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Direct Service Professional Jobs in Frederick, MD

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Direct Service Professional information

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How much do direct service professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct service professional in Frederick, MD is $16.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.33 and $18.41 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 cities near Frederick, MD are hiring for Direct Service Professional jobs?

Cities near Frederick, MD with the most Direct Service Professional job openings:

Direct Service Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Service Professional job openings in Frederick, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,663 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Montgomery Village, MD • On-site

DIVINE CONNECT CARE INC
See more jobs at DIVINE CONNECT CARE INCexternal

$16 - $18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Divine Connect Care, Inc. (DCCI) is looking for experienced individuals to fill the role of Direct Care Staff/Direct Support Professional (DSP). This individual will The right candidate must demonstrate good professional judgement and have the ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision or guidance. Candidates will be working directly with people with intellectual, developmental disabilities and diverse needs.
Candidates filling this position must provide necessary services towards the rehabilitation programs to insure the health, safety and welfare of the person-supported. To follow all directives given by Upper Management and Supervisors at any given time. Candidates should provide rehabilitative services to people and assist in training skills acquisition in the areas of self-help, daily living, socialization, leisure/recreation, human growth and development, communication, community survival, behavioral and motor programs.
QUALIFICATIONS

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Provide a criminal background clearance, current health certificate, Medication Technician certificate/license, and two forms of identification.
  • Previous experience working adults with developmental disabilities or mental illness in a home setting or related experience.
  • Must be able to read, write and comprehend documentation, which may be of a technical nature. Must be able to perform basic mathematical computations. Observe, log and chart information.
  • Must know how to communicate in a respectable and professional manor.
  • Have the ability to maintain composure in a stressful situation and to react quickly and efficiently.
  • Candidate must be able to lift 60lbs at minimum, unassisted. Assist others with walking, reaching, standing, stooping, and kneeling at needed times.
Direct Support Professional provides:

  • Training in and monitoring of independent living skills and community survival skills.
  • Basic care, supervision, travel training and various trainings.
  • Care of the persons living environment and meal preparation.
  • Support, companionship, guidance and assistance in dependent living to one or more persons with the diagnosis of Developmental Disabilities or mental illness.
  • Knowledgeable of all aspects of the persons programs.
  • Assures that the person supported is clean, properly dressed and fed each day.
  • Monitor health of the people we serve and observe any changes in their behavior that may relate to health problems.
  • Be knowledgeable of the side effects from medication and observe the persons behavior for any changes related to medication.
  • Provide ongoing training programs with the people we support that continually focus on advancement to the next level.
  • Plan and shop for food with as much of the person’s participation as their abilities will allow.
  • Plan leisure time activities for the people we serve, with consideration given top their age and developmental abilities.
  • Maintain the person’s records on a daily basis.
  • Take accurate data of the person’s progress and follow the training program exactly.
  • Mandatory attendance at all in-service training's/workshops.
  • Perform and assist person's with routine household cleaning duties and other daily living skills.
Job Types: Part-time, Full-time
Pay: $15.00 - $17.00 per hour
Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • 12 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Holidays
  • Monday to Friday
  • Night shift
  • On call
  • Overtime
  • Weekends as needed
Supplemental pay types:
  • Bonus opportunities
Experience:
  • Assisted living: 1 year (Preferred)
  • Caregiving: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
  • Medication Technician Certification (Preferred)
  • First Aid Certification (Preferred)
  • CPR Certification (Preferred)
Shift availability:
  • Day Shift (Preferred)
  • Overnight Shift (Preferred)
  • Night Shift (Preferred)
Work Location: Multiple locations