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Full Time Direct Support Professional Jobs in Iowa

Sevita Health

Direct Support Professional

Clinton, IA · On-site

$17/hr

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Part-Time Join us for OPEN INTERVIEWS! When: Tuesdays from 10a-4p Where: 215 6th Ave South, Suite 31 in Clinton Wage: $17.00/hour (DSP) Clinton, IA | $17.00/hour ...

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All JobsDirect Support Professional JobsFull Time Direct Support Professional JobsFull Time Direct Support Professional Jobs in Iowa

Full Time Direct Support Professional information

See Iowa salary details

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How much do full time direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time direct support professional in Iowa is $15.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.89 and $16.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a full time direct support professional?

Full Time Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are individuals who work directly with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, assisting them with daily living activities, personal care, and community involvement. DSPs help clients achieve greater independence and improve their quality of life by supporting them in areas such as communication, social skills, and personal growth. They often work in group homes, residential facilities, or clients' private residences, providing compassionate care and advocacy on a full-time basis.

What does a full time direct support professional do?

A typical day for a Full Time Direct Support Professional (DSP) involves providing hands-on support to individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities, assisting with daily living activities such as meal preparation, medication reminders, and personal care. DSPs often collaborate closely with other team members, including case managers, nurses, and therapists, to ensure coordinated care and support tailored to each client’s needs. Open communication and flexibility are essential since daily routines can change based on client schedules and needs. Building trusting relationships with clients and fostering a supportive environment are central to the role, making teamwork and empathy key to success.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a full time direct support professional?

To thrive as a Full Time Direct Support Professional, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong interpersonal skills, and experience in caregiving or working with individuals with disabilities. Familiarity with documentation systems, basic healthcare protocols, and optional certifications such as CPR/First Aid are valuable. Patience, empathy, reliability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills that enable positive relationships and support for clients. These skills ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of individuals receiving care, while also facilitating collaboration with families and colleagues.

What is the difference between Full Time Direct Support Professional vs Part Time Direct Support Professional?

AspectFull Time Direct Support ProfessionalPart Time Direct Support Professional
Work HoursTypically 30-40 hours per weekLess than 30 hours per week
CertificationsOften requires similar certifications (e.g., CPR, First Aid)Same certifications usually required
Work EnvironmentConsistent schedule, full-day shiftsFlexible, shorter shifts
Employer UsageCommon in full-service agencies and facilitiesUsed in part-time roles or supplemental positions

Full Time Direct Support Professionals work more hours per week, often with a consistent schedule, providing ongoing support. Part Time Direct Support Professionals work fewer hours, offering flexibility but less overall weekly support. Both roles typically require similar certifications and work in similar environments, but the commitment level differs.

Is being a full time direct support professional a stressful job?

Full-time direct support professionals often work in demanding environments that require patience, strong communication skills, and the ability to handle challenging situations. The job can be physically and emotionally taxing, especially when supporting individuals with complex needs, but proper training and support can help manage stress levels.

Is being a full time direct support professional worth it?

Full-time direct support professionals provide assistance to individuals with disabilities, often working in community or residential settings. The role offers stable employment, opportunities for skill development, and the chance to make a positive impact, though it may involve physically demanding tasks and variable schedules. Compensation and benefits vary by employer and location, but the job can be rewarding for those committed to supporting others.

Where do full time direct support professionals get paid the most?

Full time direct support professionals tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare and social services. States or areas with a strong presence of healthcare facilities, specialized care centers, or higher minimum wage laws often offer higher pay rates for this role. Certification and experience can also influence salary levels across different locations.

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

The most popular types of Direct Support Professional jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Full Time Direct Support Professional jobs in Iowa?

For Full Time Direct Support Professional jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Full Time Direct Support Professional jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Full Time Direct Support Professional jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Full Time Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Full Time Direct Support Professional job openings:

Full Time Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Direct Support Professional job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,610 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Direct Support Professional - DSP

Link Associates

West Des Moines, IA • On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

APPLY ONLINE AT WWW.LINKASSOCIATES.ORG/APPLY
Schedule and Perks:
  • Flexible Shifts and Set Schedules are Available.
  • Overtime is Available in the Residential Department.
  • Medical, Dental and Vision.
  • Daily Pay Option.
  • Part-Time and Full-Time Shifts Available.

Why work for LINK Associates as a Direct Support Professional (DSP)?
  • You, Will, Make A Positive Difference by supporting Link’s Mission, “Providing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities opportunities to achieve their personal goals”.
  • You, Will, Make A Positive Difference by believing in Link’s Vision, “Link Associates will be the recognized leader in providing quality services to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”
  • You, Will, Make A Positive Difference by living Link’s Values, of providing Persons Served at Link with, “Dignity and Respect - Quality Services - Caring Environments - Personal Choice - Long Term Commitment.”

Are you looking for a career where you can Make A Positive Difference and Change the Lives of Others?
Your search stops at Link Associates! Link’s Day Programs and Supported Living Departments are always looking for caring, compassionate, dedicated, and passionate people to Join Our Team of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) working in the Des Moines area and throughout Polk County.

Responsibilities:
  • As a Direct Support Professional at Link, you work with adults who have various types of intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • Some of the people Link supports are fairly independent and able to take care of many of their needs on their own.
  • Others may be non-verbal and unable to use their arms and legs and require more assistance doing things.
  • Direct Support Professionals at Link, help people cook meals, take medicine, do laundry, clean their homes and assist with personal care.
  • DSPs provide transportation and accompany the people they support into the community as they run errands like going to the bank and grocery shopping, visit others and go on outings, and attend events.
  • DSPs get to know each of the people they support.
  • Getting to know what the people they support like, what they dislike, what brings them joy and makes them happy as well as what might trigger a behavior.
  • DSPs really need to know the people they work with in order to be successful at supporting them and ensuring they are happy, healthy, and safe.

We offer:
  • Link offers both set schedules where Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) work the same days and shifts every week and flexible schedules where you are provided a schedule for two to three weeks at a time based on your availability.
  • Overtime is always available for those employees that wish to earn extra money, but working overtime is not mandatory.
  • Link offers Job Security; Link has never had a lay-off and Link has been operating since 1953!
  • Link has so many career advancement opportunities for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to move up in the agency.
  • Link offers a generous  PTO package.
  • Link offers a great work environment and positive work culture, become part of TEAM LINK today!

Apply online at www.linkassociates.org/apply