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Part Time Direct Support Professional Jobs in Kentucky

I/DD Residential Staff - Riverwood

Paducah, KY · On-site

$16.75 - $18.75/hr

This position can be either part time or full time and does not necessarily have regular working ... Provides appropriate encouragement, support, and interactions for residents * Observes and ...

Showing results 41-60

Part Time Direct Support Professional information

What is a part time direct support professional?

Part Time Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are caregivers who assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their daily lives. Working part time, they help clients with personal care, daily activities, medication management, and community involvement. DSPs also provide emotional support and help promote independence, ensuring a safe and supportive environment. Their schedules are flexible, often including evenings and weekends, making this role ideal for those seeking fulfilling work with flexible hours.

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

To thrive as a Part Time Direct Support Professional, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic caregiving skills, and an understanding of developmental disabilities. Familiarity with individual service plans (ISPs), documentation software, and CPR/First Aid certification is often required. Patience, strong communication, and empathy are crucial soft skills for building trust and supporting clients’ independence. These competencies ensure the safety, well-being, and personal growth of individuals receiving care, while maintaining compliance with organizational and legal standards.

What are some common challenges faced by part time direct support professionals, and how can they be managed?

Part-time Direct Support Professionals often face challenges such as adapting to varying client needs, maintaining consistency in support with limited hours, and coordinating effectively with full-time staff. To manage these, it's important to communicate regularly with the team, stay updated on individual care plans, and be proactive in seeking clarification on responsibilities. Building strong relationships with both clients and colleagues helps ensure seamless support and a positive work environment.

What is the difference between Part Time Direct Support Professional vs Part Time Personal Care Assistant?

AspectPart Time Direct Support ProfessionalPart Time Personal Care Assistant
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, sometimes DSP certificationCPR, First Aid often required
Work EnvironmentSupporting individuals with disabilities in community or residential settingsAssisting individuals with daily living activities, often in private homes or facilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, healthcare providersHome care agencies, healthcare providers

Both roles involve providing personal support, but Direct Support Professionals typically work with individuals with disabilities in various settings, focusing on independence and community integration. Personal Care Assistants mainly assist with daily living tasks in private or home settings. While certifications overlap, DSPs often require additional training related to disabilities. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Is being a part time direct support professional a stressful job?

Part-time direct support professionals often work in challenging environments that require patience, strong communication skills, and the ability to handle emergencies. The job can be stressful due to the responsibility of supporting individuals with disabilities or special needs, but workload and stress levels vary depending on the setting and individual circumstances.

Where do part time direct support professionals get paid the most?

Part 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 focus on healthcare, social services, or specialized support programs often offer higher pay rates for these roles. Compensation can also vary based on certifications, experience, and the specific employer or organization.

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 Part Time Direct Support Professional jobs in Kentucky?

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

What job categories do people searching Part Time Direct Support Professional jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Part Time Direct Support Professional jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Part Time Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Part Time Direct Support Professional job openings:

Infographic showing various Part Time Direct Support Professional job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 19% Full Time, and 81% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Student: Community Living Support (CLS) Professional

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY • On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Part-time

Posted 25 days ago


University Of Kentucky rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

313th of 621 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Job Title Student: Community Living Support (CLS) Professional Requisition Number SE04427 Department Name 3J5SE: Student Employment Work Location Lexington, KY On Campus/Off Campus Off Campus Salary Range $22-$25 Type of Position Student Position Time Status Part-Time Preferred Education/Experience
 Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities is preferred but not required
Hours per Week
4-16
Job Summary
 You must be a current UK student to apply for this position. This position is located off-campus with a local Lexington employer and is not affiliated with UK.
 We are seeking a compassionate, dependable Community Living Support (CLS) Professional to provide one-on-one community-based support to a friendly 18-year-old young high school student with developmental disabilities. This part-time position focuses on helping him build independence, participate in community activities, and develop social and daily living skills.
We are looking for a University of Kentucky student or recent graduate in a health, education, or human services field who is dependable, compassionate, and interested in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.
No personal care is required. Responsibilities do not include bathing, lifting, or other hands-on personal care. The position emphasizes community participation, mentoring, and promoting independence through enjoyable activities in the Lexington area. 
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
- Compassionate, dependable, and patient
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and use good judgment
- Reliable, punctual, and responsible
- Comfortable supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in community settings
- Ability to encourage independence while providing appropriate support
- Basic smartphone skills to complete a brief electronic CLS service note through the agency's mobile app after each shift
- Reliable transportation and a valid driver's license preferred
Deadline to Apply 08/24/2026 Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
Anticipated Start Date 08/24/2026

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About University of Kentucky

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Kentucky (UK), the state's flagship university, was founded in 1865 and its beautiful, sprawling campus, nestled in downtown Lexington, now covers over 900 acres and is home to more than 30,000 students and approximately 13,500 employees. The trees and beautifully manicured greenspaces are a source of pride for the university and combine to create an impressive oasis amidst the busy cityscape that surrounds it.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lexington, KY, US

Year founded

1865