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Live In Direct Support Professional Jobs in Columbia, SC

The Unumb Place

Direct Support Professional

Lexington, SC · On-site

$12.75 - $15.50/hr

Supportive Team - Work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment. * Competitive Pay & Benefits - Ask about shift differentials, PTO, and more! Role Overview * DSP employees are responsible for ...

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All JobsLive In Direct Support Professional JobsLive In Direct Support Professional Jobs in Columbia, SC

Live In Direct Support Professional information

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How much do live in direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for live in direct support professional in Columbia, SC is $15.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $16.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Columbia, SC?

The most popular types of Direct Support Professional jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What are popular job titles related to Live In Direct Support Professional jobs in Columbia, SC?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Live In Direct Support Professional jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Live In Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Live In Direct Support Professional job openings:

Live In Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Live In Direct Support Professional job openings in Columbia, SC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,335 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Full-time Direct Support Professional (2nd Shift)

Burton Center For Disabilities & Special Needs

West Columbia, SC • On-site

$14.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Burton Center is looking for a full-time (40 hours per week) Direct Support Professional (DSP) to add to our dynamic team! DSP fulfill the Burton Center mission to develop and discover unlimited potential in adults with disabilities and special needs. Through coaching, training, community advocacy, verbal prompts, and hands-on support as needed, Direct Support Professionals promote individuals to have the best quality of life. If you are a creative, energetic, and caring person, this position is for you!
About Burton Center
Burton Center is a non-profit disability and special needs board. Our organization was created in 1971 to provide essential services to individuals with disabilities and special needs and to offer much needed assistance to their families. Over the last five decades, we have been able to expand our range of services. With locations in Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Lexington, McCormick, Ware Shoals, and Saluda counties, Burton Center's staff of 325, assists over 500 people. Our services are provided free of charge to those who meet specific eligibility criteria by the South Carolina Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. We offer Day Programs, Residential Services, and Employment Placement Programs.
About the Position
This is a second shift, full-time position. The hours are various weekdays (Monday-Friday) 3:45pm - 11:45pm and every other Saturday and Sunday 7:45am-7:45pm, totaling 40 hours per week. This position is a part of Burton Center's Residential Program in an Intermediate Care Facility.
As a Direct Support Professional in an Intermediate Care Facility (ICF), your role will be pivotal in creating the best quality of life for up to 8 adults with disabilities and special needs who live in this home. Using person-centered support, you will implement effective training programs, encourage independence and community engagement, and provide direct care with self-help skills and personal hygiene. Our team will provide in-depth training on how to provide quality, direct care that may include toileting and changing incontinence briefs, bathing, administering medication, feeding assistance, or any individualized care needed. You will be able to encourage a positive and healthy lifestyle by preparing light meals from a designated meal plan, following behavioral support plans, and participating in planned outings, hobbies, or activities. You will also be provided with a Chromebook to track individuals' objectives and complete progress reports using the online system, Therap. Thorough in-person training and on-the-job training will also prepare you to drive Burton Center vehicles, operate wheelchair lifts safely, use therapeutic options, and provide Basic Life Support and MedTech certifications.
Required Qualifications
SC Driver's License
Ability to lift or maneuver up to 50lbs,
Ability to stand or walk for long periods of time,
Ability to be adaptive, a team player, and advocate for others
Excellent oral and written communication skills
How To Apply
Please apply online through Burton Center's website at under Employment Opportunities. Once you have submitted your completed application, an HR representative will reach out to set up an interview if you are a qualified candidate.
All newly hired Burton Center staff must complete a mandatory in-person orientation, MedTech, and complete all assigned online training prior to on-the-job training. Orientation is held once a month, over the course of three days, from 9am-5pm.
2026 Orientation dates*
*Please note these dates are subject to change. We provide the tentative dates in advance to inform applicants of job requirements
March 24th-26th and 31st
April 21st-23rd and 30th
May 19th-21st and 28th
June 2nd-4th and 18th
July 14th-16th and 23rd
Aug 11th-13th and 20th
Sep 8th-10th and 17th
Oct 6th-8th and 15th
Nov 17th-19th and 25th
Dec 1-3 and 22nd

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