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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Rochester, NY

Direct Support Professional

Webster, NY · On-site

$18.50 - $20.50/hr

Full AND Part Time Direct Support Professionals starting at $18.50/ hour up to $20.50/ hour for evening, overnight and weekends in complex homes. At CDS Monarch we value our Employees by offering:

What You'll Do As a Direct Support Professional, you will assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their community residential home with everyday tasks such as ...

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Direct Support Professional information

See Rochester, NY salary details

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$16

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Rochester, NY is $16.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.31 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.

How much do DSP workers make?

Direct Support Professionals typically earn between $15 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, certifications, and the employer. In some cases, wages may be higher with specialized skills or in certain regions, and many DSPs work part-time or full-time schedules with benefits varying by employer.

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 is the work of a Direct Support Professional?

A Direct Support Professional provides assistance to individuals with disabilities or special needs, helping them with daily activities such as personal care, household tasks, and community integration. They often work in clients' homes or care facilities, requiring good communication skills and sometimes certification in CPR or first aid.

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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Direct Support Professional typically earns less than $10,000 a month; however, high-paying roles in sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship can reach that level without a degree. These jobs often require strong interpersonal skills, self-motivation, and sometimes licensing or certifications, but they do not necessarily require a college degree.

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.

What is an example of a Direct Support Professional?

A Direct Support Professional is a trained caregiver who provides assistance to individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions, helping them with daily activities such as personal care, medication management, and community integration. They often work in settings like homes, group homes, or community centers and may require certifications like CPR or first aid.
What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professional jobs in Rochester, NY? For Direct Support Professional jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Rochester, NY as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,435 per year, or $16.1 per hour.
Direct Support Professional - Greece

Direct Support Professional - Greece

Lifetime Assistance, Inc.

Rochester, NY • On-site

$21.55/hr

Part-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Lifetime Assistance - Direct Support Professional (Residential)
Make an Impact. Create Joy. Shape the Future.
At Lifetime Assistance, our mission is to foster independence, dignity, and respect for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Working with us goes beyond just a job-it's a chance to transform lives, including your own.
Position Overview:
Job Title: Direct Support Professional - Residential
Location: Greece, NY
Department: Residential Services
Reports To: Residential Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time Hours available. Evenings & Weekend Availability required
Starting Wage: $21.55/hour plus a potential weekend and/or overnight shift differential for applicable shifts.
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Residential plays a critical role in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead meaningful lives. DSPs provide hands-on care, implement individualized support plans, ensure safety, and promote personal growth, independence, and community inclusion. This position requires empathy, integrity, reliability, and a strong commitment to the well-being and rights of the individuals supported.
Why You Should Work for Lifetime Assistance?
  • No-Premium Health Insurance: Access comprehensive healthcare without added cost.
  • Education Support: Tuition assistance, scholarships - 50% off tuition for two courses per semester plus up to $3,000 scholarship per semester - plus micro-credential stipends up to $750 and SUNY partnerships.
  • Paid Training & Coaching: Receive hands-on onboarding with a Success Coach, immersive learning, e-learning, and ongoing paid training.
  • Career Growth: Clear pathways to advancement, leadership training, and coaching support.
  • Work-Life Harmony: Generous paid time off and supportive scheduling.
  • Join a Caring Culture: Be part of a compassionate, mission-driven team that values every person - both those we support and our employees alike.

Your Core Responsibilities:
  • Provide personal care and assistance with daily living activities, including hygiene, grooming, dressing, meals, and household tasks including thorough cleaning.
  • Support individuals in developing independence, self-help, and social skills.
  • Ensure health, safety, and well-being of individuals, including medication administration (if certified).
  • Implement and document progress on individualized service plans and daily supports.
  • Encourage community integration and participation in social and recreational activities.
  • Drive agency vehicles for transportation as needed.
  • Maintain positive, professional communication with individuals, families, and colleagues.
  • Complete required trainings, certifications, and ongoing professional development.

What You Bring:
  • Education & Experience: No prior experience required-ideal candidates are dependable, friendly, caring, and trustworthy.
  • Certifications & Requirements:
    • Must meet Lifetime Assistance's Vehicle Operator requirements (except overnight/relief shifts).
    • First Aid/CPR, SCIP-R, and Medication Administration certification (or ability to obtain).
    • Must pass all required background checks and clearances (e.g., SCR, Fingerprinting, SEL, MHL).
  • Skills & Competencies:
    • Ability to follow individualized plans and safety protocols.
    • Basic computer literacy for documentation in the Electronic Health Record.
    • Clear written and verbal communication skills.
    • Strong problem-solving and adaptability.

Our Mission & Culture:
  • Mission-Driven Work: Empowering individuals to live with independence and purpose-here, your work truly matters.
  • Inclusive & Supportive: A workplace built on respect, dignity, and a shared vision of inclusion.
  • Community Impact: Join efforts that reflect Lifetime Assistance's dedication to community partnerships and enhanced quality of life for all.

Are You Ready to Begin?
If you're compassionate, dependable, and eager to make a difference, apply today to join the Lifetime Assistance family. Together, we're building lives of independence-one person at a time.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Lifetime Assistance is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to inclusive hiring practices without regard to race, religion, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics.
"I am part of something bigger... Being a Lifetime Assistance employee means everything to me."
- Kimberly C, Family Coordinator of Community Services, celebrating her 30th year with us
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.