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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Portland, ME

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Freeport, ME · On-site

$18.75/hr

Would you like to become a Direct Support Professional? We provide training! Our base wage is $18.75 /hour, but if you have direct care experience or have certifications such as Certified Registered ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Portland, ME · On-site

$18.75/hr

Our base wage is $18.75 /hour, but if you have direct care experience or have certifications such ... Work closely with our clinical staff to support the therapeutic and behavioral plans in place.

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Windham, ME · On-site

$18.75/hr

Work closely with our clinical staff to support the therapeutic and behavioral plans in place. Qualifications: * High School Diploma or GED equivalent * Six months to one year of experience in the ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Old Orchard Beach, ME · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Work closely with our clinical staff to support the therapeutic and behavioral plans in place. Qualifications: * High School Diploma or GED equivalent * Six months to one year of experience in the ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Freeport, ME · On-site

$18.75/hr

Work closely with our clinical staff to support the therapeutic and behavioral plans in place. Qualifications: * High School Diploma or GED equivalent * Six months to one year of experience in the ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Old Orchard Beach, ME · On-site

$18.75/hr

Work closely with our clinical staff to support the therapeutic and behavioral plans in place. Qualifications: * Excellent English oral and written communication skills * High School Diploma or GED ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsDirect Support Professional JobsDirect Support Professional Jobs in Portland, ME

Direct Support Professional information

See Portland, ME salary details

$10

$16

$21

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Portland, ME is $16.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.76 and $17.98 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 are the most commonly searched types of Direct Support jobs in Portland, ME? The most popular types of Direct Support jobs in Portland, ME are:
What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professional jobs in Portland, ME? For Direct Support Professional jobs in Portland, ME, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Portland, ME look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Portland, ME are:
What cities near Portland, ME are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Portland, ME with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Portland, ME 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 $34,664 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Direct Support Professional - Residential

Independence Association, Inc

Brunswick, ME

$16 - $19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Independence Association rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description

Are you a caregiver? Interested in working full-time at just 3 days/week and average $18.67/hour to start if your shift includes a weekend day? Enjoy making a difference in the lives of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities? Come work for Independence Association, where our workers stay over 7 years on average! Our agency has supported people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the midcoast region for over 55 years!


Working as a Direct Support Professional, you will be making a meaningful difference in the lives of residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This is a feel good vocation! You will support individuals to be their most independent self in the home, on the job, and in their community. You will assist persons in increasing their independence by teaching daily living skills, maintaining health and hygiene, and supporting positive behaviors. You will build lasting relationships through community outings, functional activities, and daily companionship!


Our highest need schedule is Thursday, Friday and Saturday 6a-6p


With our three-day schedule, you can get 16 days off per month, and receive time and half for working one weekend day, PLUS get an additional paid time off (PTO), up to 96 hours/year to start! Independence Association now offers full time benefits to those who work three 12-hour shifts in a row. When you work 3 days/week, and your shift includes a weekend day, you are adding and extra $2.50 - $3.00/hour to your hourly wage! Example: Base wage = $16/hour - With time and half paid up front, you are actually averaging $18.67/hour and only working 36 hours/week with full time benefits! With experience, you could average more!


WE PAY WEEKLY!


Some Direct Support Professional duties may include:

  1. Providing companionship, conversation, and engagement in activities, both in the home and in the community
  2. Assisting with care needs (bathing, dressing, grooming, cooking, cleaning, eating)
  3. Transportation to appointments and activities
  4. Observing, documenting, and reporting data on daily activities
  5. Administering medications (paid CRMA classes available to staff with 6 months longevity)


Some Benefits include:

  • Weekly pay
  • Premium pay on the weekend
  • Three-day and Four-day workweeks (lots of work/life balance)
  • Paid time off
  • Health reimbursement, vision, dental, and life insurance options
  • 401k
  • Career advancement opportunities (we like to promote from within!)
  • Paid trainings for DSP certificate, CPR/First Aid, Safety Care and CRMA
  • $500 stipend awarded to all first time Direct Support Professionals who receive their certificate within 3 months


Vaccinations Required: Independence Association is considered a health care agency. All staff must show proof of flu, measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccination.

Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent (required)
  • Licensed driver (preferred)
  • Previous caregiving experience (preferred, but not required)
  • Ability to physically assist individuals and lift up to 50 lbs
  • Willing to assist individuals with varying physical and mental abilities

What Independence Association employees say

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