2

Full Time Direct Support Professional Jobs in Minnesota

Be Seen First

The Direct Support Professional provides essential support to individuals by assisting with daily activities, medication, and behavior monitoring within a medium-sized team. Reporting to the Program ...

Showing results 41-60

Full Time Direct Support Professional information

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 Minnesota?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Full Time Direct Support Professional job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Direct Support Professional - Full Time

Orion Associates

Plymouth, MN • On-site

$23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 1 hour ago


Job description

Meridian Services offers person-centered supports and cares to individuals with mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and physical disabilities across a diverse range of settings. These include Residential Services, In-Home Services, and Case Management Services. Today, we have 30 group homes, 150 In-Home person served, and over 100 Case Managers across the state of Minnesota. Our mission is to provide services of the finest quality so that those we serve will be able to achieve their goals!
Job Title: Direct Support Professional
Location: Plymouth, MN (multiple schedules available across various locations)
Schedule: Wednesday 8a-8p Thursday 6am-10pm Friday 8a-1p, and Every Other Weekend 4p-9pf
Wage: $23 hourly including company benefits
Job Summary:
As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you will assist individuals in working toward their personal goals. DSP staff support individuals with tasks such as meal preparation, community outings, personal hygiene, shopping, cleaning, attending appointments, and taking medication. Staff should feel comfortable providing personal care, medical supports, and other daily supports to those they assist. Staff should feel comfortable responding to interfering behaviors.
Essential Job Duties:
  • Work on tailored outcomes with each person in the home. Outcomes may include budgeting, behavioral management, community exploration, meal planning, organizational skills, coping skills, and/or physical fitness.
  • Be an active participant with individuals served when working on outcomes and out in the community.
  • Assist with personal cares as needed per person served.
  • Provide guidance and instructional teaching to persons while building life skills.
  • Provide cleaning, cooking and medication administration to the individuals living at the home.
  • Provide supervision and transportation in the community on activities and appointments. Typically, a company vehicle is available, but times may require use of own personal vehicle.

Preferred Experience:
  • At least 1 year supporting individuals with autism, intellectual disabilities, and/or mental health diagnosis
  • At least 1 year working with individuals with verbal and physical aggressions
  • At least 1 year implementing Emergency Use of Manual Restraints (applicable at select programs)

Required Qualifications:
  • Staff must be at least 18 years of age to support Adult Programs
  • Staff must be 21 years of age or older to support Youth Programs
  • Proficient in spoken and written English language
  • Have a vehicle to use for work related purposes with current car insurance
  • Have an acceptable driving record as determined by Meridian Services policy
  • Have a Wi-Fi-enabled device for work related purposes
  • Successful clearance of a Department of Human Services (DHS) Background Study
  • Comfortable providing personal cares (including but not limited to: bathroom supports, bathing/showering, medication administration)

Meridian Services Company Benefits and Perks Include:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance offered
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Training
  • 401K plan with employer matching after 1 year
  • Company-Provided Life and Short Team Disability Insurance
  • Supplemental Insurance and Pet Insurance offered
  • Growth and Management Opportunities!
  • Employee of the month recognition and gift card

Meridian Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified candidates are encouraged to Apply Today!