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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

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Direct Support Professional information

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$10

$17

$22

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Boston, MA is $17.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $19.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)?

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.

What Is a Direct Support Professional?

Direct support professionals (DSPs) provide non-medical care and services to intellectually or physically disabled persons. These services may be in the patient's home, at assisted living facilities, or in government institutions. The primary duties of DSPs are to help the patient with everyday tasks, such as taking medication, providing transportation to doctor's appointments, and running errands. DSPs also aim to teach patients life skills, including light housework and meal preparation, to enable them to be a little more independent.

More about Direct Support Professional jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Direct Support jobs in Boston, MA? The most popular types of Direct Support jobs in Boston, MA are:
What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professional jobs in Boston, MA? For Direct Support Professional jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Boston, MA are:
What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Boston, MA with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Boston, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,798 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Resources for Human Development

West Roxbury, MA • On-site

$18.50 - $21.20/hr

Other

Re-posted 20 days ago

Resources For Human Development rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Direct Support Professional PRN
Job Details

Job Type

Part-time

Greater Boston, MA
Description


Join Our Team!

This is an exciting time to take advantage of our new competitive hourly rates for direct support professionals! We are hiring direct support professionals at $18.50/hourly, or if you have your MAP certificate $21.20/hourly!


About Company:

RHD Boston is a non-profit organization, part of Apis Services, Inc., and we provide services to adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities or autism. Make a difference supporting others, and enjoy our commitment to work-life balance and a flexible schedule by joining our team as a per diem Direct Support Professional!

We are looking for motivated and caring people to join our relief pool, working in our small residential sites in West Roxbury, Hyde Park and Roslindale, as well as the nearby towns of Waltham and Arlington.

The Direct Support Professional is responsible for safety and supervision of our consumers with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities, and Behavioral health histories to facilitate healthy and socially acceptable behaviors while living in community-based sites. This position will coordinate with clinical staff, implement residentially based interventions and assist the individuals in achieving their goals. The DSP will prompt or assist, as necessary, to ensure the clients participate in the activities of daily living, in both the home and the community. A commitment to the RHD values should be demonstrated as job duties are performed.

  • Provide supervision of individuals in accordance with the person-centered ISP; supporting someone to work towards outcomes identified in ISP and other Person-Centered Support Plans
  • Complete required documentation
  • Must have or obtain a MAP certificate to safely administer and dispense medication
  • Provide transportation to consumers
  • Support consumers in activities of daily living, meal prep, toileting, hygiene, as appropriate
  • Assist in Community Integration Activities and access to community Supports including medical appointments, social security access, etc.
  • Complete all other miscellaneous tasks as assigned by supervisor
Requirements


  • High School diploma or GED is required, associates or bachelor’s degree is preferred. Must be able to provide proof of education
  • Basic computer and internet literacy with the ability to utilize applications like emails, time recording and other programs to enter and retrieve data as necessary to perform the essential functions of the job
  • Prior experience in the human services field, preferred
  • Valid driver’s license, preferred
  • Subject to employment screenings, including FBI clearance. if applicable

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