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Direct Support Professional Jobs in McKees Rocks, PA

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Coraopolis, PA · On-site

$19/hr

Direct Support Professional Location: Coraopolis PA Pay Rate: Earn up to $19.00/hour with selection of Enhanced Pay option; earn $17.00/hour without selection of Enhanced Pay. Shifts available:

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Coraopolis, PA · On-site

$19/hr

Direct Support Professional Location: Coraopolis PA Pay Rate: Earn up to $19.00/hour with selection of Enhanced Pay option; earn $17.00/hour without selection of Enhanced Pay. Shifts available:

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All JobsDirect Support Professional JobsDirect Support Professional Jobs in McKees Rocks, PA

Direct Support Professional information

See McKees Rocks, PA salary details

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in McKees Rocks, PA is $15.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $16.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)?

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.

What Is a Direct Support Professional?

Direct support professionals (DSPs) provide non-medical care and services to intellectually or physically disabled persons. These services may be in the patient's home, at assisted living facilities, or in government institutions. The primary duties of DSPs are to help the patient with everyday tasks, such as taking medication, providing transportation to doctor's appointments, and running errands. DSPs also aim to teach patients life skills, including light housework and meal preparation, to enable them to be a little more independent.

More about Direct Support Professional jobs
What cities near McKees Rocks, PA are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near McKees Rocks, PA with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in McKees Rocks, PA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,843 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Community Living And Support Services

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

$17 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Community Living and Support Services (CLASS) of Pittsburgh, PA is looking to hire full-time Direct Support Professionals (DSP) / Direct Support Professional Floaters.
We currently have immediate shift openings at the following locations: Pleasant Hills, Baldwin, Shaler, Penn Hills, Export, and Monroeville!
*Now Offering $1,300 SIGN-ON BONUS for Direct Support Professional (DSP)*
Competitive starting hourly wages at $17.00/hour, eligible to be increased to $17.50/hour after successful completion of 90-day introductory performance evaluation.
Do you desire working for a company that is invested in your professional development? Do you have the desire to work for an agency that strives to make a difference in the lives of isolated and vulnerable populations in your community? Do you want to build a stronger community and ensure that all people, regardless of ability, can live, work, and play in the communities of their choice? If so, please read on!
What Employees are saying about CLASS:
"CLASS allows me to use my strengths to service the participants."
"Good atmosphere to achieve common goals."
"Staff are compassionate and dedicated in their professional supporting our participants."
This Direct Support Professional (DSP) / Caregiver position starts at a competitive entry-level wage of $17/hour. We also offer a full suite of benefits for full-time employees who work 30+ hours, including health, dental, and vision insurance, a flexible spending account (FSA), a health reimbursement account (HRA), a 401(k) plan, life insurance, LTD, LTC, paid time off (PTO), and an employee referral program. Additionally, CLASS is committed to investing in our staff development for both current and future employees. This includes paid training, including the opportunity to be paid to earn nationally recognized NADSP certification! If this sounds like the right entry-level opportunity for you, consider applying today!
ABOUT COMMUNITY LIVING AND SUPPORT SERVICES (CLASS)
A nonprofit organization founded in 1951, we provide person-centered social, recreational, and residential support for people with disabilities throughout Allegheny County. Our mission is to support them as they explore options, participate in the community, and strive toward equality. We enthusiastically advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, so they may fully participate in and contribute to community life. Supporting the uniqueness, wholeness, and dignity of each person, we strive to respond to their individual needs and preferences.
Just as we want to be a provider of choice for people with disabilities and their families, we want to be an employer of choice for new and existing staff. In addition to rewarding work, we offer competitive pay, great full-time benefits and a positive work culture.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A FULL-TIME DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (DSP) / DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL FLOATER
As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) / Direct Support Professional Floater, you support people with disabilities to live their best lives as independently as possible. You provide this support and guidance during shifts in their homes or at the activities that they attend. While spending time with the individuals that you support, you provide non-judgmental counsel and always treat them as you would want to be treated. You support them in many areas of daily living, including administrating medication, lifting & transferring, bathing, completing hygiene, grocery shopping, cooking, providing transportation, doing laundry, and light housekeeping. While these tasks are important, fulfilling their social and emotional needs is just as important. You provide them with companionship and help them find social and recreational activities that they enjoy. With attention to detail, you report any concerns about their health and safety as well as maintain up-to-date daily logs and data reports. You find it very rewarding to help individuals with disabilities lead self-fulfilling lives as independently as possible!
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR A FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (DSP) / DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL FLOATER
  • 18 years or older.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Valid driver's license, where applicable (Daylight schedules, Direct Support Professional Floater).
  • Ability to pass an Act 33/34 background clearance.
  • Ability to lift greater than 50 lbs.
  • Passion for helping people with disabilities.
  • 7 day work availability & reliable transportation (Direct Support Professional Floater)

Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have strong interpersonal skills and a "how-can-I-help-you" attitude? Are you calm and patient? Are you flexible and able to effectively prioritize multiple tasks? Are you conscientious about following policies and procedures and discreet with confidential information? Can you work well both independently and as a collaborative member of a team? If so, you might just be perfect for this entry-level night shift position!
FULL-TIME SCHEDULE
This full-time entry-level position has evening shifts available immediately, with consistent full-time scheduling!
Benefits:
  • Only full-time (30 hours or more) employees are eligible
  • Medical/Vision/Dental
  • Life/LTD/LTC
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401K enrollment
  • Health Savings Account
  • Employee Referral Program

CLASS does not discriminate against any person regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, disability, age in admission, treatment, or by participation in programs, services and activities, or in employment.

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