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Live In Direct Support Professional Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Direct Support Professional

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$12.50 - $15.25/hr

... to live as independently as possible in their homes and be involved in their communities the way they want to. Direct Support Professionals (DSP's) assists individuals with a disability to lead a ...

Our participants reside with their family members/caregivers, in their own homes or in licensed settings. The Direct Support Professional performs various duties, including the implementation of ...

As a Direct Support Professional, you will work one-on-one with individuals in both home and community settings while following each Individualized Service Plan (ISP). Schedule: Approx. 7+ hours per ...

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Live In Direct Support Professional information

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

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for live in direct support professional in the United States is $16.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are Live In Direct Support Professionals?

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 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.

More about Live In Direct Support Professional jobs
What cities are hiring for Live In Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities with the most Live In Direct Support Professional job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Direct Support Professional jobs? The most popular types of Direct Support Professional jobs are:
What states have the most Live In Direct Support Professional jobs? States with the most job openings for Live In Direct Support Professional jobs include:
Infographic showing various Live In Direct Support Professional job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 23% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,871 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Live-In Assistant (Direct Support Professional)

L'Arche St. Louis

Maplewood, MO

$37.44K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Are you caring and collaborative, joyful and adaptable? Are you perceptive to the needs of those around you? L’Arche St. Louis seeks you to join our team of Assistants that provides care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in a home. L’Arche’s unique model of care seeks to offer more than a job; it’s an opportunity for personal transformation through relationships.

Build community. Grow in compassion. Impact society.

Live-in Assistants fill an important role in our L’Arche Community. Life shared with other members of the community is what makes us who we are. The role is unique compared to most jobs. This overview is meant to provide some information about the role, but does not represent a contract or guarantee of terms.

What does "Live-In" mean?

Live-in Assistants make L’Arche St. Louis their primary home. L’Arche provides a bedroom, basic bedroom furniture, and full access to the house(s). Live-in Assistants have full-time employment with L’Arche St. Louis. This role is primarily to support the day-to-day life of the Core Members and the functioning of the home.

What a week looks like:

Live-in Assistants are scheduled for 5 days per week, with 2 “personal days”. During the 5 days in community, Live-in Assistants are typically scheduled 40-45 hours per week. The hours are often split up, with some “personal time” in between. Assistants are expected to be fully present and actively supporting the house and Core Members when scheduled as “on”, and are free to do as they please during their personal time. This includes normal things one might do at home: snack, sleep, read, recreate, leave to visit friends or run errands, etc. Scheduled hours can include direct Core Member support, house chores and errands, administrative time, trainings and meetings, cooking dinner, attending events, and more (based on the needs of the house and community).

The 2 "personal days" or days away, typically stay the same week-to-week, but on rare occasions may be shifted to meet the needs of the community. Currently, Assistants work together to determine which set of personal days they will take. During these days Assistants are totally free to do as they please. Many Assistants stay somewhere else during these days to relax and recharge, but there is no expectation to do so.

Pay & Benefits:

Live-in Assistants are provided room and board as a benefit for their role in community. This includes access to the kitchen and preferred foods (within reason, based on the house budget and preferences of the rest of the house). In addition, Assistants are paid for their scheduled hours, including overtime for any hours over 40. Currently the rate is $18.00 per hour. $18.00 x 40 hours = $720.00 gross pay per week, $37,440.00 gross pay per year.

In addition, live-in Assistants are provided with health, vision, and dental insurance, in addition to life insurance and long-term disability coverage after 90 days of employment. L’Arche currently pays 100% of the premium for those benefits. Live-in Assistants also accrue Vacation PTO, Holiday PTO, and Sick Time.

Reviews and Organizational Relationships:

Each Assistant will have a 3-month introductory probationary period, and will have a review at the end of that time. Additionally, Assistants will have an annual review each year. Assistants work directly with other Assistants, work closely with the House Leader of each house they provide support for, and work with the Assistants Coordinator and Assistant Director on training and other details.

Why Be an Assistant?

L’Arche is an opportunity to become your best self and support others to do the same. We believe that as we live our ordinary moments together in community we experience something extraordinary and develop vital skills in relating to others. We shape society by modeling a vision of humanity that promotes inclusion over competition.

L’Arche St. Louis stands out as a qualified support provider offering excellent care in homes that are regulated by the State of Missouri. Additionally, we share life in communities belonging to an International Federation with written practices and guidelines based on 55 years of experience lived out in 37 countries around the world. We celebrate the unique value of every person. Trust in God is at the heart of our journey together. People are welcome from diverse backgrounds and faith practices, including those with no religious affiliation at all.

Requirements

  • Can embrace the mission and values of L'Arche
  • Must be 18 or older
  • Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Must possess a valid driver's license
  • Current auto insurance and ability to provide transportation
  • Ability to pass a background check
  • Eligibility to work in the United States
  • Assisting individuals with the activities of daily living, including personal care and passing medications
  • Implementing support plans
  • Documenting care given

L’Arche St. Louis is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and will accept applications, hire qualified applicants, administer all terms and conditions of employment, and make available all benefits and compensations of employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression except when such constitutes a bona fide occupational qualification necessary to proper and efficient administration. L’Arche St. Louis complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws with regard to equal employment opportunity. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.