1

Direct Support Professional Caregiver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Direct Support Professional (Caregiver)

Bolivar, MO · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

Direct Support Professional (Caregiver) Firefly (Supportive Living & Employment Services) Bolivar, Missouri Full Time **No experience necessary! We provide free training!** **We just need your ...

Direct Support Professional (Caregiver)

Bolivar, MO · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

Direct Support Professional (Caregiver) Firefly (Supportive Living & Employment Services) Bolivar, Missouri Full Time **No experience necessary! We provide free training!** **We just need your ...

Direct Support Professional (Caregiver) If you are motivated to be a high quality caregiver, Dungarvin has the opportunity for you. Working directly as a home health and companion care provider with ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Direct Support Professional Caregiver information

See salary details

$8

$15

$20

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

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional caregiver in the United States is $15.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Direct Support Professional Caregivers?

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Caregivers are trained individuals who assist people with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities in their daily lives. They help clients with personal care, medication management, transportation, meal preparation, and participation in community activities. DSP Caregivers are essential for promoting independence, safety, and a higher quality of life for those they support. Their work often takes place in homes, group residences, or community settings, providing both practical and emotional support.

What are some common challenges faced by Direct Support Professional Caregivers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Direct Support Professional Caregivers often encounter challenges such as managing unpredictable behaviors, balancing multiple clients' needs, and maintaining clear boundaries while building supportive relationships. Effective communication, consistent routines, and ongoing training in de-escalation techniques are essential for managing these challenges. Many organizations also provide mentorship, teamwork, and regular check-ins to help staff navigate difficult situations and prevent burnout, fostering a supportive work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Direct Support Professional Caregiver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Direct Support Professional Caregiver, you need a foundational understanding of personal care, support strategies for individuals with disabilities, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with documentation systems, basic medical equipment, and sometimes certifications like CPR/First Aid are typically required. Patience, strong communication, empathy, and problem-solving abilities are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure the safety, well-being, and empowerment of clients while maintaining effective and compassionate care.

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

AspectDirect Support Professional CaregiverPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsOften requires CPR, First Aid, and state-specific trainingMay require similar certifications, depending on state regulations
Work EnvironmentSupports individuals with disabilities in community or residential settingsProvides in-home assistance to elderly or disabled clients
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, healthcare providersHome healthcare agencies, private clients

Both roles involve assisting individuals with daily activities, but Direct Support Professional Caregivers typically work with people with disabilities in community or residential settings, while Personal Care Assistants mainly provide in-home support to elderly or disabled clients. The certifications and work environments overlap, but their focus and settings differ.

More about Direct Support Professional Caregiver jobs
What cities are hiring for Direct Support Professional Caregiver jobs? Cities with the most Direct Support Professional Caregiver job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Direct Support Professional Caregiver jobs? The top employers for Direct Support Professional Caregiver jobs are:
What states have the most Direct Support Professional Caregiver jobs? States with the most job openings for Direct Support Professional Caregiver jobs include:
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional Caregiver job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 44% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,034 per year, or $15.4 per hour.
Direct Support Professional/Caregiver

Direct Support Professional/Caregiver

Kaleidoscope Family Solutions, Inc.

Indiana, PA

$12.75 - $16.50/hr

Contractor

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Location: Indiana, PA 15701
Date Posted: 06/01/2026
Category: Direct Care Services
Education: High School Diploma/GED

Come create a colorful difference with Kaleidoscope Family Solutions (KFS)!!!
Kaleidoscope Family Solutions, Inc. provides community and home-based services to persons with autism and intellectual disabilities. Our team partners with family members and existing providers to create individualized goals allowing the team to help improve Individuals' life experiences.
The individuals we support are in need of dedicated, caring, and reliable Direct Support Professionals eager to make a difference in their lives!
DESCRIPTION OF CONTRACT OPPORTUNITY
* Assist Individuals as they develop and maintain skills to improve their daily-living and social skills
* Engage in activities with Individuals to live more independently within the community and/or be more productive and participatory in community life
* Maintain annual 24 hour training requirements
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION FOR DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL
* Compassionate and willing to care for the well-being of others
* Minimum of a High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
* Wiilling to complete given background checks
* Valid Driver's License and existing insurance
* Willing and able to drive individuals in personal car throughout the community
* Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
* Flexibility is preferred to allow more opportunity for individual assignments
ADVANTAGES
* Compensation processed weekly
* Flexible work hours including evenings and weekends
* Personal and professional fulfillment in an impactful role
Kaleidoscope Family Solutions, Inc. is an EEO employer.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Candidates submitting their resume also usually have experience or interest in other roles including Residential Aides, Direct Support Professional, DSPs, Care Givers, Aides, Home Health Aide, Mental Health Technicians, MHTs, Behavior Health Technicians, BHTs, and Youth Care Workers.

Title: Direct Support Professional/Caregiver
Class: Direct Care Support
Type: CONTRACT
Ref. No.: 1283208-8
BC: #KFS201

Company: Kaleidoscope Family Solutions, Inc.
Contract Contact: CPA Careers
Office Email: CPA@kfamilysolutions.org
Office Phone: 215-278-8376
Office Address: Chambersburg, PA 17201

Each Kaleidoscope Family Solutions (KFS) office is separately incorporated. Registering on the Kaleidoscope web portal is not a guarantee that contracting opportunities will be available and/or located. Further steps are required to complete your registration with the appropriate legal Kaleidoscope (KFS) entity. Professionals contracting through KFS are classified and compensated as self-employed independent contractors.