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Direct Support Assistant Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

EMPOWERING ANGELS LLC

Direct Support professional

Oberlin, OH · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Direct Support Professional -- Personal Care Specialist Join our compassionate team as a Direct ... Prepare nutritious meals and assist with feeding as needed * Support daily living activities and ...

EMPOWERING ANGELS LLC

Direct Support professional

Oberlin, OH · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Direct Support Professional -- Personal Care Specialist Join our compassionate team as a Direct ... Prepare nutritious meals and assist with feeding as needed * Support daily living activities and ...

Right at Home

Direct Support Professional

Lakewood, OH · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

) **Direct Support Professional****Job Summary:**Right at Home Cleveland West, a leading provider of in ... Develop and maintain relationships with clients, their families, and other care providers* Assist ...

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Direct Support Assistant information

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$11

$17

$24

How much do direct support assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support assistant in Ohio is $17.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $19.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a direct support assistant?

Direct Support Assistants (DSAs) are professionals who provide care and support to individuals with developmental disabilities or other special needs. Their responsibilities include assisting with daily living activities, facilitating community involvement, and ensuring the health and safety of those they support. DSAs work in various settings such as group homes, day programs, or residential facilities, helping individuals achieve greater independence and quality of life. They also monitor progress, document services provided, and may assist with medication and personal care tasks.

What are some common challenges direct support assistants face when supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, and how can these be managed?

Direct Support Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing behavioral outbursts, balancing multiple care needs, and ensuring effective communication with both clients and their families. These situations require patience, empathy, and strong problem-solving skills. Building rapport, utilizing de-escalation techniques, and staying informed about each individual's care plan can help manage these challenges. Regular team meetings and ongoing training also provide valuable support in navigating the complexities of the role.

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

To excel as a Direct Support Assistant, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic caregiving knowledge, and an understanding of developmental disabilities. Familiarity with care documentation systems, health and safety protocols, and sometimes CPR/First Aid certification are commonly required. Patience, strong communication, and compassion are vital soft skills for supporting individuals' unique needs and fostering trust. These abilities ensure quality care, promote client independence, and create a safe, supportive environment.

What is the difference between Direct Support Assistant vs Personal Care Assistant?

AspectDirect Support AssistantPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, sometimes specialized trainingCPR, First Aid, sometimes specialized training
Work EnvironmentAssists individuals with disabilities in various settings, including homes and community centersProvides personal care mainly in private homes or healthcare facilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, healthcare, social servicesHome healthcare agencies, private clients
Job FocusSupporting daily activities, promoting independenceAssisting with personal hygiene, mobility, and daily routines

Both roles involve providing care and support, often requiring similar certifications. However, Direct Support Assistants typically work in community or facility settings supporting individuals with disabilities, while Personal Care Assistants mainly assist clients in personal hygiene and daily tasks within private homes. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right fit for their skills and career goals.

How do you become a certified direct support assistant?

To become a certified direct support assistant, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete relevant training programs that cover topics like person-centered planning and health and safety. Certification requirements vary by state or employer but often include passing a competency exam and maintaining ongoing training or continuing education. Some positions may also require background checks and CPR certification.

Is being a direct support assistant a stressful job?

Being a direct support assistant can be stressful due to the emotional and physical demands of helping individuals with disabilities or special needs. The job often requires patience, strong communication skills, and the ability to handle unpredictable situations, which can contribute to stress levels. However, some find the role rewarding and manageable with proper training and support.

What are the most commonly searched types of Direct Support jobs in Ohio?

The most popular types of Direct Support jobs in Ohio are:

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Direct Support Assistant jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Direct Support Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Direct Support Assistant job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,764 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Direct Support Manager

Columbus, OH • On-site

AGENTIC CLIENT SUPPORT SERVICES LLC
1 - 10 employees
Learn more about AGENTIC CLIENT SUPPORT SERVICES LLCexternal

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY 
The Direct Support Manager's role is critical in ensuring the smooth functioning of assigned location(s). This role is responsible for providing direct care to the clients, scheduling, training, and supervising staff who do the same. The Direct Support Manager oversees planning and participation in social events and activities and ensures that individuals are cared for during their medical appointments. The manager is also responsible for supervising the site's cleanliness and grocery shopping for household supplies. 
Essential Functions
Reasonable Accommodations Statement 
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
·        Supervises Lead and Direct Support Professionals, including coaching, development, and performance management, to ensure they provide quality client care in compliance with policies, laws, and regulations.
·        Ensure the employee schedule is scheduled in Brittco at least two weeks in advance, with the authority to approve or deny any shift changes or swaps.
·        Supports the recruiting and onboarding process of new team members. 
·        Attend all client meetings.
·        Respect individual rights and confidentiality. Be a role model, promote positive teamwork, and ensure completion of staff training in Brittco, including required training upon hire and annual training. 
·        Read, know, and implement organizational policies and procedures.
·        Ensure Direct Support Professionals implement and document all individual services and support through daily audits of client documentation in Brittco.
·        Read, know, and implement Clients’ Individual Service and Behavior Support Plans.
·        Alongside the Direct Support Professionals, assist with strengthening the individuals’ daily living needs, including nutrition, hygiene, exercise, communication, and socialization skills.
·        Ensure that Direct Support Professionals help individuals with bathing, grooming, dressing, participating in family-style dining, and other daily living skills, always working to improve self-reliance.
·        Ensure Direct Support Professionals assist the individuals in maintaining a clean, neat, and safe home environment.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS 
Competencies: 
·        Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate with individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, and the agency's staff.
·        Strong leader who can motivate and manage a team of support staff to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities receive high-quality care and support.
·        Highly organized and able to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities simultaneously, including scheduling, budgeting, and maintaining accurate records.
·        A deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals with developmental disabilities and the ability to quickly identify and address problems as they arise and work collaboratively with the support staff and agency staff to find practical solutions.
·        Genuine interest in the well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities and be able to provide emotional support and comfort when needed.
·        Exhibit cultural competency and awareness to be able to provide support to individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
·        Thorough knowledge of the rules and policies governing the provision of services to individuals with developmental disabilities and ensure that the support staff and agency staff adhere to these regulations and guidelines.
 

SKILLS & ABILITIES 
Education: Minimum high school diploma or GED; associate degree preferred.
 
Experience: 
·       Minimum of one year of Developmental Disabilities experience; two years preferred.
·       Minimum of six months of Developmental Disabilities supervisory or operations experience; one year preferred.
 
 
Computer Skills:  Compose emails and utilize various software programs, including Brittco and ADP, to perform job duties. Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including Excel and Word knowledge, is preferred.
 

Certificates & Licenses:  
·        Valid Driver’s License with less than six points.
·        Medication Administration Certification, if applicable.
 
Other Requirements:
·       Completed 60-hour continuing education completion within 90 days of hire or promotion.
·       Completion of applicable training requirements per Ohio Administrative Code.
 
Other Physical Requirements: must wear clothing appropriate for clients with inappropriate sexual behaviors or physical violence, can place clients in physical holds, may work outdoors during inclement weather, can travel by car, frequent computer keyboarding, and frequent viewing of a computer monitor.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 
Work is performed primarily in residential, vehicle, and outdoor settings, in all weather conditions, including temperature extremes, during day and night shifts. Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate in most situations.