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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Fall River, MA

mayinstitute

Direct Support Professional

New Bedford, MA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Adult's Residential Program Day, Evening, and Overnight Shifts Available | Full-Time & Part-Time Support. Empower. Transform. Make a meaningful difference in the ...

LifeStream

Direct Support Professional

New Bedford, MA · On-site

$21.25/hr

In this role as a Direct Support Professional, you will assist individuals in creating meaningful opportunities to fully participate in the running of their home and become fully immersed in the ...

May Institute

Direct Support Professional

New Bedford, MA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Adult's Residential Program Day, Evening, and Overnight Shifts Available | Full-Time & Part-Time Support. Empower. Transform. Make a meaningful difference in the ...

LifeStream

Direct Support Professional

New Bedford, MA · On-site

$21.25 - $22.25/hr

In this role as a Direct Support Professional, you will assist individuals in creating meaningful opportunities to fully participate in the running of their home and become fully immersed in the ...

Aveanna Healthcare

Direct Support Professional

Plymouth, MA · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Apply your skills as a Direct Support Professional in a home setting and begin making a difference in the lives of Individuals with special needs. Position Overview Working in the home and/or a ...

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Direct Support Professional information

See Fall River, MA salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Fall River, MA is $16.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $17.60 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.
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What cities near Fall River, MA are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities near Fall River, MA with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:

Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Fall River, MA 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 $34,001 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

The Arc of Bristol County dba proAbility

Cumberland, RI • On-site

$20.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Job ID # - 773
Position: Direct Support Professional
Department: RI Community Supports
Schedule: Tuesday amp; Thursday 9-2
Pay Rate: $20.50

General Job Description
We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Direct Support Professional to provide one-on-one support and care to individuals with developmental/intellectual disabilities (IDD) in community settings. As a Direct Support Professional, you will assist individuals in achieving personal goals, building independent living skills, enhancing social connections, and participating in community activities. Effective time management and communication skills are essential.
Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent required; Associates or Bachelor's Degree in Human Services or related field/one year experience working with people with disabilities and their families preferred
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Possession of a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of valid insurance and car registration
  • Ability to successfully pass criminal background checks
Job Responsibilities
  • Provide one-on-one direct support and care to individuals with IDD in community settings
  • Utilize a person-centered approach to support individuals in developing and achieving their unique personal goals, which may include facilitating participation in community activities, building independent living skills, enhancing social connections, and achieving other goals important to the individual
  • Support individuals in building and maintaining social connections by facilitating opportunities for socialization with peers, family, and community members
  • Maintain regular communication with individuals, their families, and other support staff to ensure the continuity and quality of care provided
  • Accurately and thoroughly document all services provided in accordance with organizational policies and procedures
  • Create and maintain a community network through community mapping to identify and access resources that promote the individual's growth and development
  • Ability to provide compassionate care and support to individuals with IDD, while respecting their individuality and promoting their independence
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively manage time and prioritize tasks to ensure timely completion of responsibilities
  • Complete all program required training
  • Provide personal care, including all ADLs, to ensure individuals' well-being and comfort.
  • Perform any other job-related duties as assigned by Supervisor or Director

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities, we invite you to apply today and join our dedicated team at The Arc of Bristol County!
Employment compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
The physical demands of this position are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee is regularly required to use hands in order to handle or feel objects, tools and controls; reach with hands or arms, stoop, kneel, talk, and hear. The employee is required to stand, walk, sit, and occasionally be required to lift/transfer up to 50/70 lbs. alone or occasionally up to 200lbs with the assistance of other staff. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

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