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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Rockingham, NC is $13.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.16 and $14.76 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 job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Rockingham, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Rockingham, NC are:
What cities near Rockingham, NC are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Rockingham, NC with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Rockingham, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $28,515 per year, or $13.7 per hour.

Vocational Direct Support Professional / DSP -- Support Independence

Monarch NC

Southern Pines, NC • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

35

Schedule:

Monday-Friday (8:30am-3:30pm)

Pay Range Minimum:

$15.00

Education We're Looking for:

High School Diploma (Required)

Certifications We're Looking For:

Drivers License (Valid) - USA

Experience We're Looking For:

Experience working with adults with a mental health diagnosis and/or developmental disabilities| Not Required

Job Description Summary:

The Developmental Specialist Vocational is primarily responsible for developing a positive relationship with the individuals he or she supports while assisting them in achieving their personal dreams and goals as designated in the individual goal plans.

What You'll Do:

  • Assess each person receiving services for their hopes, dreams, and desires and provide supports that facilitate achievement.

  • Ensure that the rights of each person receiving services are protected and promoted at all times. Assist people in developing advocacy skills, participating in advocacy efforts, and utilizing personal advocates.

  • Serve as a resource for person served on community agencies, services, and supports that can meet identified needs or goals.

  • Supervise, educate, and monitor (as needed) people receiving services in work settings. Settings may include community, vocational workshops, day supports, etc.

  • Maintain a safe working environment for employees and people receiving services by practicing safety procedures in the community and on the job.

  • Continually educate people receiving services on required work procedures, facility rules, policies, practices and their rights.

  • Facilitate person-centered, effective, positive relationships with people receiving services using positive approaches that promote self determination in all areas of life.

  • Provide input and recommendations into assessment and planning processes, and development of the individual's plan.

  • Implement person's plan fully, within the requirements of the service definition, and document as required by the service definition and agency policy. Accurately complete all required documentation, including but not limited to, goal completion, actions toward outcomes, incident reports, timesheets, etc.

  • Complete daily progress notes and communication log to assure appointments, goals, and interests are met.

  • Assist in maintaining all necessary records, daily attendance, check sheets, production sheets, etc.

  • Substitute in-house or in the community as demands occur.

  • Assist new staff and/or current staff with orientation, mentoring, and training.

  • Sleepover at a residential setting may be required.

  • Attend and actively participate in meetings and training as required. Maintain certification in all agency, state and federal training requirements.

  • Demonstrate knowledge of and comply with all agency policies and procedures, as well as state and federal statutes and regulations related to specific program areas.

  • Follow service definition guidelines for services being provided.

  • Perform all other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

  • Driving and travel may be required.

*The definition of an Innovations direct care worker includes all workers required for compliance with, or delivery of, the relevant Innovations waiver service definitions and the delivery of a unit of Innovations services to individuals in the definition of direct care worker to be applied and shall include only caregivers who are contracted for the Page 230 Session Law 2023-134 House Bill 259 provision of services in a legally appropriate manner.

Benefits:

We offer a competitive and flexible total rewards package designed to support the diverse needs of our team members. In addition to base compensation, eligible employees have access to a range of customizable benefits and perks, which may include comprehensive health coverage, retirement plans, professional development support, and more. Specific offerings are tailored to the role, employment type, and location. We look forward to discussing the details of your personalized compensation and benefits package-and what matters most to you-during the interview process.

Make a Difference in Someone's Life!

At Monarch Healthcare, we work together to provide life-changing care in communities across North Carolina and Rhode Island. As a team, we provide hope, promote wellness, and empower individuals and families impacted by mental illness, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and traumatic brain injury.

You Belong at Monarch Healthcare

You deserve a positive and encouraging work environment - a place where you can do your best work and grow as a professional. That is just what you'll find at Monarch Healthcare. Here, we care for people, including our team members. We offer a comprehensive, competitive benefits package that supports full-time and part-time team members and their families. More than just a job, this opportunity with Monarch Healthcare will give you room to spread your wings and grow because we believe in promoting from within and developing future leaders.

Monarch Healthcare is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Monarch Healthcare offers opportunities as diverse as the people we support and the communities we serve. Monarch Healthcare is an equal opportunity employer and we are firmly committed to supporting and celebrating all forms of diversity.


Monarch Healthcare does not accept paper applications.Any person with a disability who needs any reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to apply for a position or otherwise to participate in Monarch Healthcare job search or selection process, should contactHR@MonarchNC.orgor call (704) 986-1550.


This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties and responsibilities to be performed.You will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties and responsibilities upon the request of a supervisor.This job description is subject to revision at the discretion of Monarch Healthcare.

Department:

LTSS - Para Professional

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