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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Dover, NH (NOW HIRING)

Great Bay Services

Direct Support Professional

Sanford, ME · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Direct Support Professional Reports to: Employment Program Manager Salary: $18.00 an hour Hours: 30+ hours Summary: Direct Support Professionals are part of a team who provide in-home, on the job and ...

Waypoint Maine

Direct Support Professional

Kennebunk, ME · On-site

$16.50/hr

Starting Pay Rate: $16.50/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 ...

Waypoint Maine

Direct Support Professional

Berwick, ME · On-site

$16.50/hr

Starting Pay Rate: $16.50/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 ...

Waypoint Maine

Direct Support Professional

Sanford, ME · On-site

$16.50/hr

Starting Pay Rate: $16.50/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 ...

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All JobsDirect Support Professional JobsDirect Support Professional Jobs in Dover, NH

Direct Support Professional information

See Dover, NH salary details

$10

$16

$21

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Dover, NH is $16.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $17.88 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 cities near Dover, NH are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Dover, NH with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Dover, NH as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,562 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Great Bay Services

Sanford, ME • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Title: Direct Support Professional

Reports to: Employment Program Manager

Salary: $18.00 an hour

Hours: 30+ hours

Summary:

Direct Support Professionals are part of a team who provide in-home, on the job and/or community-based supports to individuals with intellectual & developmental disabilities.

Overview:

The supports provided facilitate the community engagement, independent living and employment needs of individuals with intellectual & developmental disabilities. Each Direct Support Professional (DSP) works one on one or with a small group of program members each day. Each Direct Support Professional (DSP) will engage individuals in their home, employment settings, or community outings, as well as a variety of classes led by colleagues, including art, music, reading & writing skills, yoga, and other interests & goals set by the individuals themselves on a yearly basis.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Provide instructional support while assisting members with the implementation of their yearly Individual Service Agreement/Person-Centered Plan goals and encouraging independence.
  • Promote quality community connections for members while seeking opportunities in recreational, social, and vocational activities.
  • Assure safety of members at all times.
  • Timely completion of all required paperwork, i.e., daily notes, mileage logs, timesheets, progress notes, and incident reports.
  • Provide transportation for members in the community using your personal vehicle. (Mileage is reimbursed)
  • Be a positive role model with strong advocacy toward member rights and choice.
  • Attend and participate in all required meetings including Individual Service Agreement/Person-Centered Plan meetings as an integral member of the team.
  • Work with individuals who may display mal-adaptive/assaultive behaviors.
  • Exposure to bodily fluids – noting that Great Bay Services is taking precautions around the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Lifting, bending, sitting, walking, running, stooping, carrying objects and other physical movements.
  • Work in various seasonal weather conditions.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Hold a valid driver’s license and valid vehicle inspection sticker.
  • Carry mandatory auto insurance of no less than 100K/300K.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate for this role shall have the following qualifications:

  • Graduate of high school or recipient of GED certificate.
  • Compassion for those with differences, and an interest in supporting individuals in achieving their goals.
  • Patience.
  • Creativity.
  • First Aid & CPR certification training will be provided to candidates without it.
  • DSP certification training will be provided to candidates without it.
  • He-M 1201 Administration of Medications in Developmental Services Programs training will be provided to candidates without it.

Other:

The successful candidate will be subject to background checks, including driving & criminal. A valid driver’s license, evidence of current vehicle registration, inspection and insurance is also required.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations and some flexibility is available for scheduled hours, to perform the essential functions.