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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Portland, ME

Sevita

Direct Support Professional (Weekends)

Sebago, ME · On-site

$18.75/hr

We provide paid training for Certified Residential Medication Aid and Direct Support Professional courses. Wage starts at $18.75 / hour and additional pay for relative certifications. 12 hour Shifts:

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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 11, 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 (DSP) & CRMA

Woodfords Family Services

Saco, ME

$16 - $17/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Woodfords Family Services rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Do you desire rewarding and meaningful work helping individuals in need?

Woodfords Family Services is growing and looking to welcome a full-time (36-40 hrs. per week) Direct Support Professional (DSP) to our Residential Services Program in Saco, ME!

Position Summary

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you are a caregiver to adults with autism, developmental disabilities, and/or intellectual disabilities. DSP's work with consumers, their families, and other service providers to promote independence and community inclusion through various daily living skills including: budgeting, meal prep, housekeeping, grocery shopping, decision making, transportation, and personal support. By offering your compassionate support, you assist individuals to be active in their communities and also accompany individuals on outings and activities. You will support adults to make daily progress toward their goals.

As a DSP and CRMA caregiver in our Residential and Independent Living programs, you work independently with an adult consumer as well as cooperatively within a treatment team.

Key responsibilities of the DSP:

  • Support in Self-care Tasks
  • Health & Safety-monitoring
  • Community Integration & Advocacy
  • Meal Planning and Preparation
  • Promoting Freedom of Choice & Decision Making

Opportunity Details

  • Full-time, 36-40 hours per week
  • $16-17.00/hourly (commensurate with experience and certification)

Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or GED required; Associate or Bachelor degree preferred
  • Valid driver's license & use of reliable vehicle with current insurance
  • Direct Support Professional (DSP) certification, or successful completion of the full DSP course within 6 months of hire (Employees are paid by Woodfords when attending DSP training)
  • CRMA Certified preferred

Not a DSP? We'll get you certified!

Through high-quality training, supervision, ongoing support and mentorship opportunities, DSPs at Woodfords Family Services are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to thrive in their role and make a positive impact for the families they serve. Previous experience not required. Apply today and grow your career at an organization that's committed to your success!

Our employees are our greatest asset

In addition to joining an inclusive and positive work culture that promotes your individual goals, Woodfords offers the following benefits package to full-time employees:

  • Competitive Health Insurance (with multiple plan options!)
  • Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Sick Time
  • 10 Paid Holidays
  • 1 Floating Holiday
  • 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with 5% Agency Match
  • Robust Employee Wellness Program
  • Gym/Fitness membership reimbursement
  • Employer-Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
  • Employer-Paid Group Term Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Plan (EAP Benefits)
  • Voluntary Supplemental Benefits
  • Exclusive Verizon Discount to Woodfords Family Service Employees

**Woodfords Family Services is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program**

Who We Are

Woodfords Family Services is a nonprofit organization that's been committed to the support and inclusion of people with special needs and their families in Maine communities for over 55 years! Today, the organization provides a wide array of clinical, educational, behavioral health, residential, community and family support programs to more than 2,000 children, youth and adults with autism, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities and/or mental health diagnoses throughout the state. Additionally, the agency is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), whose program of quality improvement is designed to identify providers that have met high performance standards and have made a commitment to their stakeholders to deliver the very best quality services.

What Woodfords Family Services employees say

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