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Direct Care Professional Jobs in Fulton, NY (NOW HIRING)

Direct Support Professional (DSP) $19.50/hour | Full Time | No Mandated Shifts Onondaga & Madison ... needs, personal care, household tasks, and community activities * Support hobbies, interests ...

Direct Support Professional

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$17 - $27.50/hr

Self Direction Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Per Diem Pay Range: $17.00-$27.50 per hour About ... Support health, safety, and wellness goals. * Assist with personal care needs while maintaining ...

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Direct Care Professional information

See Fulton, NY salary details

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How much do direct care professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct care professional in Fulton, NY is $14.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.12 and $15.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a direct care professional?

A direct care professional, or a personal care assistant, works with patients who have chronic illnesses or long-term disabilities. In this role, your duties include running errands, providing transportation, and performing basic home health care for clients. You also help with daily activities, such as dress and undressing, cooking and cleaning, and bathing. The main career qualifications for this job are a high school diploma and background as a care worker. Sometimes a bachelor’s degree in a field like psychology is required. You need strong communication and organizational skills as well as compassion and empathy.

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

To excel as a Direct Care Professional, you need a solid understanding of basic caregiving practices, personal care assistance, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma and relevant training or certifications such as CPR and First Aid. Familiarity with care documentation systems and assistive devices is typically required. Compassion, patience, and strong interpersonal communication skills help build trust and effectively support clients with diverse needs. These competencies are vital for ensuring client well-being, promoting dignity, and maintaining a safe and supportive care environment.

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

Direct Care Professionals often encounter challenges such as managing clients’ behavioral issues, maintaining clear communication with team members and families, and adapting to varying care needs. These challenges can be managed by practicing patience, utilizing de-escalation techniques, participating in ongoing training, and collaborating closely with supervisors and colleagues. Developing strong documentation habits and self-care routines also help maintain both quality of care and personal well-being.

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

AspectDirect Care ProfessionalPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, sometimes state-specific certificationsOften requires similar certifications like CPR and First Aid
Work EnvironmentAssists clients in homes, facilities, or community settingsPrimarily in clients' homes or assisted living facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by healthcare agencies, home care companies, and community organizationsCommonly employed by home care agencies and private clients

Both roles involve providing personal care and support to individuals with disabilities or health needs. While the titles are often used interchangeably, 'Direct Care Professional' is a broader term that may include a variety of caregiving tasks, whereas 'Personal Care Assistant' typically emphasizes assisting with daily living activities in home settings.

What job categories do people searching Direct Care Professional jobs in Fulton, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Care Professional jobs in Fulton, NY are:

What cities near Fulton, NY are hiring for Direct Care Professional jobs?

Cities near Fulton, NY with the most Direct Care Professional job openings:

Infographic showing various Direct Care Professional job openings in Fulton, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,674 per year, or $14.7 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

East Syracuse, NY • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Community Options rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description

Community Options, Inc. is a national non-profit agency providing services to individuals with disabilities in 11 states. 
We are Now Hiring Full-Time Direct Support Professionals (DSP), Caregivers, Direct Care Staff, Home Health Aides in Syracuse, NY to provide person-centered care tailored to meet the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This is a fantastic opportunity for professional growth, while making a difference! No experience required– we provide PAID training!  
Starting pay is $18.00/per hour 
Responsibilities 
  • Provide direct care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities  
  • Assist with daily routines including cleaning, cooking, feeding, medication administration, and maintaining personal hygiene 
  • Monitor the health and medical needs of individuals and immediately report any concerns 
  • Assist with the learning and development of independent and community-based skills 
  • Participate with individuals in community, social, and recreational activities 
  • Drive individuals to medical appointments and activities in the community 
  • Ensure program documentation and billable records are completed accurately and timely 
  • Build a support network for individuals by developing and maintaining relationships with community members, businesses, and families 
  • Additional tasks and responsibilities may be assigned 
  • Employee must cooperate with the license and department staff in any inspection, inquiry, or investigation 
Minimum Requirements 
  • High school diploma or GED 
  • Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record 
  • Ability to establish a comfortable and supportive relationship with individuals receiving supports 
  • Ability to exercise good judgment and remain calm in crisis situations 
  • Employment is contingent upon successful completion of checks of criminal background, central registry, child abuse registry, and drug testing 
Why Community Options? 
  • Competitive Insurance Options (Medical, Dental, Vision). 
  • Paid Holidays—Including a Birthday Holiday! 
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO). 
  • Employee Incentive & Discount Programs. 
  • 403b Retirement Plan. 
  • Exceptional Career Growth Opportunities. 
  • Great coworkers/team that support you! 
  • University partnerships that include tuition reduction 
 
Please Visit Our Website to Complete an Online Application!    Careers.comop.org
Community Options is an Equal Opportunity Employer   M/F/D/V 
#IND-SR

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