ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Direct Support Professional Jobs in Howell, NJ (NOW HIRING)

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsDirect Support Professional JobsDirect Support Professional Jobs in Howell, NJ

Direct Support Professional information

See Howell, NJ salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Howell, NJ 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.
More about Direct Support Professional jobs
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Howell, NJ look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Howell, NJ are:
What cities near Howell, NJ are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Howell, NJ with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Howell, NJ 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 $34,010 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Kaleidoscope Family Solutions, Inc.

Point Pleasant Beach, NJ • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Location: Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Date Posted: 08/01/2026
Category: Direct Care Services
Education: High School Diploma/GED

Come create a colorful difference with Kaleidoscope Family Solutions (KFS)!Kaleidoscope Family Solutions, Inc. provides community and home-based services to persons with autism and intellectual disabilities. Our team partners with family members and existing providers to create individualized goals allowing the team to help improve Individuals' life experiences.The individuals we support are in need of dedicated, caring, and reliable Direct Support Professionals eager to make a difference in their lives!DESCRIPTION OF CONTRACT OPPORTUNITY* Assist Individuals as they develop and maintain skills to improve their daily-living and social skills* Engage in activities with Individuals to live more independently within the community and/or be more productive and participatory in community life* Maintain annual 24 hour training requirementsREQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION FOR DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL* Must be compassionate and willing to care for the well-being of others* Minimum of a High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED)* Must be willing to complete given background checks* Must have a valid Driver's License and existing insurance* Must be willing and able to drive individuals in personal car throughout the community* Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills* Flexibility is preferred to allow more opportunity for individual assignmentsADVANTAGES* Compensation processed weekly* Hourly Compensation $18-$20.* Flexible work hours including evenings and weekends* Personal and professional fulfillment in an impactful roleKaleidoscope Family Solutions, Inc. is an EEO employer.ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONCandidates submitting their resume usually have experience or interest in other roles including Residential Aides, Direct Support Professional, DSPs, Care Givers, Aides, Home Health Aide, Mental Health Technicians, MHTs, Behavior Health Technicians, BHTs, and Youth Care Workers.

Title: Direct Support Professional
Class: Direct Care Support
Type: INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR 1099
Ref. No.: 1207635-197
BC: #KFS214
Company: Kaleidoscope Family Solutions, Inc.
Contract Contact: NJ Careers
Office Email: NJ@kfamilysolutions.org
Office Phone: 443-583-3700
Office Address: 231 Clarksville Road, Suite 2, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550
Each Kaleidoscope Family Solutions (KFS) office is separately incorporated. Registering on the Kaleidoscope web portal is not a guarantee that contracting opportunities will be available and/or located. Further steps are required to complete your registration with the appropriate legal Kaleidoscope (KFS) entity. Professionals contracting through KFS are classified and compensated as self-employed independent contractors.