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Full Time Direct Support Professional Jobs in Iowa

Sevita Health

Direct Support Professional

Hiawatha, IA · On-site

$17.75/hr

Direct Support Professional (Onsite, Full-time) *Must have had a valid driver's license for 1 full year, without restrictions* Starting Pay: $17.75 per hour | On-Demand Pay | Referral Bonus Program ...

Sevita Health

Direct Support Professional

Shelby, IA · On-site

$18/hr

Direct Support Professional Starting Pay: $18.00/hour | Full-Time | On-Demand Pay | Full Benefits What You'll Do * Empower individuals to achieve their personal and developmental goals, from ...

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Full Time Direct Support Professional information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$15

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

As of Sep 2, 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

Community Options, Inc.

Council Bluffs, IA • On-site

$17.20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Community Options rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 245 rated social care providers

Job description

Description
Position at Community Options, Inc.
Community Options, Inc. is a national non-profit agency providing services to individuals with disabilities in 12 states.
We are Now Hiring Part-Time, PRN Direct Support Professionals (DSP), Caregivers, Direct Care Staff, Home Health Aides in Council Bluffs and Glenwood, IA to provide person-centered care tailored to meet the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This is a fantastic opportunity for professional growth, while making a difference! No experience required- we provide PAID training!
Starting pay is $17.20/per hour
Responsibilities
  • Provide direct care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
  • Assist with daily routines including cleaning, cooking, feeding, medication administration, and maintaining personal hygiene
  • Monitor the health and medical needs of individuals and immediately report any concerns
  • Assist with the learning and development of independent and community-based skills
  • Participate with individuals in community, social, and recreational activities
  • Drive individuals to medical appointments and activities in the community
  • Ensure program documentation and billable records are completed accurately and timely
  • Build a support network for individuals by developing and maintaining relationships with community members, businesses, and families
  • Additional tasks and responsibilities may be assigned
  • Employee must cooperate with the license and department staff in any inspection, inquiry, or investigation

Minimum Requirements
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record
  • Ability to establish a comfortable and supportive relationship with individuals receiving supports
  • Ability to exercise good judgment and remain calm in crisis situations
  • Employment is contingent upon successful completion of checks of criminal background, central registry, child abuse registry, and drug testing

Why Community Options?
  • Competitive Insurance Options (Medical, Dental, Vision).
  • Paid Holidays-Including a Birthday Holiday!
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO).
  • Employee Incentive & Discount Programs.
  • 403b Retirement Plan.
  • Exceptional Career Growth Opportunities.
  • Great coworkers/team that support you!
  • University partnerships that include tuition reduction

Please Visit Our Website to Complete an Online Application! Careers.comop.org
Community Options is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V
#IND-CB

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