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

Direct Support Professional 3 (DSP3)

Dracut, MA · On-site

$21.23 - $21.83/hr

The Direct Support Professional will provide support and assistance to people with developmental, physical and psychiatric disabilities as needed based on the needs of the residential program ...

Direct Support Professional 3 (DSP3)

Dracut, MA · On-site

$21.23 - $21.83/hr

The Direct Support Professional will provide support and assistance to people with developmental, physical and psychiatric disabilities as needed based on the needs of the residential program ...

Direct Support Professional 3 (DSP3)

Dracut, MA · On-site

$21.23 - $21.83/hr

The Direct Support Professional will provide support and assistance to people with developmental, physical and psychiatric disabilities as needed based on the needs of the residential program ...

Showing results 41-60

Direct Support Professional information

See Exeter, NH salary details

$10

$16

$21

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Exeter, NH is $16.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $17.84 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.

What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Exeter, NH look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Exeter, NH are:

What cities near Exeter, NH are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities near Exeter, NH with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:

Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Exeter, NH as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,464 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Per Diem Direct Support Professional

Waypoint Maine

North Berwick, ME

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Full-time, Per diem

Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Per Diem Direct Support Professional      Program: Adult Services

Salary/Hourly Status: Hourly                                  FLSA Classification: Non-exempt

Schedule: Per Diem                                                   Reports to: Workforce Manager

Per Diem staff are not guaranteed a set number of hours and cannot work more than 25 hours in a one-week period. A Per Diem staff must work at least 12 hours every two months to remain active.

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Company Overview

Waypoint offers comprehensive services, including a special purpose private school for children with autism and other developmental disabilities, case management and outpatient therapy services for children and adults, and residential and in-home supports for adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities.

Position Overview

The role of the Residential Per Diem Direct Support Professional (DSP) is to support members within Waypoint to be connected to others by modeling healthy relationships, engaging in effective communication and supporting independence. This will be achieved through improving skills, promoting self-determination, encouraging personally satisfying lifestyles and fostering growth to the greatest extent possible.

The Residential Per Diem DSP will be responsible for maintaining a safe and supportive environment for members while ensuring that members are treated with dignity and respect. The Residential Per Diem DSP will support the interests, culture, and needs of the people we serve, and promote respectful interaction with all individuals.

The Residential Per Diem DSP will work successfully within a team as well as professionally represent Waypoint, in the community supporting individuals, with parents and guardians and within each member's residence or program. The Residential Per Diem DSP will exemplify professional values, ethics, responsibility, and confidentiality.

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Responsibilities

            Essential Duties

         Develop a rapport with residents and cultivate a safe and supportive relationship.

         Provide support and guidance for members during skills building activities.

         Implement individual treatment plans and positive support plans for members.

         Encourage self-help skill building by supporting members with daily living activities including preparing meals, maintaining a clean and healthy environment and assisting with personal hygiene.

         Transport residents in approved vehicles as activities and/or medical appointments require.

         Exercise sound judgment to ensure the safety and welfare of members. Notify House Manager of any situation developing or occurring in the home which could have a negative impact on the

home's operation or member's welfare and safety.

         Respect each member's right to privacy and confidentiality.

         Manage member funds by accurately recording expenditures

         Understand and comply with licensing requirements, MaineCare requirements, Person-Centered Planning requirements and all of Waypoint's policies and procedures.

         Collect accurate and timely data including updates to member ISP progress note, treatment plans, and positive support plans daily, or more often, as outlined in the plan and as required to track progress towards established goals, objectives, and outcomes.

         Follow mandated reporter guidelines regarding reportable events.

         Manage agency funds by accurately recording expenditures as required.

         Conduct self in a professional, collaborative, and positive manner at all times. Develop and maintain cooperative and collegial relationships with all staff while demonstrating a willingness to resolve conflicts quickly and completely.

         Operate as part of a team, maintaining a willingness to accept direction, constructive feedback and information from the House Manager and team.

         Maintain a highly consistent and punctual employee work record, avoiding absenteeism and tardiness.

         Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to assist in all residential settings as needed.

         Actively promote safety and safe practices. Ensure a clean and orderly residence or program site while implementing all cleaning routines and checklists. Independently initiate household maintenance and upkeep as necessary.

         Follow all agency safety standards and procedures.

         Alert Home Manager to safety and/or maintenance needs by following the internal protocols regarding the Maintenance Department.

         Follow all transportation policies including identifying any maintenance concerns with vehicles.

         Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Requirements

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

         Position experience not required but must have the desire to work with individuals with intellectual disabilities, including a willingness to learn and support individuals living with complex disabilities.

         A willingness to implement positive behavior support, implementing structured activities, collecting accurate treatment date and behavior date, and demonstrating effective communication with members, families, coworkers and other professionals.

            Education/Experience

         High School Diploma or GED

         Must have a valid driver's license from state of residence and clean driving record.

         Must be proficient in speaking, reading and writing English.

         Must have or gain through training the information technology skills to enter time & attendance, documentation of service, manage & complete trainings, communicate with supervisor and co-workers.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

         Normal degree of flexibility; ability to stand, walk, run, and shuffle for several minutes, kneel on one and two knees and then stand up, bend 45 degrees at the trunk and twist to either side, able to grasp firmly, able to raise hands above head. Stoop, kneel walk throughout program and grounds, run short distance, push & pull personal care equipment, lift up to 50 pounds independently using safe body mechanics, speak and model clear English in order to provide effective support to individuals who use English as a primary language, hear at normal speaking levels/ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, close visual acuity in order to perform activities such as collecting/preparing data, providing instruction, and daily use of technology/computer screens, and implement Safety Care techniques to escort and/or establish member safety in an emergency and/or per the support plan.

EEO Statement

Waypoint recruits, hires, trains, promotes, and compensates individuals based on job related qualifications and abilities.  Waypoint also has a longstanding policy of providing a work environment that respects the dignity and worth of each individual and is free from all forms of discrimination, including harassment because of race, color, sex, gender, age, religion or religious creed, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 Starting Pay Rate: $16.00/hour

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and its essential functions.  It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required.  Duties may vary depending on business needs and may be subject to change.  Employees may be required to perform additional tasks as assigned to meet the needs of the organization.

Benefits

Retirement Plan