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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Rochester, NY

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Direct Support Professional information

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 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.

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 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:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 6% Summer. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,435 per year, or $16.1 per hour.
Direct Support Professional - Day Habilitation

Direct Support Professional - Day Habilitation

The Arc Wayne

Newark, NY • On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Direct Support Professional - Day Habilitation

Why Join Our Team:

The Arc Wayne, a parent-based organization, advocates for and supports persons of all ages with or without disabilities. We assist individuals in taking their full, independent, productive place in society through an array of quality, individualized services. With compassion, understanding, and support, we connect individuals and families to a world of possibilities that promote independence.

Benefits:

  • Generous Paid Vacation Time
  • Sick Time
  • 10 Paid holidays
  • Insurance - Medical, Dental and Vision
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Paid Training
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Retirement Plan with Agency Match
  • And so much more!

Work Schedule: Full time, 40 hours Monday - Friday 7:30 am to 3:30 pm

A Day in the Life of a Direct Support Professional-Day Habilitation:

As a part time Direct Support Professional - Day Habilitation at The Arc Wayne in Newark, NY you will be an integral part in supporting people to develop life skills while supporting their confidentiality, privacy, human dignity, uniqueness and both physical and emotional well-being.

  • Support individuals to plan and complete meaningful activities of their choosing that may include, but are not limited to recreational, learning and physical fitness activities, development of individual interests and the pursuit of personal goals
  • Individuals in maintaining safe and healthy lifestyles, and will provide assistance in making healthy dietary choices while following pre-established orders by medical professionals.
  • Provide assistance with eating, direct personal support with bathroom responsibilities such as but not limited to: shaving, brushing teeth, bathing/showering, bathroom use and dressing;
  • Monitor and maintain a clean, safe and secure environment for individuals at all times, while providing Day Habilitation services according to each individual's plan,
  • Participate in building evacuation and fire drills.

It is rewarding to see your work as a DSP pay off when the people you support achieve their goals!

Who We Are Looking For:

You have a passion to help others and a caring heart. You like to make a difference every day and are looking for a rewarding career.

  • High School Diploma or GED required
  • Valid New York State Driver's License required
  • Ability to physically assist individuals who use wheelchairs or walkers

Apply