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Direct Support Professional Dsp Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Primus Health

Direct Support Professional

Columbia, MD · On-site

$19/hr

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Pay: $19.00 per hour Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM Location: In person We are seeking a dependable and experienced Direct Support Professional (DSP) to ...

ROCK CREEK HOMES LLC

Be Seen First

Direct Support Professional DSP

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Provide direct support and supervision to adults with disabilities. * Assist with personal care and ... DSP or human services experience preferred Pay: Competitive and based on experience. Immediate ...

ROCK CREEK HOMES LLC

Be Seen First

Direct Support Professional DSP

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Provide direct support and supervision to adults with disabilities. * Assist with personal care and ... DSP or human services experience preferred Pay: Competitive and based on experience. Immediate ...

WINDSOR WOODS

Direct Support Professional

Catonsville, MD · On-site

$19/hr

Employee referral bonus * 401(k) Match Job Summary We're seeking a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to care for our wonderful individuals with developmental disabilities and enhance their quality of ...

Primus Health

Direct Support Professional

Columbia, MD · On-site

Salary: $21 Direct Support Professional (DSP) Pay:$19.00 per hour Schedule:MondayFriday, 9:00 AM5:00 PM Location:In person We are seeking a dependable and experiencedDirect Support Professional (DSP ...

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All JobsDirect Support Professional Dsp JobsDirect Support Professional Dsp Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Direct Support Professional Dsp information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$10

$16

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

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional dsp in Silver Spring, MD is $16.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $18.12 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.
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What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Direct Support Professional Dsp jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD 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 Silver Spring, MD as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,015 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Direct Support Professional (DSP)/ Residential Counselor

COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES INC.

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Community Support Services, Inc. (CSS) is a non-profit organization based in Gaithersburg, MD. CSS is committed to providing inclusive and innovative community-based services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in their pursuit of individually chosen life goals to live, work, learn, interact with others, and recreate in their community.

Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Openings- Residential

Community Support Services, Inc. (CSS) ishiring full time Direct Support Professional, (DSP) positions supporting individuals with autism in their daily lives. We are looking forcaring and compassionate people to support adults and children with autism, in upper Montgomery County. Positions provide support in a residential settings. If you areinterestedand enjoy learning how to support, teach and advocate for individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities, we have opportunities for you!CSS will provide specific on the job training for each support staff on how to include a person with autism in community and recreational activities.CSS offers unique schedules that work well for college students and individuals or parents who need to be home during the day to attend to other family obligations while working a full time job.

Come work with an organization that will provide you with:

  • Paid on the job training
  • Competitive wages
  • Fringe benefits including tuition reimbursement, paid leave, medical, dental and vision benefits and a 403B retirement plan

We provide ongoing training opportunities to build your skills and increase your knowledge to prepare you for advancement on your career path. CSS believes in and supports advancement, we promote from within the organization when needs arise as we grow and expand.

If you meet this description then the individuals we support need you to join their teams!

Additionally, you can pick up hours to provide Overnight Onsite Supervision, (OOS) paid at an addition hourly rate.

Highlighted benefits include:

  • Guaranteed 40 hours (plus overnights)
  • Paid training

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