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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

STAR, Inc.

Direct Support Professional

Norwalk, CT

$18.50/hr

Direct Support Professional $18.50/hour. We are looking for dedicated and caring people to work with adult aged individuals with developmental/intellectual disabilities. If you are passionate about ...

STAR, Inc.

Direct Support Professional

Norwalk, CT · On-site

$18.50/hr

Direct Support Professional $18.50/hour. We are looking for dedicated and caring people to work with adult aged individuals with developmental/intellectual disabilities. If you are passionate about ...

Whole Life Inc.

Direct Support Professional

Brooklyn, CT · On-site

$18.46/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Being a Direct Support Professional Whole Life is seeking compassionate and dedicated Direct Support Professionals to join our team! DSP's are a vital component in providing comprehensive and ...

Ready 4 Work

Direct Support Professional

North Branford, CT · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

Direct Support Professional - DSP Position Summary: The Direct Support Professional is responsible for safety and supervision of our consumers with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities, Behavioral ...

ABILIS INC

Direct Support Professional

Greenwich, CT

$18.75/hr

Direct Support Professional Program Assignment: Abilis Programs (Residential, Day, LEAP, REACH, and Businesses) Supervisor: Program Manager, Program Coordinator, or Supervising Counselor Job Summary:

Turning Leaf Agency

Direct Support Professional

Canterbury, CT · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Group Home Setting Pay: $18.00 - $18.50 per hour Position Overview Turning Leaf Agency is seeking compassionate, dependable, and motivated Direct Support ...

Turning Leaf Agency

Direct Support Professional

Brooklyn, CT · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Group Home Setting Pay: $18.00 - $18.50 per hour Position Overview Turning Leaf Agency is seeking compassionate, dependable, and motivated Direct Support ...

CW Resources, Inc.

Direct Support Professional

Bristol, CT · On-site

$18.25/hr

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - No Experience Required! We are looking for a caring and reliable Direct Support Professional (DSP) to join our Day Program team, where you will support adults with ...

marrakech

Direct Support Professional

North Haven, 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 ...

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All JobsDirect Support Professional JobsDirect Support Professional Jobs in Connecticut

Direct Support Professional information

See Connecticut salary details

$9

$15

$19

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Connecticut is $15.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $16.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a direct support professional?

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are caregivers who assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their daily lives. They help with personal care, medication management, meal preparation, and transportation, while also supporting clients in achieving personal goals and participating in community activities. DSPs play a vital role in promoting independence, dignity, and quality of life for those they support.

What are some common challenges direct support professionals face when supporting individuals with disabilities, and how can they effectively handle them?

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) often encounter challenges such as managing behavioral outbursts, ensuring effective communication with nonverbal individuals, and balancing the need for independence with safety. Handling these situations requires patience, empathy, and strong problem-solving skills. Many DSPs find it helpful to use individualized behavior support plans, maintain clear communication with team members, and participate in ongoing training. Building trust and understanding the unique needs of each individual also play a key role in overcoming daily challenges.

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

AspectDirect Support ProfessionalPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, sometimes specialized trainingCPR, First Aid often required
Work EnvironmentAssisting individuals with disabilities in community or residential settingsProviding personal care in private homes or facilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, healthcare providersHome care agencies, private clients

Both roles involve assisting individuals with daily activities, often requiring similar certifications like CPR and First Aid. However, Direct Support Professionals typically work in community or residential settings supporting people with disabilities, while Personal Care Assistants mainly provide personal care services in private homes. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the role that best matches their skills and career goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a direct support professional, 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, incident reporting tools, and sometimes CPR/First Aid certification is typically required. Patience, strong interpersonal skills, and empathy are crucial soft skills for effectively supporting individuals and building trust. These skills are vital for ensuring client safety, promoting independence, and delivering compassionate care tailored to each individual's needs.

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. States or cities with a strong focus on healthcare, social services, or specialized care often offer higher pay rates for this role. Factors like experience, certifications, and the specific employer also influence salary levels.
More about Direct Support Professional jobs

What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professional jobs in Connecticut?

For Direct Support Professional jobs in Connecticut, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Connecticut look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Connecticut are:

What cities in Connecticut are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities in Connecticut with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:

Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Connecticut as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, and 44% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,221 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

STAR, Inc.

Norwalk, CT

$18.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Direct Support Professional

$18.50/hour.

We are looking for dedicated and caring people to work with adult aged individuals with developmental/intellectual disabilities. If you are passionate about helping others and making a positive impact in the world, we encourage you to apply today!

About our Company:

STAR, Inc., is a non-profit located in Norwalk, CT that provides support services to individuals of all ages with developmental/intellectual disabilities and their families for over 70 years. This takes many different forms but all with the same goal of improving the lives of those we serve. We help the individuals we support become the fullest versions of themselves through the values of inclusion, independence, and freedom of choice.

A Day in the Life of a Direct Support Professional:

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are essential to lives of the adults we serve. Whether it is assisting them in preparing dinner in one of our group homes, or aiding them in a dance class in the community, DSPs help our individuals live full and meaningful lives!

A DSP could work in either one of our group homes where they would support our individuals strive for greater independence or in one of our day programs helping them engage with activities that are meaningful to them. Our staff also assist with feeding and personal needs of our participants when needed. Our DSPs help teach our individuals valuable life skills and reach greater levels of independence. Not sure which setting is right for you? That's fine! Our interview process works to find the best fit for each applicant selected to set them and the people they serve up for success.

Qualifications for the Job:

  • High School Diploma or its equivalent
  • A valid driver's license
  • Compassion and ability to see the potential in everyone
  • Positivity and a team-player attitude

Are you ready to Join Our Team?

If you would like to be part of a caring and driven team. APPLY TODAY! Quick 5-minute application process.

STAR, Inc., is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply