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Direct Service Professional Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Louisiana Community Care

Direct Service Professionals

Ball, LA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Benefits Offered Medical Employment Type Full-Time We are seeking CMAs, CNAs and/or Direct Service Professionals to become a part of our team! You will perform routine administrative and clinical ...

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How much do direct service professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct service professional in the United States is $16.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.51 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.
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Direct Service Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Service Professional job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,863 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

DSP (Direct Service Professional)

Able Arts Work

San Diego, CA • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Position: DSP (Direct Service Professional)
30 hours per week, f/t
Monday- Friday 9am-3pm
$18.00/hr - $20/hr
Locations: San Diego, Long Beach & South Bay.
Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off: personal and sick
  • Paid Holidays
  • 403(B) retirement plan

About Able ARTS Work:
The primary mission of Able ARTS Work is to provide lifelong learning, community service, and vocational opportunities through the creative arts for people of all abilities and all ages in an environment of warmth, encouragement, and inclusion. Able ARTS Work provides unique development opportunities to all participating staff, students, and partnering community members, together we grow. At Able ARTS Work, we believe music and art are vital tools to liberate and transform lives. Our guiding philosophy "Love before Learning" ensures that every person is welcomed and cherished as an individual, and has opportunities every day for self-expression, personal growth, and joy.
Position Title: DSP (Direct Service Professional) / CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant)
Why work for Able ARTS Work?
At Able ARTS Work, we offer a unique work environment due to our creative and inclusive mission. Everything you work on will be a collaboration between program staff, students, and administration.
As a DSP, you get to work with students when they're at their most inspired to get creative! You will help nurture their creativity and help bring their ideas to life.
You will be an advocate for students and their needs, concerns, and desires. You will work with clients directly and support their instructional and behavioral objectives developed by the team. You will absolutely make a real difference in the creative journey of our students.
Apply Now!
General Duties
Support individuals in meeting personal care needs including:
  • Providing various forms of intimate personal care such as toileting, diapering and cleaning vomit, etc.
  • Feeding (full or partial support)
  • Supporting clients in hygiene and cleaning personal work space
  • Assisting individuals who use wheelchairs with transferring
  • Support mobility to and from classes and in and out of program
  • Support with any other self-help needs
  • Provide one to one and hand over hand support in classes.
  • Work with individuals directly and support their instructional and behavioral objectives developed by the team.
  • Assist clients in preparation of snacks, drinks, lunch, serving and clean-up.
  • Maintain awareness of individual physical need and respond immediately.
  • Understand and demonstrate basic knowledge of appropriate support for individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities.
  • Use respectful language, tone of voice, and terminology with reference to all individuals. Speak to individuals in a manner appropriate to chronological age (adults).
  • Ensure privacy and modesty with relation to personal hygiene needs, any personal client incidences, and any information exchanged with others. Teach individuals to take privacy for themselves.
  • Work cooperatively with a team to assist in providing an optimum learning environment for the development of vocational, social, and emotional skills
  • Ensure safety and security of students and environment. Report any significant changes in students or the environment.
  • Participate in monthly and yearly training and weekly meetings
  • Supervise classes during brief absences of instructors.
  • Assist with positive behavioral support and reinforcement.
  • Recognize and report student issues directly to the supervisor with immediacy and accuracy.
  • Assist Instructors with classes, record daily students attendance, class observation of students goal progress, and other class duties assigned by supervisor.
  • Other duties as assigned.

General Qualifications:
  • CNA or one year experience as DSP
  • Knowledge of safety precautions and emergency procedures
  • 1+ years experience in working with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred
  • Good common sense, responsible, patience, and compassion, supports individuals in self-determination
  • Basic knowledge of positive behavioral supports
  • Ability to use computer programs such as Microsoft, Theranest Documentation, and Zoom

For more information, visit us at www.ableartswork.org

Apply