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Residential Direct Support Professional Jobs in Rensselaer, IN

Help at Home

Direct Support Professional

Rensselaer, IN · On-site

$17/hr

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Join Help at Home and make a real difference in your community! Are you a... * High school grad looking to start a meaningful career * College student needing to ...

Help at Home

Direct Support Professional

Demotte, IN

$17/hr

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Join Help at Home and make a real difference in your community! Are you a... * High school grad looking to start a meaningful career * College student needing to ...

Fair Oaks Farms

Sous Chef

Fair Oaks, IN · On-site

$40K - $45K/yr

Sous Chef is a direct support to Executive Chef in planning, organizing, and scheduling, for both ... professional manner * In conjunction with Executive/Sous, create and develop and execute menus ...

U.S. Navy

IT Support Specialist

Medaryville, IN

Information Technology Professional (IT/CTN/IS) Category / Component: Enlisted Both Overview ... Direct enlistment into IT, CTN, or IS pipelines from civilian life based on aptitude, security ...

U.S. Navy

IT Support Specialist

Sheldon, IL

Information Technology Professional (IT/CTN/IS) Category / Component: Enlisted Both Overview ... Direct enlistment into IT, CTN, or IS pipelines from civilian life based on aptitude, security ...

U.S. Navy

IT Support Specialist

Brook, IN

Information Technology Professional (IT/CTN/IS) Category / Component: Enlisted Both Overview ... Direct enlistment into IT, CTN, or IS pipelines from civilian life based on aptitude, security ...

U.S. Navy

IT Support Specialist

Momence, IL

Information Technology Professional (IT/CTN/IS) Category / Component: Enlisted Both Overview ... Direct enlistment into IT, CTN, or IS pipelines from civilian life based on aptitude, security ...

U.S. Navy

IT Support Specialist

Rensselaer, IN

Information Technology Professional (IT/CTN/IS) Category / Component: Enlisted Both Overview ... Direct enlistment into IT, CTN, or IS pipelines from civilian life based on aptitude, security ...

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Residential Direct Support Professional information

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$8

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

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for residential direct support professional in Rensselaer, IN is $15.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.81 and $16.54 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 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 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 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 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 opportunities for meaningful work, but it can involve physically and emotionally demanding tasks with variable pay and schedules. Whether it is worth it depends on personal values and career goals related to caregiving and support services.
What job categories do people searching Residential Direct Support Professional jobs in Rensselaer, IN look for? The top searched job categories for Residential Direct Support Professional jobs in Rensselaer, IN are:
What cities near Rensselaer, IN are hiring for Residential Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Rensselaer, IN 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 Rensselaer, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,989 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Help at Home

Rensselaer, IN • On-site

$17/hr

Other

Medical, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Help At Home rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 180 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

150th of 239 rated social care providers

Job description

Direct Support Professional (DSP) 

Join Help at Home and make a real difference in your community!


Are you a...

  • High school grad looking to start a meaningful career
  • College student needing to work around your class schedule
  • Have availability evenings and weekends

Help at Home is hiring caring and dependable people to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their homes and communities.


Why you’ll love working with us

  • Flexible schedules that fit your life
  • Competitive pay — starting at a minimum of $17/hour (can vary based on type of care)
  • Paid orientation and career growth opportunities
  • Health benefits, paid time off
  • Work that truly matters — helping people live with dignity and independence
  • 50+ years of trusted care experience
  • Veteran-friendly employer — we value your service and skills


What you’ll do  

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you’ll provide one-on-one support to individuals with developmental disabilities — both at home and in their community — helping them live as independently as possible.  

Your work may include:

  • Supporting individuals with daily living skills such as cooking, cleaning, personal care (i.e. grooming, hygiene etc.), or transportation
  • Encouraging participation in social and community activities – shopping, social events etc.
  • Helping individuals achieve personal goals and celebrating progress
  • Promoting choice, independence, and self-advocacy
  • Accurately documenting care, activities, and progress
  • Communicating with team members to ensure consistent, quality support  

What you need

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Successful background check and required training
  • At least 18 years old
  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation with proof of insurance (primary or secondary)
  • Ability to work safely and respectfully in clients’ homes and communities
  • Compassion, reliability, and a desire to make a positive impact  

Preferred Qualifications

  • Demonstrated experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and/or autism, including implementing Person-Centered Individualized Support Plans (PCISPs), high risk plans, and behavior support plans
  • Experience using foundational behavior support strategies such as redirection, visual prompting, and environmental modification.   

Caregivers must comply with state background screening requirements. Compensation, benefits and time off vary by state and location, so please ask for complete details at your interview.    

Data Security and Privacy Statement  

At Help at Home, we prioritize protecting your personal information during the hiring process. We comply with all relevant data privacy regulations, including HIPAA and SOX where applicable. Your data will only be used to assess your employment suitability and won't be shared with unauthorized parties. We use strong security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access or disclosure. By submitting your application, you consent to this process. You can access, modify, or request deletion of your data by contacting us.  

Employees must adhere to our data protection policies and legal requirements to safeguard sensitive information. 

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