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Direct Service Professional Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Bear, DE · On-site

$15.75/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Bear, DE . If ... Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Wilmington, DE

$15.75 - $17.75/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Wilmington,DE ... Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Middletown, DE · On-site

$15.75/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Middletown ... Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Newark, DE

$15.75/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Newark, DE ... Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Newark, DE · On-site

$15.75/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Newark, DE ... Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Middletown, DE

$15.75/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Middletown ... Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Newark, DE · On-site

$15.75 - $17.75/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Newark, DE ... Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Newark, DE · On-site

$15.75/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Newark, DE ... We offer a breadth of integrated services to individuals and communities across the country. Our ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$18.75/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Wilmington ... We offer a breadth of integrated services to individuals and communities across the country. Our ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Middletown, DE · On-site

$15.75 - $17.75/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Middletown ... Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Townsend, DE

$18.75 - $20.75/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Townsend, DE ... Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Middletown, DE

$15.75 - $17.75/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Middletown ... Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Middletown, DE · On-site

$15.75/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Middletown ... Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Middletown, DE

$15.75 - $17.75/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Middletown ... Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Townsend, DE · On-site

$18.75 - $20.75/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Townsend, DE ... Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Newark, DE

$14.75 - $18/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Newark , DE ... We offer a breadth of integrated services to individuals and communities across the country. Our ...

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All JobsDirect Service Professional JobsDirect Service Professional Jobs in Delaware

Direct Service Professional information

See Delaware salary details

$8

$16

$21

How much do direct service professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct service professional in Delaware is $16.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by direct service professionals and how can they be addressed?

Direct Service Professionals often encounter challenges such as managing clients with complex behavioral needs, maintaining clear communication among team members, and balancing documentation requirements with hands-on support. To address these challenges, it's important to participate in regular training sessions, collaborate closely with supervisors and colleagues, and utilize available support resources. Building strong relationships with clients and fostering a positive, team-oriented environment also help make the role more rewarding and manageable.

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

AspectDirect Service ProfessionalPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsOften requires CPR, First Aid, and sometimes specialized trainingMay require basic certifications like CPR, First Aid, but less specialized training
Work EnvironmentCommunity settings, group homes, residential facilitiesPrivate homes, individual client settings
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare, social services, non-profitsHome care agencies, private clients
Job FocusSupporting individuals with disabilities, mental health, or developmental needsAssisting with daily living activities for elderly or disabled clients

While both roles involve providing care and support, a Direct Service Professional typically works in community or facility settings with a focus on individuals with disabilities or mental health needs, often requiring specialized training. A Personal Care Assistant usually works in private homes, assisting with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and mobility, often with fewer certifications required.

What is a direct service professional?

A direct support professional works to assist people with disabilities. In this career, your job duties include helping people in a residential assisted living community; however, most direct support professionals work offsite in the homes or schools of support program participants. You need strong organizational and communication skills to deal with clients, their other caretakers, and their family members. Most employers expect you to document your experience with each client and note changes in behavior and progress toward developmental goals. Educational qualifications include a high school diploma and previous experience or on-the-job training.

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

To thrive as a Direct Service Professional, you need a foundational understanding of client care, basic health and safety, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with electronic documentation systems and CPR/First Aid certification are often required. Patience, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work collaboratively are crucial soft skills for building trust with clients and supporting their daily needs. These abilities are essential for providing quality care, ensuring client well-being, and fostering a supportive environment.

Is a direct service professional a good career?

A direct service professional (DSP) provides support to individuals with disabilities or mental health needs, often working in community or residential settings. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in helping others, with opportunities for certification, skill development, and flexible schedules, though it may involve physically and emotionally demanding work. Job satisfaction often depends on personal interests and the work environment.

What qualifications do I need for a direct service professional job?

A direct service professional typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent and may require CPR and first aid certifications. Relevant skills include strong communication, patience, and the ability to work with diverse populations; some positions may also require background checks and training specific to the client population.
More about Direct Service Professional jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Direct Service jobs in Delaware? The most popular types of Direct Service jobs in Delaware are:
What cities in Delaware are hiring for Direct Service Professional jobs? Cities in Delaware with the most Direct Service Professional job openings:
Direct Service Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Service Professional job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,893 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Merakey

Bear, DE • On-site

$15.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago

Merakey rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 239 rated social care providers

Job description

Are you looking for an opportunity to advance your career while working with an extraordinary team? At Merakey, we put heart and soul into everything we do. We are seekingDirect Support Professionals(DSPs) to join our team at our program in Bear, DE.

If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health aide or always wanted to be one, this is the opportunity for you as we are hiring immediately!

No experience required - we providePAIDtraining.

Payrate- $15.75/hr

Our ideal DSP candidatewill have a strong desire to create long-term impacts on their individuals lives and enjoy encouraging, mentoring, and coaching others to achieve their goals. Be a part of fostering a true sense of pride in your individual by teaching them to navigate daily living activities, such as housekeeping and laundry. Your work is performed in accordance with appropriate procedures under the supervision of the House Manager who reviews results through living area observation of activities in progress, residents' responsiveness, inspection of living area, reports, and periodic meetings. Make a difference in the life of those you work with to enhance their independence by assisting with daily and personal activities.

Benefits

Merakey offers generous benefits that promote well-being, financial security, and work-life balance, including:

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus access to healthcare advocacy support.
  • Retirement plan -- both pre-tax and Roth (after-tax) options available for employee contributions.
  • DailyPay -- access your pay when you need it!
  • On the Goga well-being platform, featuring self-care tools and resources.
  • Access Care.com for backup childcare, elder care, and household services.
  • Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Tuition reimbursement and educational partnerships.
  • Employee discounts and savings programs on entertainment, travel, and lifestyle.
  • Access to Pryor Online Learning for free online personal development classes.

Learn more about our full benefits package - https://www.merakey.org/careers/benefits

About Merakey

Merakey is a non-profit provider of developmental, behavioral health, and education services. More than 8,000 employees provide support to nearly 40,000 individuals and families throughout 12 states across the country each year. Click here to watch a video about Merakey. Merakey strictly follows a zero-tolerance policy for abuse.

Merakey is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer! We deeply value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ethnic background, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or disability status. Moreover, we are committed to creating teams that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and encourage applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Merakey welcomes all Veterans to apply!

  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license.
  • Verifiable High School diploma/G.E.D preferred.
  • Experience in a home health aide setting, or school setting working with people who have Intellectual and Developmental disabilities is preferred.
  • Must have a desire to help others reach their fullest potential.

What Merakey employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Merakey

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Merakey is a leading developmental, behavioral health, and education non-profit provider with a fifty-year history. We offer a breadth of integrated services to individuals and communities across the country. Our belief that every individual has the right to achieve growth, dignity, and fulfillment guides all of our decisions. At Merakey, we care about each other and are committed to providing the very best care to those we serve. Merakey strictly follows a zero-tolerance policy for abuse.

Industry

Non-profits

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Lafayette Hill, PA, US

Year founded

1960

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