ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Direct Support Person Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Direct Support

Direct Support Professional

Edgewood, MD · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

... Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to support adults with intellectual and developmental ... DSPs provide person-centered assistance in home and community settings while promoting dignity ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsDirect Support Person Jobs

Direct Support Person information

See salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do direct support person jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 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 is a direct support person?

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.

Where do direct support persons get paid the most?

Direct support persons tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living, such as certain urban areas or states with higher minimum wages. Additionally, those working in specialized settings or with advanced certifications may receive higher pay. Salaries can also vary based on experience, employer, and shift differentials.

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
Infographic showing various Direct Support Person job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,871 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Direct Support Person, DSP Beardstown PT

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois

Beardstown, IL • On-site

$17.75/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

LSSI is hiring a part-time Direct Support Person. Responsible for providing assistance to individuals in areas of self-care, hygiene, meal preparation, housekeeping, socialization and recreations. Also responsible for collecting, recording, and filing data as required.
Schedule:
Week 1:
  • Monday 2pm-730pm, Tuesday 2pm-730pm, Saturday-7am-730pm

Week 2:
  • Sunday 7am-730pm, Thursday 2pm-730pm, Friday 2pm-730pm

Benefits and Perks:
LSSI is growing! Come be a part of this rewarding environment, and enjoy the knowledge that you're helping make a positive difference in the lives of others, as well as these career advantages:
  • On Demand Flexible Paydays for earned wages through an app called Dayforce Wallet.
  • Competitive salary based upon relevant education, experience, and licensure.
  • Salary $17.75/Hourly.
  • Opportunity for advancement.
  • Comprehensive benefits package for Full-time employees includes healthcare insurance, up to 26 days of paid time off per calendar year, 11 paid holidays, sick time, 403(b) plan, Employee Assistance Program, and flexible hours.
  • The paid training you need to learn, grow, and succeed!

Essential Functions:
  • Monitor, implement, and document individual personal goals and behavior programs.
  • Participate in the development of individual Service Plain via the daily log, programming suggestions, and staffings.
  • Participate in community integration, including but not limited to providing transportation to the person(s) being served.
  • Maintain regular and consistent work attendance.
  • Demonstrate professional, positive behavior and carry out responsibilities with integrity, treating clients, families, other LSSI workforce members, and collaborative organizations and/or individual in a dignified, respectful, honest and fair manner.

Position Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Background check clearance required.
  • CPR and First Aid basics required.
  • Must be able to pass the TABE test.
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Must be available to work all shifts, including overnights and weekends.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate in a clear, comprehensible manner, both verbally and in writing.
  • Valid driver's license, in good standing for the state of residency required.
  • Access to reliable transportation required.
  • Valid IL statutory minimum liability insurance coverage, bodily injury and property damage required.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, pregnancy, any other characteristic protected by law.

Apply