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Direct Service Professional Jobs in Lawrence, MA

Nashua Center

Direct Support Professional

Nashua, NH · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Are you considering a career in human services and looking for a rewarding job where you can make a difference in someone's life ? If so, please read on! This Direct Support Professional (DSP ...

Nashua Center

Direct Support Professional

Nashua, NH · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Are you considering a career in human services and looking for a rewarding job where you can make a difference in someone's life? If so, please read on!This Direct Support Professional (DSP) position ...

Aveanna Healthcare

Direct Support Professional

Danvers, MA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Why Join Aveanna Education Services? Want to make a difference? So do we! We believe that everyone ... Apply your skills as a Direct Support Professional in a home setting and begin making a difference ...

Aveanna Healthcare

Direct Support Professional

Danvers, MA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Overview Why Join Aveanna Education Services? Want to make a difference? So do we! We believe that ... Apply your skills as a Direct Support Professional in a home setting and begin making a difference ...

Aveanna Healthcare

Direct Support Professional

Danvers, MA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Why Join Aveanna Education Services? Want to make a difference? So do we! We believe that everyone ... Apply your skills as a Direct Support Professional in a home setting and begin making a difference ...

Aveanna Healthcare

Direct Support Professional

Danvers, MA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Why Join Aveanna Education Services? Want to make a difference? So do we! We believe that everyone ... Apply your skills as a Direct Support Professional in a home setting and begin making a difference ...

Community Options

Direct Support Professional

Nashua, NH · On-site

$19/hr

Community Options, Inc . is a national non-profit agency providing services to individuals with disabilities in 12 states. We are now hiring Full-Time, Part-Time, PRN Direct Support Professionals ...

Community options

Direct Support Professional

Nashua, NH · On-site

$19/hr

Community Options, Inc . is a national non-profit agency providing services to individuals with disabilities in 12 states. We are now hiring Full-Time, Part-Time, PRN Direct Support Professionals ...

COMMUNITAS, INC.

Direct Support Professional

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

We are currently seeking Residential Direct Support Professionals that can provide coverage as well ... Assists the individuals in seeking and obtaining adequate community resources and services, when ...

NuPath Inc

Direct Support Professional

Lynnfield, MA · On-site

$21.06 - $22.06/hr

Direct Support Professional Lynnfield , MA Location: Lynnfield MA Salary Range: $21.06 -$22.06 per ... Offering premier services at locations across Eastern Massachusetts, NuPath, Inc. is changing the ...

NuPath Inc

Direct Support Professional

Woburn, MA · On-site

$21.06 - $22.06/hr

Direct Support Professional Lincoln , MA Location: Billerica, Lowell, Lincoln, Lynnfield and ... Offering premier services at locations across Eastern Massachusetts, NuPath, Inc. is changing the ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsDirect Service Professional JobsDirect Service Professional Jobs in Lawrence, MA

Direct Service Professional information

See Lawrence, MA salary details

$8

$17

$22

How much do direct service professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct service professional in Lawrence, MA is $17.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $19.42 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 Lawrence, MA are hiring for Direct Service Professional jobs?

Cities near Lawrence, MA with the most Direct Service Professional job openings:

Direct Service Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Service Professional job openings in Lawrence, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,576 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

NORTH SUFFOLK COMMUNITY SERVICES INC

Revere, MA • On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

 

Direct Support Professionals are members of a team responsible for providing high quality direct care services to adults with developmental disabilities. As a nonprofit organization, we believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. We are looking for both entry level and experienced individuals to work as Direct Support Professionals in our residential homes. The right candidates will be responsible for providing care and assistance to Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. If you have experience working with developmentally disabled adults, or are willing to learn, we encourage you to apply.

Full and part time positions available in Burlington, Chelsea, Winthrop, Revere, Waltham, West Roxbury, Hyde Park and Saugus. Please indicate preference for location and shift.

Salary: $20 per hour. 

$2.00/hour differential for high intensity programs

What you’ll do:

  • Offer guidance for residents during skills building
  • Develop and implement individual treatment plans for residents
  • Assist with daily living activities, including meal preparation, money management, doctor’s appointments and assisting with personal hygiene
  • Ensure appropriate staff-to-client ratio at all time
  • Develop and promote a supportive relationship with the residents
  • Support each Individuals existing relationships and assist in increasing their network of friends and acquaintances.

What you’ll need:

  • Education: 
    • High School diploma or GED required. 
    • Bachelor’s degree in any related field preferred.
  • Experience: 
    • Zero to six years related experience (depending on DSP level) providing child care/elder care/direct support to developmentally disabled persons or previous experience supporting individuals in a mental health/special education or other human services setting is required.
  • Skills: 
    • Must have valid Massachusetts Driver’s license. 
    • Must be or able to become MAP certified
    •  CPR/First Aid certified within five months of hire (training provided).

Competitive & Comprehensive Benefits:

  • Paid Time Off – Two weeks’ Vacation per year (three weeks after 1 year of service), 12 Sick Days per year, and 11 Paid Holidays per year
  • Eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
  • Health & Dental Insurance, with generous employer contribution
  • Employer Paid Life Insurance
  • 403 (b) Retirement Plan with employer matching
  • Voluntary Short and Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Medical & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Access to Credit Union Banking
  • Access to State Tuition Remission Program (Worksite Specific)
  • Employee Referral Bonus Program
  • Discounted Movie Tickets
  • Comprehensive Training Program
  • Internal Advancement Opportunities