Living is nationally recognized through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) for our commitment to professional direct support services and workforce development. 

Through our LEAP Program (Leadership, Excellence, Advancement, and Promotion), employees have the opportunity to earn nationally recognized NADSP certification while advancing their careers and developing leadership skills. 

At Beacon, this isn’t just a job — it’s a career with purpose and opportunity. 

What You’ll Do as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) 

As a DSP, you will support individuals in daily life while helping them achieve personal goals and maintain independence in a safe, supportive environment. 

Daily Responsibilities 

  • Assist with daily living skills and personal care 

  • Support community engagement and recreational activities 

  • Prepare meals and maintain a clean, organized home environment 

  • Transport individuals to appointments and community activities 

  • Administer medications as directed (training provided) 

  • Maintain accurate documentation and advocate for individuals served 

  • Promote dignity, respect, and person-centered support. 

What We Offer 

    Company Description

    Beacon Specialized Living serves individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental health needs. By supporting their self-directed goals with compassion and best practices, Beacon provides the highest level of support — not only meeting their needs, but helping people live their fullest lives.

    What Beacon Specialized Living employees say

    Pay

    Benefits

    Hours and flexibility

    Workplace

    Get the full story on Breakroom