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Direct Support Assistant Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Fedcap

Direct Support Professional

Rochester, NY · On-site

$18.25/hr

What You'll Do As a Direct Support Professional, you will assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their community residential home with everyday tasks such as ...

CDS Monarch, Inc.

Direct Support Professional

Webster, NY · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Full AND Part Time Direct Support Professionals starting at $18.50/ hour up to $20.50/ hour for ... Apply to find out more information Summary: Assist Individuals with a disability to lead a self ...

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Direct Support Assistant information

See Rochester, NY salary details

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How much do direct support assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support assistant in Rochester, NY is $18.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $20.19 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 Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of Direct Support jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Direct Support Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Direct Support Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Direct Support Assistant job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,155 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Rochester, NY

The Fedcap Group
Non-Profits • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about The Fedcap Groupexternal

$18.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with daily tasks such as housekeeping, meal preparation, and attending appointments.

  • Provide ongoing supervision, support, and care for residents, ensuring safety and adherence to treatment plans.

  • Support individuals in developing independence through community, center-based, job-related, and residential activities.

Job description

What You'll Do

As a Direct Support Professional, you will assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their community residential home with everyday tasks such as housekeeping, meal preparation, attending appointments and taking them to recreational/social activities and ensure proper supervision levels are maintained. 

Your Responsibilities Will Include: 

  • Providing ongoing daily supervision, attention, care, and support for residents in OPWDD certified homes. 
  • Maintaining a safe, comfortable environment that provides options for expanding interests and improving opportunities for skill acquisition and community inclusion.
  • Performing and/or assisting with routine household and property tasks including meal preparation, housekeeping, outdoor maintenance, and vehicle safety.
  • Ensuring that all individuals have ready access to clean clothing, hygiene supplies, food, activities, bedding, furniture, and personal property. Assist individuals with ensuring the above when individuals are unable or unwilling to assist with or protect those rights themselves.
  • Providing direct supervision and support to individuals in alignment with their treatment plans.
  • Supporting individuals in developing independence through community-based, center-based, job-related and residential activities.
  • Ensuring quality control standards are met in accordance with expectations.
  • Providing transportation for individuals to program activities and appointments using a personal vehicle or organization van.
  • Training individuals in daily living and independentliving skills such as selfcare, money management, cooking, social interaction and navigating transportation systems, as directed by the treatment team.
  • Assisting with personal care needs when necessary.
  • Adhering to all departmental and organizational policies and procedures.
  • Carrying out additional duties as assigned to support the organization's mission.

You're a great fit for this role if you have: 

  • High school diploma or GED (required)
  • Valid US driver's license for routine transportation of program participants (required)
  • At least two years of work experience (preferred)
  • Demonstrated commitment to delivering highquality support to individuals with disabilities in both community and residential environments
  • Successfully complete all Easterseals NY training requirements, including earning the necessary certifications
  • Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends and holidays

Compensation & Benefits

  • Compensation
    • $18.25 Per Hour
    • $500 bonus (for successful candidates and paid out at 3 months and at 6 months)
  • Benefits
    • Health insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision)
    • Paid time off (Vacation, Sick, Floating)
    • Retirement plan 403(b)
    • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
    • Commuter Benefits
    • Life/Accident insurance
    • Short-term Disability Insurance
    • Long-term Disability Insurance
    • Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

Shifts Available

  • 7AM - 3PM
  • 2PM - 10PM
  • 9:30PM - 7:30AM

Who We Are

The mission of Easterseals New York is to spread help, hope and answers.

We operate programs that enable people with special needs to achieve equality, dignity and independence in their own communities. We provide exceptional services to ensure that people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities. We change the way the world defines and views disabilities by making profound, positive differences in people's lives every day.

Easterseals New York joined The Fedcap Group in 2015.

Website: www.easterseals.com/newyork

The Fedcap Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We are an EOE employer committed to diversity.

Mission: Easterseals New York's mission is to spread help, hope and answers.
Easterseals New York operates programs that enable those with special needs to achieve equality, dignity, and independence in their own communities. It provides exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities. We change the way the world defines and views disability by making profound, positive differences in people's lives every day. Easterseals has been an American Institution since 1919.   
Easterseals New York joined The Fedcap Group in 2015.    
Website: www.Easterseals.com/newyork

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