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Part Time Direct Support Professional Jobs in Cottage Grove, MN

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Part Time Direct Support Professional information

See Cottage Grove, MN salary details

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How much do part time direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for part time direct support professional in Cottage Grove, MN is $16.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Cottage Grove, MN?

The most popular types of Direct Support Professional jobs in Cottage Grove, MN are:

What are popular job titles related to Part Time Direct Support Professional jobs in Cottage Grove, MN?

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

What job categories do people searching Part Time Direct Support Professional jobs in Cottage Grove, MN look for?

The top searched job categories for Part Time Direct Support Professional jobs in Cottage Grove, MN are:

What cities near Cottage Grove, MN are hiring for Part Time Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities near Cottage Grove, MN with the most Part Time Direct Support Professional job openings:

Infographic showing various Part Time Direct Support Professional job openings in Cottage Grove, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 18% Full Time, and 82% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,301 per year, or $17 per hour.

General Application - Direct Support Professional

Orion Associates

Golden Valley, MN • On-site

$18 - $29/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days 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!
Company Benefits and Perks:
  • 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

Job Title: Direct Support Professional
Location: Variety of Locations throughout the Twin Cities, Central MN, and Northern MN areas!
Schedule: Variety of Full Time and Part Time Schedules Available
Wage: $18.00 - $25.00+ per hour (based on location and experience) including company benefits
Job Summary:
We are offering full time or part time Direct Support Professional positions throughout the Twin Cities, Central MN, and Northern MN areas. As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) you will be helping adults, children, and teenagers who live in our residential homes or at home with their families work on a variety of outcomes and goals. DSP's provide assistance with daily activities such as meal preparation, community outings, personal hygiene, shopping, cleaning, and attending appointments and medication administration.
Required Qualifications:
  • Age:
    • 18 years of age for employment within the In-Home Program/Adult Residential Group Homes
    • 21 years of age for child foster care homes.
  • Have a vehicle with current car insurance
  • Have an acceptable driving record as determined by Meridian Services policy.
  • Successful clearance from a DHS background Study

Preferred Experience:
  • Experience working with challenging behaviors (verbal and/or physical) is preferred.
  • Experience with mental health and Autism is required for some positions.
  • Experience providing personal cares is required for some position.

Meridian Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.