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Direct Service Professional Jobs in Rhode Island

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Charlestown, RI · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

NeuroRestorative, a part of the Sevita family, provides rehabilitation services for people of all ... Direct Support Professional Part-time and Full-time availability! $18-$20/hr. based on experience ...

The Fedcap Group

Direct Support Professional

Pawtucket, RI · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

What You'll Do As a Direct Support Professional you will deliver a range of hands-on supports to ... Provide crisis intervention and access emergency services as needed. * Attends and actively ...

The Fedcap Group

Direct Support Professional

Pawtucket, RI · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

What You'll Do As a Direct Support Professional you will deliver a range of hands-on supports to ... Provide crisis intervention and access emergency services as needed. * Attends and actively ...

Fedcap

Direct Support Professional

Pawtucket, RI · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

What You'll Do As a Direct Support Professional you will deliver a range of hands-on supports to ... Provide crisis intervention and access emergency services as needed. * Attends and actively ...

The Fedcap Group

Direct Support Professional

Pawtucket, RI · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

What You'll Do As a Direct Support Professional you will deliver a range of hands-on supports to ... Provide crisis intervention and access emergency services as needed. * Attends and actively ...

The Fedcap Group

Direct Support Professional

Pawtucket, RI

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

What You'll Do As a Direct Support Professional you will deliver a range of hands-on supports to ... Provide crisis intervention and access emergency services as needed. * Attends and actively ...

Easterseals

Direct Support Professional

Pawtucket, RI · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

What You'll Do As a Direct Support Professional you will deliver a range of hands-on supports to ... Provide crisis intervention and access emergency services as needed. * Attends and actively ...

Fedcap

Direct Support Professional

Pawtucket, RI

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

What You'll Do As a Direct Support Professional you will deliver a range of hands-on supports to ... Provide crisis intervention and access emergency services as needed. * Attends and actively ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsDirect Service Professional JobsDirect Service Professional Jobs in Rhode Island

Direct Service Professional information

See Rhode Island salary details

$8

$16

$21

How much do direct service professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct service professional in Rhode Island is $16.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $18.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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.

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 advancement, though it may involve physically demanding work and variable schedules.
More about Direct Service Professional jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Direct Service jobs in Rhode Island?

The most popular types of Direct Service jobs in Rhode Island are:

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Direct Service Professional jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Direct Service Professional job openings:

Direct Service Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Service Professional job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,142 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

DSP / Direct Support Professional

Northeast Family Services

Providence, RI • On-site

$16 - $22/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Ready for a summer schedule that works for you?  

Summer Fun Fridays at Northeast Family Services! 
 
We close at 12:30pm every Friday from Memorial Day through Labor Day — giving our team more time to relax, recharge, and enjoy the summer sunshine! 

 

Up to $500 Stay-on Bonus after 120 days!

Are you looking for a rewarding career helping children, adults and families thrive? If you are a dedicated mental health professional seeking a new role, we are looking for you! Don’t miss the opportunity to join a wonderful team of invested professionals at a rapidly growing and well-regarded organization.

Northeast Family services is seeking experienced Direct Support Professionals to work directly with children, teens, and young adults ages 3-21 with developmental, social, and emotional needs in their homes and their community. 

Immediate openings are available in our Home-Based Therapeutic Services (HBTS) Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Personal Assistance Services and Supports (PASS) programs. 

Part-time Positions (6-20 hours) including after school, evening, and weekend hours.

Responsibilities for DSP position : 

  • Working directly with individuals from ages 3-21 with special needs
  • Implementing behavior plans and programs developed by the clinical supervisor 
  • Teaching, role-modeling, implementing treatment interventions and strategies
  • Collecting daily data 
  • Developing and maintaining professional relationships with clients, families, and clinical team members

DSP Qualifications / Experience:

  • 19 years of age (HBTS & ABA)
    or 
  • 18 years of age (PASS) 
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Able to pass clearances (DCYF, BCI, Driving Record)
  • Valid car insurance and registration
  • One year of supervised experience working with children, or have an Associate’s Degree in Human Services (i.e. psychology, counseling, child development, education, nursing, etc.), or demonstrate competency to work with children with special health care needs as evidenced by provider-agency’s skills validation
  • Ability to read, write, and speak English 
  • Bi-lingual applicants strongly encouraged to apply
  • Experience preferred, but we are willing to train the right candidate. Please send a resume for consideration.
  • Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
  •  Access to secured high speed internet required.

Compensation:

  • The Direct Support Professional is an Hourly position 
  • $16.00 to $22.00 /hour based on program, education, and experience
  • Up to $500 Sign-on Bonus after 120 days!

Apply