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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Vermont (NOW HIRING)

Upper Valley Services

Specialized Direct Support Professional

VT · On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Supports may include, community, in-home, employment. * Extensive training/ shadowing opportunities ... Professional development and training opportunities * Mileage Reimbursement Disclaimer: This is not ...

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Direct Support Professional information

See Vermont salary details

$10

$17

$21

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Vermont is $17.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $18.65 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 Vermont? For Direct Support Professional jobs in Vermont, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Vermont look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Vermont are:
What cities in Vermont are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities in Vermont with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Vermont 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 $36,014 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Sub - Acute Direct Support Professional

Howard Center

Burlington, VT • On-site

$22.75/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago

Howard Center rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Click the link below to learn how Howard Center helps change lives:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wchi-A_Ks0
Sub - Acute Direct Support Professional:
Provide intensive, specialized, 1:1 clinical support to youth and adults with developmental disabilities in the community or residential setting. Some clients also may be non-ambulatory or have limited ambulation skills.
Staff in this position provide intensive support to client which may include a high level of personal care, special care procedures, or particular behavioral or mental health supports. Applicants with less experience working with clients with developmental disabilities and personal care are encouraged to review and consider applying to the SUB- Direct Support Professional position.
Responsibilities:
  • Initiate constructive activities that address goals on a client's Individual Support Agreement (treatment plan)
  • Facilitate community inclusion, daily living, and skill acquisition
  • Utilization of sound judgement and maintenance of clam demeanor during crisis
  • Support people with individualized styles of communication
  • Provide needed behavioral and/or mental health support
  • Provide needed personal and/or medical care

Requirements:
  • Strong clinical skills
  • 2-3 years of Experience in a human services or combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skill has been acquired
  • Valid driver's License, use of a personal vehicle and an acceptable driving record
  • High School Degree or equivalent

Structure:
  • Scheduling opportunities for weekday, evening, weekend, and overnight hours
  • Travel within Chittenden County
  • Pay rate is $22.75 an hour

Benefits:
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee referral program with financial payment
  • Discounted online undergraduate/graduate courses through Champlain College truED
  • Retirement through 401(k)
  • Award-winning workplace wellness program including physical fitness groups for staff, financial wellness incentives, and ongoing workplace wellness advocacy and education
  • Voluntary benefits from local/international businesses: discounted gym memberships, mobile phone service, ski/snowboard passes, auto/home insurance, and more!
  • Employee referral bonus is subject to Howard Center policy.

Our Values: Clients are at the heart of our decision making. We are committed to individual and collective well-being and success. We are responsible stewards of the resources entrusted to us. We are steadfast in our practice and pursuit of excellence.
Howard Center is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. The agency's culture and service delivery is strengthened by the diversity of its workforce. Minorities, people of color, LGBTQIA+ and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. EOE/TTY. Visit "About Us" to review Howard Center's EOE policy.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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