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Direct Service Provider Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

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Direct Support Professional (DSP) The Direct Support Professional (DSP) or Direct Care Provider (DCP)/caregiver delivers supportive services to adults with intellectual disabilities and autism in ...

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Provide direct service professional personnel with staff development and training sessions as required by YAP, Inc. policies. Promote staff development including the provision of cross-training among ...

Provide direct service professional personnel with staff development and training sessions as required by YAP, Inc. policies. Promote staff development including the provision of cross-training among ...

Direct Support Professional(DSP)

Stroudsburg, PA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

The Direct Service Professional (DSP) will work with individuals in a variety of settings assisting ... Provide supervision of individuals supported based upon their unique plan. * Use own vehicle to ...

PHMC serves as both a direct service provider to individuals, families, and communities across the region and as an intermediary agent - managing large-scale contracts, government and philanthropic ...

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Direct Service Provider information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$7

$15

$19

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.
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.

Mental Health Worker or Psychiatric Rehabilitation Specialist, Site-Based, Full Time

Skills of Central PA

Lock Haven, PA

$17 - $24.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Work directly with program participants to help them identify goals, plan strategies, and acquire necessary skills to reach and maintain their goals.

  • Complete initial participant assessments, develop individual rehabilitation plans, and document progress and revisions as needed.

  • Provide evidence-based interventions one-to-one to program participants in their homes or community settings.


Skills Of Central PA rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description

Skills of Central PA has an opening in our Psychiatric Rehabilitation program. This position is located in Lock Haven. The typical hours for this position will be between 8am-5pm (Monday through Friday) but can require some evenings and weekends depending on the needs of the program.


The Psychiatric Rehabilitation staff will work directly with program participants to help them identify goals, help plan strategies and acquire the necessary skills to reach and maintain their desired goals as well as help develop necessary natural supports within the community to maintain those goals. The incumbent will commit to following the principles of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, adhere to evidence-based practices in their daily work and follow the Psychiatric Rehabilitation program model in which they work.


The successful candidate will provide evidence-based interventions one-to-one directly to program participants, helping them to identify and achieve their goals. Strong communication and accurate documentation skills are required as successful candidates will be responsible for completing initial participant assessments, individual rehabilitation plans, document progress and revisions as needed.


The Psychiatric Rehabilitation staff must commit to the principles of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and recovery-orientated services in their daily routines and follow the Psychiatric Rehabilitation program model in which they work. Mobile staff work with participants one-to-one in the participant's home or in the community.


Skills of Central PA prohibits hiring and employment discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, race, color, disability, ethnic or national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, pregnancy, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, or any other bases under the law. Skills is an equal opportunity service provider and employer. 


NOTE: The offered payrate is based on education, experience, and other qualifications and ranges from $15.00/hr to $24.50/hr.


About the Benefits:

Skills offers a great benefits package and a work environment to match!

  • Various Schedules* Available Dependent upon the Position, Program Needs and the Candidate
  • Competitive Pay
  • Agency Vehicle May be Available While on the Job
  • Paid Holidays
  • Generous Paid Time Off, Plus Personal Time and Sick Time
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Options
  • Flexible Spending Account for Medical and Dependent Care
  • 401K Retirement Program (With Employer Matching)
  • Life Insurance and Disability Insurance
  • Tuition Assistance for Higher Education
  • Employee Wellness Program
  • Exceptional Opportunities for Career Growth
  • Great Co-workers and a Team to Support You!

Requirements

Requirements

  • Valid driver's license (and must maintain along with a good driving record)
  • Eligible to work in the United States
  • Post-Offer background checks, physical, drug screen, etc.

Compensation is commensurate with education, qualifications and experience. Applicants may apply to this job opening for any of the follow positions and candidates will be interviewed and offers extended based on the following (Salary depends on education and experience):


Psychiatric Rehabilitation Worker 1

ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

  • An Associate's Degree and 1 year work experience in mental health direct service.
  • A CPS certificate and 1 additional year paid or volunteer work experience in mental health direct service.
  • A high school diploma or GED and 2 years work experience in human services which must include 1 year of mental health direct service.

Psychiatric Rehabilitation Worker 2

A Bachelor's Degree.


Psychiatric Rehabilitation Worker 3

A Bachelor's Degree and 2 years work experience in mental health direct service.


Psychiatric Rehabilitation Specialist

A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and two years of mental health direct care service, one year must be work experience in Psychiatric Rehabilitation Service. Must be a Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) with certification in good standing.


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