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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Metro Star Services

Direct Support Professional

Cocoa, FL · On-site

$13.25 - $16/hr

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you will provide hands-on care and assistance to individuals in their daily lives. Your role will include helping them develop independent living skills ...

Metro Star Services

Direct Support Professional

Orlando, FL · On-site

$13.25 - $16/hr

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you will provide hands-on care and assistance to individuals in their daily lives. Your role will include helping them develop independent living skills ...

Metro Star Services

Direct Support Professional

Kissimmee, FL · On-site

$13.25 - $16.25/hr

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you will provide hands-on care and assistance to individuals in their daily lives. Your role will include helping them develop independent living skills ...

Metro Star Services

Direct Support Professional

Orlando, FL · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you will provide hands-on care and assistance to individuals in their daily lives. Your role will include helping them develop independent living skills ...

Metro Star Services

Direct Support Professional

Orlando, FL · On-site

$13.25 - $16/hr

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you will provide hands-on care and assistance to individuals in their daily lives. Your role will include helping them develop independent living skills ...

Devereux

Direct Support Professional

Palm Bay, FL

$17 - $20.25/hr

Become a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Change Lives! Starting Pay: $17.00 - $20.25 / hour *Compensation based on shift differential, experience, and education/certification Shift ...

Devereux

Direct Support Professional

Titusville, FL · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Become a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Change Lives! Starting Pay: $17.00 - $20.25 / hour *Compensation based on shift differential, experience, and education/certification Shift ...

New

Devereux

Direct Support Professional

Titusville, FL

$17 - $20.25/hr

Become a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Change Lives! Starting Pay: $17.00 - $20.25 / hour *Compensation based on shift differential, experience, and education/certification Shift ...

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All JobsDirect Support Professional JobsDirect Support Professional Jobs in Florida

Direct Support Professional information

See Florida salary details

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Florida is $12.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.77 and $13.12 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 Florida? For Direct Support Professional jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Florida 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 $25,312 per year, or $12.2 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

ASPIRE HAVEN GROUP HOMES LLC

Middleburg, FL • On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

About the Role:
Join ASPIRE HAVEN GROUP HOMES LLC as a Direct Support Professional and make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. Our dedicated team in Orange Park, FL, is passionate about providing compassionate and personalized support to enhance the quality of life for our residents.

 ***Shift Needed - *** 3PM - 11PM **
Full job description
We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Direct Support Professional to join our team. The ideal candidate will provide support and care to individuals with developmental disabilities in a group home setting. This role is crucial in ensuring the well-being and safety of our residents, and we are looking for a team player who is passionate about making a difference in people's lives.
Duties
- Provide one-on-one and group support to individuals with developmental disabilities in a group home setting.
- Assist individuals with daily living activities
- Implement care plans and provide support as needed
- Monitor and report changes in individual's health or behavior
- Ensure the safety and well-being of individuals under your care
- Maintain accurate documentation of services provided
Qualifications:
  • High school diploma, GED or equivalent
  • Must be minimum of 18 years of age
  • Valid Florida Driver’s license
  • Must be able to lift a minimum of 25 pounds
  • A Level 2 background check will be conducted for this position
  • Twelve months of experience in human services, direct care, behavior care or care coordination preferred
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Benefits:
  • Flexible schedule
  • Paid orientation
  • Paid training
  • Professional development assistance
  • Referral program

About Us:
ASPIRE HAVEN GROUP HOMES LLC has been serving the Jacksonville, FL community for over a decade, providing exceptional care to individuals with developmental disabilities. Our commitment to personalized support and a nurturing environment is why families trust us and employees thrive in their roles. Join us in making a difference every day!