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Residential Direct Support Professional Jobs in Appleton, WI

Fundamentals LLC

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Direct Support Professional

Appleton, WI · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

We're looking for compassionate, motivated individuals to join our team as Direct Support Professionals/Behavioral Specialists. In this role, you'll work directly with children and youth, helping ...

Fundamentals LLC

Be Seen First

Direct Support Professional

Appleton, WI · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

We're looking for compassionate, motivated individuals to join our team as Direct Support Professionals/Behavioral Specialists. In this role, you'll work directly with children and youth, helping ...

Fundamentals LLC

Be Seen First

Direct Support Professional

Oshkosh, WI · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

We're looking for compassionate, motivated individuals to join our team as Direct Support Professionals/Behavioral Specialists. In this role, you'll work directly with children and youth, helping ...

Fundamentals LLC

Be Seen First

Direct Support Professional

Oshkosh, WI · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

We're looking for compassionate, motivated individuals to join our team as Direct Support Professionals/Behavioral Specialists. In this role, you'll work directly with children and youth, helping ...

MyPath

Direct Support Professional

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

... in a residential home setting. Ensure clients safety, assist clients with daily tasks, be a ... Our companies provide a spectrum of services and support which promote the ability of those we ...

Mypath

Direct Support Professional

Green Bay, WI

$14 - $18/hr

... in a residential home setting. Ensure clients safety, assist clients with daily tasks, be a ... Our companies provide a spectrum of services and support which promote the ability of those we ...

Mypath

Direct Support Professional Float

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

... of residential settings. We support people through individualized service plans that range from ... HIL is looking for a Direct Support Professional - Float (DSP - Float) to join our team. A DSP ...

MyPath

Direct Support Professional Float

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

... of residential settings. We support people through individualized service plans that range from ... HIL is looking for a Direct Support Professional - Float (DSP - Float) to join our team. A DSP ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Appleton, WI · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Appleton, WI · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

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Residential Direct Support Professional information

See Appleton, WI salary details

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How much do residential direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for residential direct support professional in Appleton, WI is $16.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $17.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a residential direct support professional?

Residential Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are individuals who provide care, support, and supervision to people with disabilities in residential settings. They assist clients with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication management. DSPs also help foster independence, encourage social participation, and ensure the safety and well-being of those they support. Their role is crucial in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities.

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

To thrive as a Residential Direct Support Professional, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic caregiving knowledge, and a genuine commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities. Familiarity with documentation systems, medication administration, and CPR/First Aid certification are commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and reliability help build trusting relationships and respond effectively to clients' needs. These skills ensure safety, promote independence, and enhance the quality of life for the individuals being supported.

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

Residential Direct Support Professionals often encounter challenges such as managing behavioral issues, balancing the needs of multiple clients, and maintaining clear communication with team members and families. To effectively manage these challenges, it's important to utilize de-escalation techniques, stay organized with thorough documentation, and participate in regular team meetings to ensure everyone is aligned on care plans. Continuous training and support from supervisors also play a key role in helping staff feel confident and prepared in their responsibilities.

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

AspectResidential Direct Support ProfessionalPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, sometimes specialized certificationsCPR, First Aid often required
Work EnvironmentResidential facilities, group homes, community settingsPrivate homes, healthcare facilities, community settings
Job DutiesAssist individuals with daily living, medication management, skill developmentAssist with personal hygiene, mobility, daily tasks
Employer & IndustryHealthcare providers, social service agenciesHome healthcare agencies, private families

Both roles involve supporting individuals with daily needs, but Residential Direct Support Professionals typically work in group homes or community settings with a focus on skill development and medication management, while Personal Care Assistants often work in private homes assisting with personal hygiene and daily tasks. Certifications like CPR and First Aid are common for both roles.

Is being a residential direct support professional a stressful job?

Being a residential direct support professional can be stressful due to the need to manage challenging behaviors, ensure safety, and provide emotional support to residents with disabilities. The job often requires strong communication skills, patience, and the ability to handle unpredictable situations, which can contribute to stress levels. However, some find the role rewarding and manageable with proper training and support.

Is being a residential direct support professional worth it?

A residential direct support professional provides assistance to individuals with disabilities in a residential setting, often requiring patience, communication skills, and certification. The role offers job stability, opportunities for personal fulfillment, and the chance to develop valuable skills, though it may involve physically and emotionally demanding work shifts. Overall, it can be a rewarding career for those interested in helping others and working in human services.

Where do residential direct support professionals get paid the most?

Residential direct support professionals tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare services, such as urban areas or states with higher minimum wages. Salaries can also vary based on experience, certifications, and the specific employer or facility.

What job categories do people searching Residential Direct Support Professional jobs in Appleton, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Residential Direct Support Professional jobs in Appleton, WI are:

What cities near Appleton, WI are hiring for Residential Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities near Appleton, WI with the most Residential Direct Support Professional job openings:

Residential Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Residential Direct Support Professional job openings in Appleton, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,499 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Limitless Possibilities LLC

Neenah, WI

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Direct support professionals are responsible for the direct supervision of adults with disabilities in various settings such as the home, community, and vocational sites. It is the responsibility of direct support professionals to see to the specific needs of each client served, provide and teach opportunities, provide options for informed choice, and follow guidelines according to clients' service and support plans. Direct support professionals report to program supervisors.

Qualifications:

  • Be at least 18 years of age (21 years of age for driving positions)
  • Possess at least a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Some experience in providing community supports to people with developmental disabilities
  • The ability to reason and problem solve
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Possess a valid driver license
  • Possess automobile insurance
  • Be willing to perform any reasonable request to meet the needs of the persons served
  • Ability to use computer applications such as a word processor, e-mail, etc. in a time-efficient manner
  • Capable of working with adults with developmental disabilities by communicating verbally to instruct, demonstrate, train, and work cooperatively
  • Stand, sit, bend, lift, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and move intermittently
  • Must frequently lift/move up to 25 pounds

Job Duties:

  • Household Management: Direct support professionals assist the individual with household management (e.g. meal preparation laundry, cleaning and decorating) and with transportation needs to maximize his or her skills, abilities and independence.
  • Facilitation of Services: Direct support professionals have knowledge sufficient to fulfill their roles related to individual service plan development, implementation, and review.
  • Health and Wellness: Direct support professionals promotes the health and wellness of all clients.
  • Organizational Participation: Direct support professionals are familiar with the organizational mission, vision and values.
  • Documentation: Direct support professionals are aware of the requirement for documentation in his or her organization and is able to manage these requirements efficiently.
  • Client Empowerment: Direct support professionals enhance the ability of the individual to lead a self-determining life by providing the support and information necessary to build self-esteem, and assertiveness and to make decisions.
  • Assessment: Direct support professionals are knowledgeable about formal and informal assessment practices in order to respond to the needs, desires, and interest of the individuals.
  • Advocacy: Direct support professionals should be knowledgeable about the diverse challenges facing individuals (i.e. human rights/client rights).
  • Community and Service Networking: Direct support professionals are knowledgeable about the formal and informal supports available in his or her community and are skilled in assisting the individual to identify and gain access to such supports.
  • Building and Maintaining Friendships and Relationships: Direct support professionals support the participant in the development of friendships and other relationships.
  • Communication: Direct support professionals are knowledgeable about the range of effective communication strategies and skills necessary to establish a collaborative relationship with the individual.
  • Crisis Intervention: Direct support professionals are knowledgeable about crisis prevention, intervention, and resolution techniques and should match such techniques to particular circumstances and individuals.
  • Professionalism: Direct support professionals pursue knowledge and information necessary to perform job duties.
  • Vocational, Educational, and Career Support: Direct support professionals are knowledgeable about the career and education related concerns of individuals.

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