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Direct Service Professional Jobs in Springfield, MA

Guidewire Inc

Direct Support Professional

Chicopee, MA · On-site

$18/hr

Direct Support Professional: Guidewire Inc is seeking Direct Support Professionals to join our ... We are a Non-Profit Human Service Agency supporting people with disabilities in community settings.

Almadan Inc.

Direct Support Professional

Amherst, MA · On-site

$20.50 - $21/hr

... Life ● Professional Development Opportunities and More SUMMARY OF POSITION: To provide direct ... Provides supervision, assistance, and support to individuals receiving services from Almadan, Inc ...

ServiceNet

Direct Care Professional

Ludlow, MA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Vision insurance Direct Care Professional Department ... Developmental Brain Injury Services Location: Residential programs throughout Hamden, Hampshire ...

ServiceNet

Direct Care Professional

Palmer, MA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Vision insurance Direct Care Professional Department ... Developmental Brain Injury Services Location: Residential programs throughout Hamden, Hampshire ...

ServiceNet

Direct Care Professional

Ludlow, MA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Vision insurance Direct Care Professional Department ... Developmental Brain Injury Services Location: Residential programs throughout Hamden, Hampshire ...

ServiceNet

Direct Care Professional

Palmer, MA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Vision insurance Direct Care Professional Department ... Developmental Brain Injury Services Location: Residential programs throughout Hamden, Hampshire ...

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

Direct Service Professional information

See Springfield, MA salary details

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$16

$21

How much do direct service professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 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 Support Professional

Chicopee, MA • On-site

Guidewire Inc
201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Guidewire Incexternal

$18/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Key responsibilities

  • Assist individuals with activities of daily living, including self-care, hygiene, food shopping and preparation, budgeting, household maintenance, leisure activities, and socialization skill development.

  • Follow and document behavioral support and treatment plans, including tracking behaviors.

  • Create opportunities for social and leisure activities of interest to the individuals supported.

Job description

Direct Support Professional:

Guidewire Inc is seeking Direct Support Professionals to join our dynamic team of caring and compassionate employees.  We are a Non-Profit Human Service Agency supporting people with disabilities in community settings.  We have various full-time and part-time positions available, with homes located throughout Hampden County.  As a Direct Support Professional, you will work with our teams to provide the individuals we support with an atmosphere of unconditional, positive regard that promotes day-to-day choices, greater independence, and the opportunity to participate in and contribute to community life.  

Core Job Responsibilities: (Not all inclusive)

  • Assist individuals as needed/required with all activities of daily living, such as, self-care and hygiene, food shopping and preparation, budgeting, household maintenance, leisure activities and socialization skill development.
  • Follow and implement behavioral support/treatment plans as required and document tracked behaviors.
  • Create opportunities that provide social and leisure activities of interest to the individuals supported.
  • Communicate effectively with others, maintain a positive attitude of compassion, cooperation, and courtesy. 
  • Administration, documentation and ordering of medication in accordance with the Medication Administration Program (MAP) regulations and policy. 

Benefits:

  • Health, vision, dental & Life Insurance
  • Short-term & Long-Term disability insurance
  • 401 (K) retirement plan (with company contribution)
  • Competitive sick, personal and vacation time
  • Paid Time and a half on holidays (potential holiday bonus pending certain parameters)
  • Tuition Remission
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Discount Programs

Required Qualifications:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Must possess and maintain reliable transportation.
  • Possess current and valid Driver’s License.
  • Must pass a CORI and Fingerprint Background Check.
  • Ability to work as a team member.

About the Agency:

Guidewire Inc is a Non-Profit Human Services Agency founded in 1982, supporting people with disabilities in community settings, enabling adults and young adults with developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges to enjoy community living.  We believe everyone deserves to experience a rich and fulfilling life within their local community.  Our team is here to support them with well-trained and dedicated staff guiding them every step of the way.  

We appreciate the dedication and talents of our staff as the source of our success.  We support our staff by offering professional development opportunities, recognition of accomplishments, rewarding and engaging work.  We are committed to promoting from within.  We offer entry level opportunities for candidates interested in exploring opportunities in the field of human services.  We offer a comprehensive Direct Support Training Program to help jumpstart this new experience.  

Guidewire Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.