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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Ridge, NY (NOW HIRING)

marrakech

Direct Support Professional

Hamden, CT

$19.28/hr

About the Role As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) , you'll play a vital role in supporting individuals with developmental and physical disabilities in a residential group home setting. You'll ...

ACLD

Direct Support Professional

Ronkonkoma, NY · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Direct Support Professional - Residential Help Others to ASPIRE HIGHER! When a group of families came together in 1957 to find services for their children with developmental disabilities, ACLD was ...

ACLD

Direct Support Professional

Ronkonkoma, NY · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Direct Support Professional - Residential Help Others to ASPIRE HIGHER! When a group of families came together in 1957 to find services for their children with developmental disabilities, ACLD was ...

ACLD

Direct Support Professional

Ronkonkoma, NY · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Direct Support Professional - Residential Help Others to ASPIRE HIGHER! When a group of families came together in 1957 to find services for their children with developmental disabilities, ACLD was ...

ACLD

Direct Support Professional

Huntington Station, NY · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Direct Support Professional - Residential Help Others to ASPIRE HIGHER! When a group of families came together in 1957 to find services for their children with developmental disabilities, ACLD was ...

ACLD

Direct Support Professional

East Northport, NY · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Direct Support Professional - Residential Help Others to ASPIRE HIGHER! When a group of families came together in 1957 to find services for their children with developmental disabilities, ACLD was ...

ACLD

Direct Support Professional

Ronkonkoma, NY · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Direct Support Professional - Residential Help Others to ASPIRE HIGHER! When a group of families came together in 1957 to find services for their children with developmental disabilities, ACLD was ...

ACLD

Direct Support Professional

Hauppauge, NY · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Direct Support Professional - Residential Help Others to ASPIRE HIGHER! When a group of families came together in 1957 to find services for their children with developmental disabilities, ACLD was ...

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Direct Support Professional information

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Ridge, NY is $16.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $17.36 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 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 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.

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 areas 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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Cities near Ridge, NY with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:

Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Ridge, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,484 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

AID TO THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

Riverhead, NY • On-site

$20 - $22.20/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Welcome to Rise Life Services!
RISE Life Services (an Aid to the Developmentally Disabled Company) provides a residential and supported living environment dedicated to empowering people with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges to RISE to their full potential. Our core values of quality, dignity, and respect serve as our guiding principles in everything we do.
Among our finest assets is our dedicated workforce: a diverse, knowledge-based team of professionals committed to offering the highest quality of services that are compassionately delivered and responsive to the needs of the individuals we serve and their families.
We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, which may include the following:
  • Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance - Premier and nationally recognized providers
  • Vacation/Personal/Sick Time Off
  • Life Insurance
  • Education Assistance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • 401K Retirement Plan
  • Referral Bonus
  • Local company discounts
  • Professional Development & Training opportunities
  • Salary based on DSP/Human Services experience along with education

*Hiring Immediately*
Position Summary & Responsibilities
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
Under the direct supervision of the Residential Manager, the Direct Support Professional must ensure the safety and well-being of the Individuals served within our 24-hour operated OPWDD residential program. Direct Support Professionals are to act as teachers and role-models while providing support services with attentiveness to their dignities, respect, and Individualities. Direct Support Professionals will remain professional and communicate successfully with Individuals' and their families/supports, staff, Management and Administration. Moreover, foster a safe, home like environment that is caring, empowering and supportive to help them progress to their desired level of independence.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Maintain professional boundaries while working with the Individuals' diagnosed with developmental disabilities.
  • Empower, Motivate, and support Individuals in every aspect of daily living skill while promoting independence.
  • Encourage Individuals to be viable, integrated, and productive individuals of their community.
  • Built rapport with Individuals combined with demonstration of knowledge and understanding of developmental disabilities to better support Individuals in their drive to be as independent as possible.
  • Provide OPWDD services that include but are not limited to the following:
  • Assertiveness/Self Advocacy training
  • Community Integration Services/resource
  • Daily Living Skills training
  • Health Services
  • Medication Management and Training
  • Skill Development
  • Socialization
  • Symptom management
  • Observe, monitor and document progress or lack thereof on person-centered service plans- to be reviewed monthly- via PRECISION CARE; It is expected that the Direct Support Professional complete the Individual Monthly Summary every 30 days via electronic database.
  • Execute good judgement when responding to site challenges and/or crisis that may arise. Be able to stay calm and professional in a demanding, fast-paced, needs-driven environment disbursing attention between daily tasks, supervision, documentation, communication, appointments and recreation.
  • Document all data on the appropriate forms and ensure communication protocols being met.
  • Interpret and execute Behavior Support Plans, as applicable
  • Safely operate a 13-passenger vehicle to provide transportation to Individuals needing to integrate the community for doctor's appointments, recreation, grocery shopping and/or emergent needs.
  • Adhere to van safety protocols including but not limited to regular gas refills (should always remain above half tank), maintenance/servicing and regular car washes. All concerns must be immediately reported to Residential Manager or Program Coordinator/Operations Director.
  • Work well as a team member with supervisors, co-workers and other facets of Management. Follow supervisor's instructions, leadership and guidance to support your professional development. Initiate and precisely complete duties in a timely manner being open to positive or constructive feedback.
  • Maintain the residence in a safe, clean, and stress-free manner. While the primary function of the overnight staff is to DEEP CLEAN the residence (washing walls/baseboards/organizing pantries/inventorying supplies/washing curtains/scrubbing all common areas/wiping down furniture), it is expected that all team members maintain a clean home.
  • All team members, including overnight staff, are required to remain awake at all times.
  • Maintain compliance with all trainings and certifications throughout employment; Comply with additional trainings as assigned.
  • Document monthly collateral contacts with service providers included, but not limited to physicians, therapists, etc.
  • Follow/Document OPWDD fire safety regulations that include, but are not limited to routine fire drills, weekly checks of smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, regular checks of dryer lint compartments, etc.
  • Assist Individuals in facilitating weekly house meetings, developing ideas for meal prep, recreational outings, and discussion of weekly accomplishments.
  • Maintain consistent and prompt communication with all team members, support departments and Supervisors by way of telephone calls, text, Microsoft Outlook emails, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom.
  • Exemplify company's values in everyday interactions within the residence as well as in the community.

There are Full-Time, Part-Time, Overnights, Weekends Only, and On-Call positions available in the following locations: Riverhead, Cutchogue, Flanders, Wading River, Shirley/Riverhead, Greenport, Ridge, Calverton, Jamesport and Middle Island.
  • High School Diploma required
  • One year of experience working with Individuals with developmental disabilities within a Residential Program- preferred
  • A clean valid New York State Driver's License required
  • Computer Skills and Analytical thinking required
  • The Direct Support Professional position will typically work in a residential environment with occasional work outside. Occasional lifting of 50 lbs.

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