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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Maine (NOW HIRING)

Pine Tree Society

Direct Support Professional

Auburn, ME · On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

As a Direct Support Professional at Pine Tree Society, you will assist and encourage participants to functional life skills and exercise-related goals while gaining independence in our day center as ...

Waypoint Maine

Direct Support Professional

Kennebunk, ME · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Position Overview The role of the Direct Support Professional (DSP) is to support members within Waypoint to be connected to others by modeling healthy relationships, engaging in effective ...

Waypoint Maine

Direct Support Professional

North Berwick, ME · On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Position Overview The role of the Direct Support Professional (DSP) is to support members within Waypoint to be connected to others by modeling healthy relationships, engaging in effective ...

Waypoint Maine

Direct Support Professional

Sanford, ME · On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

Position Overview The role of the Direct Support Professional (DSP) is to support members within Waypoint to be connected to others by modeling healthy relationships, engaging in effective ...

Waypoint Maine

Direct Support Professional

Kennebunk, ME · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Position Overview The role of the Direct Support Professional (DSP) is to support members within Waypoint to be connected to others by modeling healthy relationships, engaging in effective ...

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Maine is $15.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $16.97 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 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.

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.

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 areas 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 Maine?

The most popular types of Direct Support jobs in Maine are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Maine as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,794 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Pine Tree Society

Auburn, ME • On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Pine Tree Society is urgently hiring positive and energetic people interesting in helping adults diagnosed with autism and intellectual disabilities develop the skills necessary to live healthy, socially connected lives. Our program provides a stimulating environment with a focus on opportunities that promote independence and personal enjoyment for individuals who have disabilities.
As a Direct Support Professional at Pine Tree Society, you will assist and encourage participants to functional life skills and exercise-related goals while gaining independence in our day center as well as community-based settings. We emphasize the use of leisure time and participation in community or group activities of the individual's choice. Some of these activities include picnics in the summer, bowling, and visits to the local libraries and museums. These activities are designed to provide socialization for the individuals.
Essential Responsibilities:
Provides Direct Services to Person Served:
  • Works on identifying needs while collaborating with other staff.
  • Implements program and individual goals as prescribed by the Individual Service Plan (ISP).
  • Tracks progress towards goals using standard data collecting procedures.
  • Communicates pertinent information to home staff, guardians, and case managers.
  • Attends meetings; writes daily documentation, meeting minutes, monthly progress reports, ISP, PCPs and oversees the upkeep of the individual's clinical file.
  • Assists with toileting and helps with personal care as needed.
  • Transports persons served using either an agency vehicle or own personal vehicle.

Provides Support:
  • Acts as a positive role model for persons served.
  • Supports with personal care and activities of daily living.
  • Supports and encourages increased levels of achievement to individual's potential.
  • Reduces behaviors which interfere with achievement of established goals as prescribed by the ISP.
  • Supervises persons served during fire drills or other such events.
  • Abides by and enforces all safety rules. Works to ensure a clean, hazard-free environment.
  • Supports the persons served while in community settings.
  • Supports and provides individuals served with meaningful community activities that are of interest to them.
  • Transports individuals and ensures their safety in the community.

Rate of pay: $17.50/hour without DSP certificate or starting at $18.00/hour with DSP certificate, $18.25/hour with PSS, $18.50/hour with CNA.
Schedule: Full time position of 37.5 hours a week is available. Shift hours would be 7:30 am- 3:00 pm. Monday-Friday (NO weekends or overnight shifts)
Location: In-person (Auburn, Maine)
Requirements
Some qualifications; knowledge, skills and abilities:
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Should be computer literate.
  • Must be able to communicate verbally and in writing.
  • Exhibits compassion and patience and an understanding of diverse needs.
  • Should role model a positive and enthusiastic attitude.
  • Possess a valid driver's license with a clear driving record, have a reliable vehicle with at least the state minimum automobile insurance coverage and the ability and willingness to travel and to off-site locations.

Education/Experience:
  • Possess high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Direct Support Professional (DSP) or College of Direct Support (CDS) certified or possess ability to become certified through online training.
  • Personal Support Specialist (PSS) or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training preferred, but not required.

Employee Benefits: InIn addition to being a part of a supportive and impact focused team, our team members also enjoy a competitive benefit package that includes the following offerings:
  • Comprehensive health, and vision insurance options for you and your family, as well as employer paid dental insurance.
  • Paid life insurance and short-term disability
  • A generous paid time off (PTO) accrual policy that includes 15 days/year to start, 12 paid holidays (including 2 floating holidays of your choice)
  • Retirement plan with employer match and annual discretionary contributions
  • Paid training, certifications, and career development opportunities
  • Tuition advancement program of up to $5,250 a year for degree programs at an accredited college or university
  • An extensive Employee Assistance Program (includes free counseling, mental health support, wellness resources, financial education support, and more!)
  • Access to discounted rates on voluntary insurances (includes accident, illness, cancer, additional life, and disability insurances)

About Pine Tree Society Since 1936, Pine Tree Society has been proudly supporting Mainers with disabilities breakdown barriers and lead active, socially connected lives. Our services include Pine Tree Camp, two Community Support Programs, Case Management Services, Sign Language Interpreting, Audiology, Speech/Language Services, and our Early Learning Center.
Salary Description
$17.50 - $20.50 per hour

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