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Live In Direct Support Professional Jobs in Kentucky

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Bardstown, KY Β· On-site

$13.25 - $16/hr

In some cases can provides temporary relief for those persons normally providing the care, i.e., family, guardians, family home providers, for a participant unable to care for themselves.

Showing results 41-60

Live In Direct Support Professional information

What is a live in direct support professional?

Live In Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are caregivers who reside in the homes of individuals with disabilities or special needs to provide daily support and assistance. They help with activities of daily living, such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication management, and transportation. In addition to ensuring safety and comfort, live-in DSPs may also assist with social, educational, or vocational activities, helping clients achieve greater independence and quality of life. Their ongoing presence allows for continuous care and support tailored to each individual's needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a live in direct support professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Live In Direct Support Professional, you need a solid understanding of personal care, daily living assistance, and behavior management, often supported by a high school diploma and relevant experience or certifications like CPR/First Aid. Familiarity with electronic documentation systems and assistive care technologies is typically required. Patience, strong interpersonal communication, and problem-solving abilities are vital soft skills for building trust and supporting clients’ independence. These skills are crucial for ensuring the safety, well-being, and quality of life of individuals with developmental or physical disabilities in a residential setting.

What are some common challenges faced by live in direct support professionals, and how can they be addressed?

Live In Direct Support Professionals often face challenges such as maintaining a healthy work-life balance, managing emotional stress, and adapting to the unique needs of each individual they support. Since the role involves residing in the client's home, clear boundaries and communication with both the individual and their family are essential. Utilizing self-care strategies, seeking support from supervisors or peer networks, and participating in ongoing training can help address these challenges and ensure long-term success in the role.

What is the difference between Live In Direct Support Professional vs Residential Support Worker?

AspectLive In Direct Support ProfessionalResidential Support Worker
CredentialsCPR/First Aid, background check, sometimes certification in disability supportCPR/First Aid, background check, relevant certifications often required
Work EnvironmentProvides 24/7 support in a live-in setting, often in clients' homes or group homesWorks in residential facilities or community homes, may involve shift work
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed by disability agencies, nonprofits, or government programsEmployed by residential care facilities, community agencies, or nonprofits

Both roles involve supporting individuals with disabilities, but Live In Direct Support Professionals provide continuous, live-in assistance, while Residential Support Workers typically work scheduled shifts in residential settings. The choice depends on the level of involvement and work schedule preferred.

Is being a live in direct support professional worth it?

A live-in direct support professional provides around-the-clock assistance to individuals with disabilities, offering stability and a close working relationship. The role often involves shift work, requires patience and communication skills, and can include benefits such as housing and flexible schedules, making it a rewarding but demanding position.

Where do live in direct support professionals get paid the most?

Live-in direct support professionals tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare and social services, such as certain metropolitan areas or states with robust funding for disability services. Salaries can also vary based on experience, certifications, and the complexity of care required, with some states offering additional stipends or benefits for live-in roles.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Live In Direct Support Professional jobs in Kentucky?

For Live In Direct Support Professional jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Live In Direct Support Professional jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Live In Direct Support Professional jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Live In Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Live In Direct Support Professional job openings:

Infographic showing various Live In Direct Support Professional job openings in Kentucky as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Direct Support Professional CLS

Louisville, KY β€’ On-site

Dreams with Wings Inc
51 - 200 employees

$16.50 - $16.80/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 17 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provides one-on-one support to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and autism, including assistance with daily living skills and community involvement.

  • Assists in developing and implementing person-centered goals, encourages community participation, and supports individuals in exercising their rights and increasing self-reliance.

  • Ensures the health and safety of individuals by responding to changing needs, completing incident reports, and maintaining required documentation.


Job description

Description:

Mission Statement

The Mission of Dreams with Wings is to empower children and adults with intellectual and

developmental disabilities and autism to enhance their strengths, contribute to their community

and live a lifetime of purpose.


Vision Statement

The Vision of Dreams with Wings is to be innovative in person centered support to enable

individuals to live their best life through creating a sense of belonging and value. The vision is

supported by staff who are unwavering in compassion for those we are privileged to support.


Position Summary

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides one-on-one support to individuals with intellectual

and/or developmental disabilities and autism. The DSP enhances community involvement,

cultivates friendships, supports daily independence skills, and assists individuals in achieving

personal goals identified through their person-centered plan of care.

This position is considered an Essential Worker Role and is responsible for the care, training, safety,

and supervision of individuals receiving services through the Community Living Supports program.

The DSP functions as a member of the Dreams With Wings team and may provide supplementary

services to any individual served by the organization.

Requirements:

Key Responsibilities

- Fully embraces and models the mission, philosophy, vision, and core values of Dreams With Wings.

- Acts professionally at all times and treats individuals, families, and team members with respect.

- Follows agency policies, maintains honesty and transparency, and communicates clearly.

- Demonstrates reliability by arriving on time, keeping commitments, and following through on responsibilities.

- Helps create an environment that respects dignity, culture, and individual choice.


Person-Centered Support & Community

- Ensures individuals have meaningful community opportunities aligned with their interests and goals.

- Uses personal vehicles to transport individuals or assists them in navigating public or rideshare transportation.

- Assists in the development and implementation of person-centered goals.

- Encourages decreased dependency and increased self-reliance whenever possible.

- Enhances community participation and supports the cultivation of friendships.

- Encourages natural support and healthy social relationships.

-

- Encourages and assists individuals in exercising and understanding their rights.

- Promotes constructive conflict resolution strategies that benefit all parties.

- Prioritizes dignity and autonomy by:

- Providing power of choice

- Not speaking for individuals without permission

- Adjusting support levels based on actual needs


Daily Living & Personal Care

- Assists with daily living skills including:

- Ambulation

- Dressing and grooming

- Feeding

- Toileting and bathing

- Meal planning and preparation

- Laundry and home care

- Supports self-administration of medication (only if medication administration training is completed).

- Assists with personal financial responsibilities as needed.

- Provides physical assistance when required.


Health & Safety

- Responsible for the health and safety of individuals served.

- Encourages healthy lifestyle choices including exercise and nutrition.

- Understands that individuals may:

- Have behavior disorders or physical disabilities

- Require lifting or crisis management

- Require medical procedures (e.g., feeding tubes, oxygen)

- Responds appropriately to changing needs, including potential aggressive behaviors.

- Completes Incident/Critical Incident Reports as required.

- Trained in prevention, identification, and reporting of suspected abuse or neglect.


Documentation & Compliance

- Maintains required records in compliance with state regulations and Dreams With Wings standards.

- Completes all required DWW tracking sheets and documentation reflecting progress and concerns.

- Completes required DDID and agency-mandated training.

- Attends all required meetings and training.


Essential Worker

- Maintains schedule continuity for clients/residents.

- In the event of a community emergency, scheduled services continue as required.

- May be required to work at different locations.


Events & Additional Duties

- May participate in individual vacations and Dreams With Wings sponsored events.

- Performs other duties as assigned.


Qualifications

- High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.

- At least 21 years of age; OR at least 18 years of age with one year of experience as a direct-contact staff supporting individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities or Autism.

- Current CPR and First Aid certification required.

- Annual TB test required.

- Valid driver’s license and proof of current automobile insurance required.

- Ability to lift, transfer, and assist individuals as needed (minimum 50 lbs).


Preferred Experience

- Experience supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and/or autism.


Work Schedule

- Full-time or part-time.

- Evening, weekend, and additional hours may be required based on program needs.

- Maintain schedule continuity for individuals served

- Be available to support services during community emergencies, including working at alternate locations when required


Employment Status

- Non-Exempt

- Hourly


Occupational Exposure

- This position may involve routine exposure to blood or bodily fluids.