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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Commack, NY (NOW HIRING)

ACLD

Direct Support Professional

Ronkonkoma, NY · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Direct Support Professional - Residential Help Others to ASPIRE HIGHER! When a group of families came together in 1957 to find services for their children with developmental disabilities, ACLD was ...

Heartshare

Direct Support Professional

Bayside, NY · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for implementing person-centered services for each individual. This includes ensuring implementation of the individual's services, goals and ...

ACLD

Direct Support Professional

Ronkonkoma, NY · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Direct Support Professional - Residential Help Others to ASPIRE HIGHER! When a group of families came together in 1957 to find services for their children with developmental disabilities, ACLD was ...

ACLD

Direct Support Professional

Ronkonkoma, NY · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Direct Support Professional - Residential Help Others to ASPIRE HIGHER! When a group of families came together in 1957 to find services for their children with developmental disabilities, ACLD was ...

ACLD

Direct Support Professional

Ronkonkoma, NY · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Direct Support Professional - Residential Help Others to ASPIRE HIGHER! When a group of families came together in 1957 to find services for their children with developmental disabilities, ACLD was ...

ACLD

Direct Support Professional

Hauppauge, NY · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Direct Support Professional - Residential Help Others to ASPIRE HIGHER! When a group of families came together in 1957 to find services for their children with developmental disabilities, ACLD was ...

ACLD

Direct Support Professional

Dix Hills, NY · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Direct Support Professional - Residential Help Others to ASPIRE HIGHER! When a group of families came together in 1957 to find services for their children with developmental disabilities, ACLD was ...

ACLD

Direct Support Professional

East Northport, NY · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Direct Support Professional - Residential Help Others to ASPIRE HIGHER! When a group of families came together in 1957 to find services for their children with developmental disabilities, ACLD was ...

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Direct Support Professional information

See Commack, NY salary details

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Commack, NY is $16.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $18.17 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.
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What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Commack, NY look for?

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What cities near Commack, NY are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities near Commack, NY with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:

Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Commack, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,075 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Bohemia, NY • On-site

EIHAB Human Service Corporate Office
See more jobs at EIHAB Human Service Corporate Officeexternal

$18/hr

Other

Re-posted 23 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Deliver direct care, supervision, and individualized support to individuals in residential, day program, or in-home environments.

  • Implement and document services in accordance with individual plans such as Life Plan, Staff Action Plan, and Behavior Support Plan, and ensure compliance with safety protocols.

  • Report any suspected abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or significant incidents promptly, in accordance with relevant regulations.

Job description

Title: Direct Support Professional
Department: Residential Services Day Services Community Services
Reports: Residential Manager Program Coordinator Field Supervisor
Location: Residential Services, Day Services, Community Services, NY
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
Status: Full - Time and Part - Time
POSITION SUMMARY
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is tasked with delivering direct care, supervision, and individualized support to individuals within residential, day program, or in-home environments. The DSP is responsible for upholding the health, safety, dignity, and overall well-being of these individuals, adhering to agency policies and procedures, individual program plans, and relevant federal and state regulations. This includes, but is not limited to, protocols for Incident Reporting, Protection of Individual Rights, Safety, and the Code of Conduct.
The DSP is responsible for delivering services as stipulated in each individual's Life Plan (LP), Staff Action Plan (SAP), Plan of Nursing Services (PONS), Behavior Support Plan, Level of Supervision (LOS), and other pertinent safety protocols. Service provision must foster independence, self-determination, community integration, and enriching life experiences, all while upholding individual rights and adhering to regulatory standards.
As a mandated reporter under New York State law, the DSP is obligated to promptly report any suspected instances of abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or significant incidents, in compliance with OPWDD and Justice Center regulations.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of person-centered service delivery principles and best practices in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Working knowledge of Life Plan (LP), Behavior Support Plans (BSP), and medical and clinical directives, including the ability to interpret and apply written plans, goals, and intervention strategies.
Knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations governing health, safety, individual rights, mandated reporting, incident reporting, and confidentiality (including HIPAA compliance).
Demonstrated ability to observe, assess, and report changes in an individual's physical, behavioral, or emotional status. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce accurate, objective, and timely documentation utilizing electronic health record systems.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain reliability and professionalism, and respond effectively in both routine and emergency situations. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
Physical capability to safely perform essential job functions, including assisting with activities of daily living, mobility support, and implementation of trained crisis intervention techniques.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Attend and successfully complete all required trainings, demonstrating competence in each area through observed performance, testing, or practical application as appropriate.
  • Apply learned skills and knowledge consistently in daily work, ensuring compliance with agency policies, protocols, and regulatory requirements.
  • Participate in staff meetings, team briefings, and professional development activities to stay informed of updates, share information, and support collaborative care.

PERSON CENTERED SUPPORT
  • Provide individualized supports in accordance with each person's assessed strengths, preferences, needs, and identified outcomes.
  • Teach, model, and assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), including personal hygiene, bathing, toileting, oral care, grooming, dressing, meal preparation, feeding, housekeeping, laundry, budgeting, medication administration (as authorized), and safe use of community transportation.
  • Implement strategies that build independence, skill acquisition, and functional competency across home and community environments.
  • Promote and support community inclusion by assisting individuals with safe community participation, including street safety awareness and appropriate public behavior.
  • Facilitate informed choice and self-determination by encouraging individuals to express preferences, participate in decision-making, set personal goals, and advocate for themselves.
  • Provide instruction and guidance in self-advocacy skills, including communication of needs, rights awareness, and problem-solving strategies.
  • Deliver services in a manner that respects and supports each individual's cultural background, primary language, spiritual beliefs, gender identity, and personal values.
  • Implement Life Plan (LP)goals and objectives as written; collect data and complete accurate, objective documentation to reflect progress toward identified outcomes.
  • Provide skill development and supports in accordance with Staff Action Plans (SAPs), Individual Plan of Protective Oversight (IPOP), behavior support strategies, and all clinical or medical protocols, ensuring consistent application and compliance with established guidelines

HEALTH, MEDICAL, AND SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Notice when individuals ay be upset, anxious, or stressed and respond calmly and safely.
  • Help individuals use coping skills to manage emotions and feel more in control.
  • Complete and maintain all required trainings and demonstrate competency in understanding and implementing medical, behavioral, dietary, safety, Level of Supervision (LOS), and therapeutic protocols as written.
  • Maintain responsibility for the immediate health and safety of individuals during assigned shifts, ensuring appropriate supervision at all times.
  • Review, understand, and follow all medical, behavioral, dietary, safety, and therapeutic plans precisely as written; promptly observe, document, and report changes in health status, behavior, or level of functioning to appropriate supervisory and clinical staff.
  • Successfully complete OPWDD-approved AMAP certification and achieve three errorless medication administration observations prior to independently administering medications.
  • Adhere strictly to all medication administration protocols, documentation requirements, and medication error reporting procedures.
  • Maintain current certification in CPR and First Aid certification and apply approved strategies in accordance with training.
  • Successfully complete and maintain SCIP-R certification and apply approved strategies in accordance with training.
  • Utilize approved de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques consistent with individual behavior support plans, SCIP-R training, and regulatory standards.
  • Follow universal precautions, infection control standards, and OSHA-compliant safety practices, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Participate in and support fire drills, evacuation procedures, and emergency preparedness activities; demonstrate familiarity with site-specific emergency protocols and each individual's Emergency Evacuation Plan (EEP).

SKILL BUILDING AND PRACTICE
  • Help individuals practice skills they are learning so they can use them at home, in the community, and during daily activities.
  • Follow Staff Action Plans (SAPs) and individual plans to support skill acquisition and consistent teaching strategies.
  • Encourage exploration of new skills, activities, and experiences to promote growth, independence, and confidence.
  • Use positive support techniques and guidance to help individuals learn, generalize, and apply skills safely across settings.

INCIDENT REPORTING AND MANDATED REPORTER RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Serve as a mandated reporter, immediately reporting any suspected abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or significant incidents in accordance with 14 NYCRR Part 624 and Justice Center requirements.
  • Protect individuals from harm by de-escalating potentially harmful situations and intervening promptly and appropriately according to agency policies and training.
  • Document incidents accurately and objectively, ensuring all required information is submitted in a timely manner through proper reporting channels.
  • Cooperate fully with internal and external oversight, investigations, and review processes during incident protocols, providing truthful, complete, and timely information as requested

CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES: BEHAVIORAL AND NURSING SUPPORT
  • Implement Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and Nursing Plans of Care exactly as written, ensuring all interventions, medical directives, and care instructions are followed consistently and accurately.
  • Collect, document, and report behavioral and clinical data objectively and in a timely manner, ensuring records reflect progress, incidents, and changes in condition.
  • Utilize positive behavior support strategies and nursing protocols to promote skill development, independence, and well-being while reducing maladaptive or unsafe behaviors.
  • Respond to crisis situations using SCIP-R approved techniques, nursing protocols, and de-escalation strategies, ensuring interventions are applied in the least restrictive manner possible while maintaining safety and dignity.
  • Recognize signs of medical or behavioral emergencies and respond appropriately, including contacting supervisory, clinical staff, or emergency services (e.g., calling 911) when necessary.
  • Follow all clinical, nursing, and behavioral safety procedures, maintaining compliance with agency, regulatory, and HIPAA standards

DOCUMENTATION AND CONFIDENTIALITY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Record observations, support provided, and progress clearly, accurately, and on time.
  • Complete data and needed documentation to help the team understand how the individual is doing and plan supports.
  • Complete all required documentation accurately, legibly, and within established timeframes, including but not limited to daily progress notes, behavioral tracking sheets, nursing tracking sheets, medication administration records, and incident reports.
  • Utilize electronic health record (EHR) systems as required, ensuring proper security and safeguarding of access credentials.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality of all protected health information (PHI) in accordance with HIPAA and agency policies.
  • Share confidential or sensitive information only with authorized personnel and strictly in accordance with regulatory and agency guidelines.

TEAMWORK, PROFESSIONALISM, AND COMMUNICATION RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Take part in team meetings and care planning, sharing observations and helpful information.
  • Communicate clearly with supervisors, clinicians, and team members to provide consistent support.
  • Demonstrate professional behavior at all times, including maintaining appropriate boundaries, respect, and ethical conduct when interacting with individuals, families, coworkers, and supervisory staff.
  • Communicate clearly, effectively, and respectfully in both verbal and written formats, including sharing relevant information with team members, documenting observations, and reporting concerns promptly electronically or as requested.
  • Collaborate and contribute positively within a multidisciplinary team, supporting shared goals, coordinating care, and assisting colleagues as needed to ensure high-quality services.
  • Respond constructively to feedback, participate actively in team meetings, and engage in problem-solving to promote a safe and supportive work environment.
  • Advocate for the needs, preferences, and rights of individuals while balancing professional responsibilities and organizational policies.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Ensure that the facility and surrounding areas remain clean, sanitary, safe, and well-maintained at all times.
  • Support individuals in maintaining and personalizing their personal spaces in accordance with their preferences and abilities.
  • Follow environmental safety standards, food safety protocols, and general maintenance procedures to promote a healthy and safe living environment.
  • Care for agency property and ensure the proper handling, storage, and protection of individuals' personal belongings.
  • Identify and promptly report physical plant or environmental safety risks in accordance with agency policies and procedures.

DRIVING AND COMMUNITY INTEGRATION RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Transport individuals safely to medical appointments, recreational activities, employment programs, and community outings using agency vehicles.
  • Maintain a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with agency policy.
  • Travel between agency sites as operational needs require, ensuring punctuality and reliability.
  • Operate vehicles safely at all times, following all traffic laws, agency driving protocols, and vehicle surveillance or monitoring procedures.
  • Identify and promptly report any vehicle maintenance issues, safety concerns, or incidents in accordance with agency policies
  • Encourage and support individuals to take part in social, recreational, work, or educational activities that match their interests and abilities.
  • Promote inclusion in the community while keeping safety and dignity in mind.

WORK SCHEDULE AND ATTENDANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Work schedules may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime as necessary to meet program and individual needs.
  • Remain on-site beyond scheduled hours during emergencies or unexpected staffing shortages to ensure the continuity of care, health, and safety of individuals.
  • Maintain regular and reliable attendance, reporting absences in accordance with agency policies and procedures.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES
  • May assist with program coverage during staffing shortages, emergencies, or operational needs to ensure continuity of care, supervision, and services.
  • May be required to temporarily or permanently work, tra

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