ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Direct Support Professional Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Bear, DE · On-site

$15.75/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Bear, DE . If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health aide or always wanted to be one, this is the ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Middletown, DE · On-site

$15.75/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Middletown, DE . If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health aide or always wanted to be one, this is ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Newark, DE · On-site

$15.75/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Newark, DE . Schedule:Thursday and Friday 3p-11p, Sunday 9a-9p If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home ...

kencrest

Lead Direct Support Professional

Dover, DE · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

Join Our Team as a Lead Direct Support Professional (LDSP)! Location: Community Homes in the Dover Area Schedule: Full-time, 2nd Shift Are you passionate about helping others live full, independent ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Bear, DE · On-site

$15.75/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Bear, DE . If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health aide or always wanted to be one, this is the ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Newark, DE

$15.75 - $17.75/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Newark, DE . If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health aide or always wanted to be one, this is the ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Middletown, DE · On-site

$15.75/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Middletown, DE . If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health aide or always wanted to be one, this is ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$15.75 - $17.75/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Wilmington,DE . If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health aide or always wanted to be one, this is ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Newark, DE · On-site

$15.75/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Newark, DE . Schedule:Friday 3p-11p, Sunday 9a-9p If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health aide or ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Wilmington, DE

$18.75/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Wilmington , DE . If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health aide or always wanted to be one, this ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Townsend, DE

$15.75/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Townsend , DE . Pay Rate: 18.75 per/hr Schedule: Friday 3p-11p, Saturday and Sunday 9a-9p If you are a Caregiver ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Townsend, DE · On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Townsend, DE. Pay Rate: 18.75 per/hr Schedule:Thursday and Friday 3p-11p, Saturday 9a-9p If you are a Caregiver ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Newark, DE · On-site

$15.75/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Newark, DE . If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health aide or always wanted to be one, this is the ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Middletown, DE · On-site

$15.75/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Middletown, DE . If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health aide or always wanted to be one, this is ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Middletown, DE · On-site

$15.75/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Middletown, DE . If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health aide or always wanted to be one, this is ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Middletown, DE · On-site

$15.75 - $17.75/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Middletown, DE . If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health aide or always wanted to be one, this is ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Newark, DE · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Newark , DE. Pay Rate: 15.75 per/hr Schedule: Wednesday, Friday 3p-11p, Saturday 9a-9p If you are a Caregiver ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Middletown, DE · On-site

$15.75/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Middletown, DE . If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health aide or always wanted to be one, this is ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Middletown, DE · On-site

$15.75 - $17.75/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Middletown, DE . If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health aide or always wanted to be one, this is ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Townsend, DE · On-site

$18.75 - $20.75/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Townsend, DE . If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health aide or always wanted to be one, this is ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsDirect Support Professional JobsDirect Support Professional Jobs in Delaware

Direct Support Professional information

See Delaware salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Delaware is $16.30, 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Direct Support jobs in Delaware? The most popular types of Direct Support jobs in Delaware are:
What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professional jobs in Delaware? For Direct Support Professional jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Delaware look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Delaware are:
What cities in Delaware are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities in Delaware with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,900 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Merakey

Bear, DE • On-site

$15.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago

Merakey rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 239 rated social care providers

Job description

Are you looking for an opportunity to advance your career while working with an extraordinary team? At Merakey, we put heart and soul into everything we do. We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Bear, DE.
If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health aide or always wanted to be one, this is the opportunity for you as we are hiring immediately!
No experience required - we provide PAID training.
Payrate- $15.75/hr
Our ideal DSP candidate will have a strong desire to create long-term impacts on their individuals lives and enjoy encouraging, mentoring, and coaching others to achieve their goals. Be a part of fostering a true sense of pride in your individual by teaching them to navigate daily living activities, such as housekeeping and laundry. Your work is performed in accordance with appropriate procedures under the supervision of the House Manager who reviews results through living area observation of activities in progress, residents' responsiveness, inspection of living area, reports, and periodic meetings. Make a difference in the life of those you work with to enhance their independence by assisting with daily and personal activities.
Benefits
Merakey offers generous benefits that promote well-being, financial security, and work-life balance, including:
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus access to healthcare advocacy support.
  • Retirement plan -- both pre-tax and Roth (after-tax) options available for employee contributions.
  • DailyPay -- access your pay when you need it!
  • On the Goga well-being platform, featuring self-care tools and resources.
  • Access Care.com for backup childcare, elder care, and household services.
  • Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Tuition reimbursement and educational partnerships.
  • Employee discounts and savings programs on entertainment, travel, and lifestyle.
  • Access to Pryor Online Learning for free online personal development classes.

Learn more about our full benefits package - https://www.merakey.org/careers/benefits
About Merakey
Merakey is a non-profit provider of developmental, behavioral health, and education services. More than 8,000 employees provide support to nearly 40,000 individuals and families throughout 12 states across the country each year. Click here to watch a video about Merakey. Merakey strictly follows a zero-tolerance policy for abuse.
Merakey is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer! We deeply value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ethnic background, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or disability status. Moreover, we are committed to creating teams that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and encourage applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Merakey welcomes all Veterans to apply!
  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license.
  • Verifiable High School diploma/G.E.D preferred.
  • Experience in a home health aide setting, or school setting working with people who have Intellectual and Developmental disabilities is preferred.
  • Must have a desire to help others reach their fullest potential.

What Merakey employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Merakey logo

About Merakey

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Merakey is a leading developmental, behavioral health, and education non-profit provider with a fifty-year history. We offer a breadth of integrated services to individuals and communities across the country. Our belief that every individual has the right to achieve growth, dignity, and fulfillment guides all of our decisions. At Merakey, we care about each other and are committed to providing the very best care to those we serve. Merakey strictly follows a zero-tolerance policy for abuse.

Industry

Non-profits

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Lafayette Hill, PA, US

Year founded

1960

View All Merakey Jobs

Apply