ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Direct Service Professional Jobs in Springfield, MA

Catholic Charities

Direct Service Worker

Bloomfield, CT · On-site

$18.52 - $19.02/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... A Direct Support Worker is responsible for assisting in the coordination of residential services ... Ensure regular, professional communication with all team members 4. Trainings * Attend and ...

Catholic Charities

Direct Service Worker

Windsor, CT · On-site

$18.52 - $19.02/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... A Direct Support Worker is responsible for assisting in the coordination of residential services ... Ensure regular, professional communication with all team members 4. Trainings * Attend and ...

Catholic Charities

Direct Service Worker

Somers, CT · On-site

$19.52 - $20.02/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... A Direct Support Worker is responsible for assisting in the coordination of residential services ... Ensure regular, professional communication with all team members 4. Trainings * Attend and ...

Vinfen

Per Diem - Human Services

Windsor, CT

$21.47/hr

As a Per Diem Residential Counselor (Developmental Disabilities), you will provide direct support ... Vinfen's 3,500 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full ...

Sunshine

Direct Support Professional - Chicopee

Chicopee, MA · On-site

$21.50 - $21.51/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Provide direct service in an individual and group setting to all individuals in a thoughtful and ... Professional schedule. The holiday schedule may vary. Required Skills/Abilities: Excellent ...

Sunshine

Direct Support Professional - Agawam Dayhab

Agawam, MA · On-site

$21.50 - $21.51/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Provide direct service in an individual and group setting to all individuals in a thoughtful and ... Professional schedule. The holiday schedule may vary. Required Skills/Abilities: Excellent ...

Sunshine

Direct Support Professional - Agawam CBDS

Chicopee, MA · On-site

$21.50 - $21.51/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Provide direct service in an individual and group setting to all individuals in a thoughtful and ... Professional schedule. The holiday schedule may vary. Required Skills/Abilities: Excellent ...

Sunshine

Direct Support Professional - Casey CBDS

Chicopee, MA · On-site

$21.50 - $21.51/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Provide direct service in an individual and group setting to all individuals in a thoughtful and ... Professional schedule. The holiday schedule may vary. Required Skills/Abilities: Excellent ...

Gilead Community Services

Direct Support Professional

Bloomfield, CT · On-site

$18.50 - $19.40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We offer professional development, tuition reimbursement, and career pathways that allow you to ... The RPW provides a range of services for individuals based on their needs, in their home and in ...

Gilead Community Services

Direct Support Professional

Enfield, CT · On-site

$18.50 - $19.40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The RPW provides a range of services for individuals based on their needs, in their home and in their community. This includes but is not limited to personal care, domestic household services ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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

Direct Service Professional information

See Springfield, MA salary details

$8

$16

$21

How much do direct service professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct service professional in Springfield, MA is $16.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.38 and $18.46 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 Springfield, MA are hiring for Direct Service Professional jobs?

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

Direct Service Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Service Professional job openings in Springfield, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,741 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Direct Service Worker

Catholic Charities

Bloomfield, CT • On-site

$18.52 - $19.02/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

A Direct Support Worker is responsible for assisting in the coordination of residential services and providing care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The position calls for the care and close supervision of individuals in a residential setting.

GENERAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Treat individuals with respect, dignity and compassion at all times

2. Daily living

  • Clean, maintain and participate in the upkeep of the home and properties to ensure client and staff safety
  • Assist individuals with:
    • Plan, purchase and prepare meals according to individual’s dietary needs
    • Plan and participate in leisure time and recreational activities
    • New social opportunities/experiences to the individuals
    • Cope effectively with social, emotional and physical situations
    • Assist clients with daily living activities (dressing, showering, etc) as needed

3. Documentation / Communication:

Documentation provided by staff is considered a legal document. Ensure all individual data is recorded accurately in individual’s record in Therap and all program documentation is competed on time

  • Accumulate and record data relevant to behavioral programs, review individuals progress, developmental needs and barriers impeding progress
  • Identify and prioritize individuals' needs
  • Complete comprehensive documentation
  • Report seizures, behavioral episodes, injury or illness, client concerns, and/or other medically or emotionally related problems to the house manager, supervisor, nurse and team members. Reports suspected allegation of abuse/neglect to the Abuse Investigation Division in a timely manner immediately.
  • Report any incidents or evidence of violation of residents’ rights to Administrator and/or appropriate parties immediately.
  • Ensure regular, professional communication with all team members

4. Trainings

  • Attend and successfully complete all mandatory trainings/meetings required by DDS and the agency.
  • Successful completion of DDS Medication Administration Certification. Yearly maintenance of Med Certification

5. HIPAA

  • Maintain and safeguard individuals' private information. This includes but is not limited to diagnoses, health record, and program documentation.

6. Additional duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. Bachelor's degree preferred or High school Diploma with 2 years’ experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
  2. Must have Medication Administration Certification or must be able to obtain Medication Administration Certification upon the next available Med Cert Course immediately following hire.
  3. Demonstrates organizational ability, communicates effectively with individuals served and members of the team.
  4. Applicants will be subject to criminal and driving history background checks. Must have a valid Connecticut driver’s license with no more than 2 violations in a three year period, subject to review. Drivers’ History completed annually.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Catholic Charities offers access to a comprehensive array of benefits, including:

For Good Health: Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision insurance

For a Secure Future: Employer paid Life, AD&D and Long-term disability insurance and voluntary options

For Retirement: 403(b) Plan, with employer matching contributions for eligible employees

For Career Advancement: Training and development opportunities

For Work Life Balance: Generous paid time off; including vacation and sick time.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Free and confidential counseling


Catholic Charities Inc., Archdiocese of Hartford is in compliance with all applicable discrimination laws. All hiring, promoting, and transferring is done on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to membership in any protected class. EEO/ AA/ M-F/ VET/ DISABLED.



!st, 2nd, and/or 3rd shift available
Per Diem
Part Time
Full Time