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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 ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Support Professional

Gilead Community Services

Coventry, CT • On-site

$18.50 - $19.40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Oak Hill is seeking a highly motivated and dynamic Residential Program Worker (RPW) to provide direct support to individuals with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities. This person will inspire others and make a life changing impact while achieving professional growth and personal fulfillment. Oak Hill sets the standard, partnering with people with disabilities, to provide services and solutions promoting independence, education, health, and dignity. This role will help expand Oak Hill's ability to identify and address diverse needs within the community. Along with the individuals we serve, Oak Hill is committed to empowering our staff. When you join our team as an RPW, our team will support you to reach your career goals. We offer professional development, tuition reimbursement, and career pathways that allow you to develop your career while an Oak Hill employee.
The RPW at Oak Hill's Coventry location works 16 hours/week, Saturday-Sunday from 2pm-10pm. 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, personal appointments, medical appointments, vocational services, community activities, supervision within the home, and other tasks based upon their individual goals. Applicants with no experience and interested in entering the direct care field with a desire to serve people with disabilities, or individuals seeking a career change are encouraged to apply to this position.
Minimum Requirements:
  • High school diploma or GED
  • At least age 18
  • Valid driver's license

Benefits:
  • Generous Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time, Plus Paid Holidays
  • Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits (Oak Hill funds up to 50% of your medical deductible in an HSA account)
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan (Oak Hill contributes 9.5% at no cost to you)
  • Free and Low-Cost Life Insurance Options and Free Long-term Disability Insurance
  • Excellent Professional Development Opportunities; Tuition Reimbursement; Career Pathways
  • Staff Recognition and Appreciation
  • Paid Training, Education, and Certification as necessary (including CPR training)

This is a union position and pays $18.50 - $19.4 per hour dependent on shift.
Responsibilities:
  • Provides information for program maintenance and evaluation, and meets Oak Hill's policies, procedures, licensing and certification regulations by collecting, recording and charting data, including electronically maintained records.
  • Maintains program participants' cleanliness, comfort and well-being and facilitates the development and maintenance of self-help and daily living skills by providing guidance and assistance in the completion of personal hygiene tasks.
  • Facilitates program implementation by preparing materials for program participant-related activities or projects as needed.
  • Maintains program participant's health and well-being by promoting/encouraging self-administration of prescription and non-prescription medications; administering medication; documenting medication administration, and any errors which may occur, as specified in Oak Hill's policies and procedures; observing and reporting on changes in behavior, physical and mental appearance to so that issues can be addressed as needed.
  • Protects program participants and employees by applying Emergency First Aid and CPR procedures
  • Observes and maintains confidentiality by treating information regarding program participants with discretion and complying with all applicable policies and procedures protecting the identity and medical information of program participants.

We support equality for and advancement of all people, based on their qualifications and actions alone, without regard to color, gender, age, religion, national origin or disability.
Our company is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please reach out to total.rewards@oakhillct.org. We will make every effort to accommodate your needs in accordance with applicable laws and our commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
An Equal Opportunity Employer.

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