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Direct Support Professional Dsp Jobs in Ridgefield, CT

YAI

Direct Support Professional - DSP 1

Tarrytown, NY · On-site

$16.50/hr

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) work directly with people in their home, work, and daily life in varying capacities. Typically, a DSP 1 works in one region. Mission Statement: YAI is a network of ...

YAI

Direct Support Professional - DSP 1

Tarrytown, NY · On-site

$16.50/hr

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) work directly with people in their home, work, and daily life in varying capacities. Typically, a DSP 1 works in one region. Mission Statement: YAI is a network of ...

YAI

Direct Support Professional - DSP 1

Tarrytown, NY · On-site

$18/hr

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) work directly with people in their home, work, and daily life in varying capacities. Typically, a DSP 1 works in one region. Mission Statement: YAI is a network of ...

marrakech

Direct Support Professional

Milford, CT · On-site

$19.28/hr

About the Role As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) , you'll play a vital role in supporting individuals with developmental and physical disabilities in a residential group home setting. You'll ...

ABILIS INC

Direct Support Professional

Greenwich, CT · On-site

$18.75/hr

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you will play a vital role in supporting individuals with disabilities across a variety of Abilis programs, including residential homes, day services ...

YAI

Direct Support Professional- DSP 1

Tarrytown, NY · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Under supervision of the Program Supervisor, DSP 1s provide direct support to individuals with ... Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships in alignment with YAI's mission and ...

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All JobsDirect Support Professional Dsp JobsDirect Support Professional Dsp Jobs in Ridgefield, CT

Direct Support Professional Dsp information

See Ridgefield, CT salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do direct support professional dsp jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional dsp in Ridgefield, CT is $16.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.38 and $17.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can I get with a direct support professional certification?

A direct support professional (DSP) certification qualifies individuals for roles providing assistance to people with disabilities, including positions such as residential support staff, community habilitation workers, and behavioral support specialists. These jobs typically involve working in group homes, community agencies, or healthcare settings and often require skills in communication, caregiving, and behavior management.

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

AspectDirect Support Professional DspPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsOften requires CPR, First Aid, and state-specific trainingMay require similar certifications, but less frequently mandated
Work EnvironmentSupports individuals with disabilities in community or residential settingsProvides personal care in private homes or healthcare facilities
Employer & IndustryHuman services agencies, non-profits, government programsHome healthcare agencies, private clients

Both roles involve assisting individuals with daily activities, but Direct Support Professionals typically work with people with disabilities in community or residential settings, requiring specific certifications. Personal Care Assistants often work in private homes, focusing on personal hygiene and daily living tasks, with slightly different certification requirements. Understanding these differences helps clarify job expectations and career paths in the caregiving industry.

What is a direct support professional (DSP)?

A Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a caregiver who assists individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their daily lives. DSPs help with personal care, skill development, community involvement, and fostering independence. Their work may include assisting with bathing, meal preparation, transportation, and providing emotional support. DSPs play a vital role in ensuring the safety, well-being, and quality of life for those they support.

Is a direct support professional a good career?

A direct support professional (DSP) provides assistance to individuals with disabilities, often working in community or residential settings. It offers opportunities for meaningful work, skill development, and job stability, especially with certifications like CPR and first aid. The role typically involves flexible hours and requires strong communication and patience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a direct support professional (DSP), and why are they important?

To thrive as a Direct Support Professional, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic caregiving knowledge, and an understanding of developmental disabilities. Familiarity with documentation systems, medication administration, and CPR/First Aid certifications are often required. Compassion, patience, strong communication, and problem-solving abilities distinguish exceptional DSPs. These skills ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of individuals receiving support, fostering a positive and empowering environment.

Where do direct support professionals get paid the most?

Direct Support Professionals tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare and social services, such as certain metropolitan areas. Factors like experience, certifications, and the specific employer also influence pay rates, with some states or cities offering premium wages for experienced DSPs. Overall, salaries vary widely based on location and qualifications, but urban centers often provide higher compensation.

What are some common challenges faced by direct support professionals (DSPs) and how can they be managed?

Direct Support Professionals often encounter challenges such as managing unpredictable behaviors, balancing the needs of multiple clients, and maintaining clear communication with both clients and their families. Building strong relationships, utilizing de-escalation techniques, and participating in ongoing training can help DSPs navigate these situations effectively. Team collaboration and regular support from supervisors also play a vital role in overcoming daily hurdles and ensuring high-quality care.

What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professional Dsp jobs in Ridgefield, CT?

For Direct Support Professional Dsp jobs in Ridgefield, CT, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional Dsp jobs in Ridgefield, CT look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional Dsp jobs in Ridgefield, CT are:

What cities near Ridgefield, CT are hiring for Direct Support Professional Dsp jobs?

Cities near Ridgefield, CT with the most Direct Support Professional Dsp job openings:

Direct Support Professional Dsp jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional Dsp job openings in Ridgefield, CT as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,734 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Direct Support Professional - DSP 1

YAI

Tarrytown, NY • On-site

$16.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 hours ago

YAI rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

If you are a current YAI employee, please click this link to apply through your Workday account.
About the Position:
YAI supports people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities in achieving the fullest lives possible by creating new opportunities for living, loving, working and learning. YAI is a network of agencies with programs that empower and enhance the lives of thousands of people we support and their families. YAI promotes a person centered approach by creating supports that cater to the specific needs of each person. Join our dynamic team teaching daily and independent living skills, providing individual and group counseling, and promoting community integration. The ideal candidate will have enthusiasm for working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and a willingness to help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as assisting with showering, toileting, grooming, laundry and
housekeeping as necessary. Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) work directly with people in their home, work, and daily life in varying capacities. Typically, a DSP 1 works in one region.
Mission Statement:
YAI is a network of agencies offering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities a comprehensive range of services across all ages. YAI empowers people with disabilities to reach their goals every day. Our enthusiastic staff of over 4,000 professionals believes that everyone has a fundamental right to live, love, work, and learn. If you share our vision and want to help support people to live the fullest lives possible, apply to this position.
Schedule:
Mon - Fri 8am-4pm
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintaining Professionalism and Punctuality
- Taking Ownership/ Accountability
- Being Flexible: Job responsibilities may change based on needs
- Adhering to policies, procedures and regulations
- Using effective communication skills & time management skills
- Being a member of a highly effective team (Teamwork within the circle of support)
- Ensuring maintenance upkeep and safety based on facility/ program structure
- Completing mandatory trainings based on the program and position (AMAP, CPR/First Aid, SCIP-R, Defensive
Driving, etc.), as well as applying skills
- Meeting and demonstrating OPWDD Core Competencies
- Ensuring health, wellness and safety
- Ensuring appropriate supervision of the people we support
- Understanding when to contact an administrator for support
- Demonstrating a willingness to assist people with ADLs
- Transporting and escorting people we support on recreational activities, medical appointment, home visits, etc.
- Building Positive relationships
- Using person first language
- Maintaining a therapeutic environment through a variety of methods: Personal Outcome Measures, Person
Centered Thinking, Informed Decision Making
- Ensuring person centered plans are implemented
- Completing documentation to ensure compliance and billing
- Using foundational Teaching skills (EMOE, Task analysis, essential skills, supports and modifications, etc.
- Assisting people with making purchases, as well as safeguard personal allowance funds and any additional funds provided
- Managing crisis
Education and Experience:
- A High School Diploma or GED is preferred
- Work or life experience with intellectual/developmental disabilities is a plus
- Ability to support people with intellectual/developmental disabilities
- Basic written and verbal communication
- Basic Computer knowledge
- Valid NY State Driver's License may be required depending upon the position
- Tuberculosis test mandatory for most positions
Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Interpersonal and problem-solving skills
- Willing to take initiative
Compensation Range:
$16.50/hourly- $16.50/hourly
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam or disabled veteran. YAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

What YAI employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About YAI

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

YAI has been dedicated to providing innovative services for the intellectual and/or developmental disability (I/DD) community since its founding in 1957 at a time when institutional living was the norm for people with I/DD. Operating in New York State, northern New Jersey, and California, YAI has a team of over 4,000 employees and supports over 20,000 people of all ages in the I/DD community today.

Industry

Non-profits

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

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