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Direct Service Provider Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Diocese of Allentown

The Direct Service Worker provides hands-on support and supervision to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a licensed day program. This position focuses on assisting ...

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How much do direct service provider jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct service provider in Pennsylvania is $15.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a direct service provider?

Direct Service Providers (DSPs) are professionals who offer hands-on support and assistance to individuals with disabilities or special needs. Their work often includes helping clients with daily living activities, personal care, transportation, and participation in community activities. DSPs play a crucial role in promoting independence, empowerment, and quality of life for the people they serve. They may work in residential homes, day programs, or clients' personal residences, ensuring that each individual receives the care and support they need.

What are some common challenges direct service providers face when supporting clients, and how can these be managed?

Direct Service Providers often encounter challenges such as managing clients with diverse and complex needs, navigating emotional situations, and balancing administrative tasks with direct care. These challenges can be managed by leaning on strong communication skills, seeking regular supervision or peer support, and utilizing ongoing training opportunities to stay informed about best practices. Building trust and maintaining professional boundaries with clients are also crucial for success and personal well-being in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a direct service provider, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Direct Service Provider, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic caregiving skills, and knowledge of safety and health protocols. Familiarity with client documentation systems, first aid/CPR certification, and assistive technology is often required. Patience, strong interpersonal communication, and problem-solving abilities are essential soft skills for building trust and supporting clients effectively. These skills and qualifications are critical to ensuring client well-being, safety, and the delivery of high-quality, person-centered care.

What is the difference between Direct Service Provider vs Personal Care Assistant?

AspectDirect Service ProviderPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsVaries; often includes training or certification depending on stateOften requires certification or training, such as CPR or first aid
Work EnvironmentCommunity settings, clients' homes, healthcare facilitiesPrimarily in clients' homes or healthcare settings
Employer & Industry UsageHome care agencies, healthcare providers, community organizationsHome health agencies, private clients, healthcare facilities
Job FocusProviding a range of support services including personal care, companionship, and assistance with daily activitiesAssisting with personal care, mobility, and daily living tasks

Both roles involve supporting individuals with daily needs, but a Direct Service Provider often has a broader scope of services and may work in various settings, while a Personal Care Assistant typically focuses on personal care tasks primarily in home environments.

Is a degree needed to be a direct service provider?

A degree is not typically required to become a direct service provider, but relevant certifications, training, and experience are often necessary depending on the specific role and setting. Many positions prioritize skills, compassion, and knowledge of the population served over formal education levels.

Is a direct service provider a good career?

A direct service provider is a role that involves assisting individuals with daily needs, often in healthcare, social services, or community programs. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in helping others, with opportunities for certification, skill development, and job stability, though it may also involve physically and emotionally demanding work. Overall, it is considered a stable and meaningful career path for those committed to service work.
More about Direct Service Provider jobs
Direct Service Provider jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Service Provider job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,963 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Direct Service Professional

Mon Yough Community Services

Mckeesport, PA • On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Since 1969, MYCS has helped individuals and families in the Mon Valley area to Get Better based on the specific and unique circumstances of each person we serve. We work to foster hope, renewal, healing and wellness for those who face the challenges of mental health, substance abuse disorders and intellectual disabilities. The goal to Get Better means getting better service, better advice, better treatment and a better experience overall. The people of MYCS strive for excellence in their quest for knowledge, compassion and support for the recovery of every individual.

Job Description

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Assist residents in all aspects of teaching and/or completing with residents all adult daily living skills, including personal hygiene, bathing, toileting, oral hygiene, dressing, cooking, cleaning, shopping, running errands, transportation, packing lunches, laundry, etc.
  • Medication administration as mandated and trained under the Department of Public Welfare for staff who work in Pennsylvania's community-based ID programs.
  • Accompany and assist residents on all appointments.
  • Responsible in assisting residents to eat well-balanced diets and/or follow specific doctor ordered diets.
  • Active participant in recreational and leisure activities by planning, organizing and/or attending with transportation plan identified.
  • Responsible for ongoing monitoring to know where residents are located and what they are doing to ensure residents safety and well-being when home and in the community including bed checks if indicated.
  • Provide support and guidance to residents for their emotional, social and intellectual growth.
  • Monitor the residents living area for hazardous and routine maintenance conditions and the reporting of such conditions upline.
  • Working knowledge of all resident files - medical, central, programming, goal plans and support services, etc.
  • Complete regular household cleaning chores including, but not limited to: defrosting the refrigerator, stove/oven cleaning, curtains/drapes, windows, marks on walls, bathroom cleaning, etc.
  • Ensure the residents' environment is continuously clean, safe and secure.
  • Fulfill fire drill responsibility on a monthly basis or as directed.
  • Completion of all paperwork, as required, in a timely fashion with signature and date i.e. progress notes, staff notes, goal plans, appointment sheets, time sheets, expense sheets, etc.
  • Utilizing computer as needed i.e.: Microsoft Office and or willingness to learn. Assist individual with banking, spending money, bill paying, recreation money, bus fare, laundry money, as well as assisting with grocery shopping and the calculation of the individual's grocery money.  More specific: budgeting individual funds to pay monthly bills, monitor spending money, filling out necessary forms.
  • Cash box responsibility as assigned.
  • File outdated staff notes, progress notes and other paperwork as directed.
  • Inventory and reorders all paperwork forms and supplies.
  • Attends meetings as required.
  • Assists other programs as directed.
  • Report to work with regular uninterrupted attendance.
  • Responsible for personally reporting yourself off to your supervisor or the designated supervisor on-call at least four hours prior to your shift.
  • Assist with the development, implementation and documentation of the individual client program issues, such as the ISP, assessment, outcomes, monthly summary, etc.
  • Obtain physical and Mantoux test outlined by DPW. Must be completed by required deadlines.
  • Obtain 24 hours of staff development per year in accordance with our program policy and procedures, as well as, state and county regulations.
  • Follow agency and residential policy, procedure and practices.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.
Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Must be 21 years of age or older, High School diploma or GED required. 1 year experience in the intellectual disability field.
  • Act 33/34 Clearances.
  • Valid PA driver's license.
Additional Information

Send resume and letter of interest to:

Human Resource Department/Resumes

500 Walnut Street, 3rd Floor

McKeesport, PA 15132

Hiring Manager: Lisa Halapin 

Must also apply online at www.mycs.org

Apply