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Direct Support Person Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Direct Support

Direct Support Professional

Edgewood, MD

$17 - $18/hr

DSPs provide person-centered assistance in home and community settings while promoting dignity ... Responsibilities Provide direct support with activities of daily living (ADLs), including personal ...

Direct Support

Direct Support Professional

Edgewood, MD

$17 - $18/hr

DSPs provide person-centered assistance in home and community settings while promoting dignity ... Responsibilities Provide direct support with activities of daily living (ADLs), including personal ...

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How much do direct support person jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support person in the United States is $16.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Direct Support Persons?

Direct Support Persons (DSPs) are professionals who provide care and assistance to individuals with disabilities or special needs, helping them live as independently as possible. They support clients with daily activities such as personal care, medication management, transportation, and community involvement. DSPs play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life and promoting the dignity of those they serve, often working in homes, community settings, or care facilities. Their work is vital in ensuring that people with disabilities have the opportunity to participate fully in society.

What are some common challenges Direct Support Persons face, and how can they effectively handle them?

Direct Support Persons often encounter challenges such as managing clients with varying behavioral and emotional needs, balancing multiple responsibilities, and maintaining clear communication among team members and families. Successfully handling these challenges typically involves ongoing training in crisis intervention, strong teamwork, and developing patience and empathy. Regular check-ins with supervisors and collaborating with other care professionals can also provide valuable support and resources for managing difficult situations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Direct Support Person, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Direct Support Person, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic caregiving knowledge, and often completion of specialized training or certification in disability support. Familiarity with individualized support plans, assistive technologies, and documentation systems is typically required. Patience, strong communication, and empathy are vital soft skills for building trust and effectively supporting individuals with disabilities. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring client well-being, fostering independence, and maintaining a safe, supportive environment.
What cities are hiring for Direct Support Person jobs? Cities with the most Direct Support Person job openings:
What states have the most Direct Support Person jobs? States with the most job openings for Direct Support Person jobs include:
Direct Support Person jobs near you
DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL-FULL TIME

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL-FULL TIME

Athelas Institute Inc.

West Friendship, MD • On-site

$18.81/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Direct Support Professional-Residential Services
Department: Residential (West Friendship)
Locations: Howard County (West Friendship)
Schedule: Mon-Fri 3pm-10pm
Hourly Rate: $18.81
Position Overview: A Direct Support Professional plays an integral role in a supported person's life. The DSP will provide assistance, guidance, mentoring, coaching, and teaching in many life areas such as activities of daily living, personal care, life skills, community integration, and transportation navigation. The DSP will assist the supported person in enjoying the life that they want to live and increasing their quality of life by providing excellent services.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Provide direct support, interaction and supervision of the supported persons, inclusive of all daily needs (meals, personal care, transportation, leisure activities, community integration, medical needs and medication administration)
  • Complete all state and agency required documentation in accordance with stated guidelines and deadlines.
  • Maintains positive, professional working relationships
  • Onsite duties required may include general household tasks. Maintain living environment in accordance with COMAR and Health Dept. standards.
  • DSP will support person in accordance with the Person-Centered Plan, Behavior Support Plan (if applicable), and Nursing Care Plan.
  • Obtain and maintain Medication Administration Certification through the Maryland Board of Nursing.
  • Administer and document medications pursuant to State and Agency requirements. All medication is completed through an eMAR. Medication administration follows the DDA nursing delegation model.
  • Provide transportation via company vehicles to supported persons. DSP must have current Driver's License and meet the agency driving requirements.
  • DSP must complete all required and assigned trainings. CPR / First Aid, Mandt Systems, medication technician certification must be refreshed within timelines and certification must have current status.
  • Attend and actively participate in all scheduled meetings.
  • Check, and respond to emails daily to maintain proper communication
  • Staff will be required to utilize agency electronic systems for communication, time and attendance, progress notes, incident report filing, etc.
  • Treat everyone with dignity and respect at all times, the DSP must provide opportunities for the supported person to engage in decision making, and daily planning.
  • All other duties that may be requested by Operations Manager and Division Direct

Education:
High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED)
Training and Experience:
Preferred DDA core competencies, Mandt Systems Training, CPR / First Aid, MTTP
Experience working with people with IDD/DD preferred but not required.
Physical Requirements:
Person must be able to walk, stand, and sit for up to 8 hours. Person must have the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. or more based on assigned supported person (using health and safety lifting / turning techniques or assistive devices).
Person must be able to successfully demonstrate all Mandt Systems training physical interventions and techniques, to include assisting supported person to standing, providing assistance with ambulation, physical releases, and physical restraints.
Benefits:
Health: Health, Vision, Dental, supplemental coverage through Aflac. Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employee Incentives: Company Paid: Short / Long Term Disability Insurance, Term Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement Program, Flexible Spending Account, Sunny Day Fund
Work-Life Balance: Vacation, Sick, Personal, Bereavement, Jury Duty
Financial: 403B plan, Employee Credit Union (SECU)
Training: Paid DDA and new hire training's, Paid Red Cross CPR and First Aid Certification
Paid Medication Administration Training (If applicable)
*Benefit eligibility is dependent on Full or Part time status
Please Note: This job description is not all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. All working hours and location may be subject to change
Pay Range: $18.81 per hour

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