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

Provides direct assistance on an as-needed basis or as assigned to individuals with daily self-care ... Provides necessary support to meet nutritional needs. Oversees/performs fire drills as required.

Direct Support Professional

Utica, NY · On-site

$18.20/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Provide support with activities such as: cooking, cleaning, shopping, money management, personal hygiene and social activities. * Assist with physical transfer within the home or to vehicle.

Direct Support Professional - Solvay

Liverpool, NY · On-site

$16 - $21.30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Pay rate: $21.30 per hour when providing direct support. The hourly rate for indirect/training is $16.00 per hour. Location: Solvay, NY In addition to the hourly wage, Advocates provides the ...

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Direct Support Professional information

See Rome, NY salary details

$9

$15

$19

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Rome, NY is $15.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.65 and $16.63 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.

What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Rome, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Rome, NY are:

What cities near Rome, NY are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Rome, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,069 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Menorah Park

Syracuse, NY

$17.60 - $17.80/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Our Group Residence at Menorah Park of CNY is located in Fayetteville NY.

We are looking for staff with OPWDD experience.

We have all shift available, part time and full time.

Pay: $17.60 - $17.80 per hour

BROAD FUNCTION:

Provide training for residents geared toward independence in all activities of daily living. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides training and supervision in various activities of daily living including: self-help, communications, interpersonal, leisure activities, etc., helping each individual to function more independently.

Provides direct assistance on an as-needed basis or as assigned to individuals with daily self-care needs. Completes activities such as bathing, dressing, feeding, to assure individual daily needs are net.

Maintains relationships and open communications with all service providers. Accompanies and transports individuals on shopping and recreation trips and provides instruction and assistance as needed. May be required to provide transportation in personal vehicle on occasion.

Provides necessary support to meet nutritional needs. Oversees/performs fire drills as required. Provides crisis intervention for individuals to prevent injury to themselves and others.

Communicates with family, guardian, and/or correspondents and advocates for individuals in the absence of same.

Observes and documents individual's performance and behaviors to facilitate assessment and development of service goals.

Serves as positive role model for our Residents. Interacts with others in a way which will assist Residents in developing behaviors, skills, and attitudes necessary for successful community living. Maintains neat appearance, hygiene and grooming. Assists and/or monitors therapeutic activities such as physical exercises, occupation arts and crafts, and recreational games.

Administers, supervises and/or monitors administration of medications as prescribed by physician. Attends to routine health care needs of individuals as indicated in consumer's service plan and as directed by appropriate staff.

Assists the Residence Director/Manager in the maintenance of the residence.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

High school diploma or GED,

REQUIRED:

Valid and clean NYS driver's license, plus 3 years driving experience.

CPR

First Aid

Behavior Training-SCIP-R 

AMAP Certification-Approved Medication Administration Personnel

Ability to lift/move resident from toilet, tub, shower when needed. Ability to lift 50 pounds, push/pull 250 pounds