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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Rosedale, MD

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) will play a vital role in supporting Persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live fulfilling, independent lives in their community. Reporting ...

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Please visit our website at The Direct Support Professional is directly responsible for: * Coordinate and schedule an individual's day based on their interests and goals. * Help individuals achieve ...

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Direct Support Professional information

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$9

$15

$19

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Rosedale, MD is $15.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $16.83 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 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.

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 cities 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 are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professional jobs in Rosedale, MD? For Direct Support Professional jobs in Rosedale, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Rosedale, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Rosedale, MD are:
What cities near Rosedale, MD are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Rosedale, MD with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Rosedale, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,487 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Direct Support Professional (Part-Time)

Penn-Mar

Freeland, MD โ€ข On-site

$20.35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

**Location: Freeland, MD**
As a Direct Support Professional (Also known as Direct Support, DSP, Residential Assistant, Caregiver, Home Health Aide, CNA), you will work in a residential group home setting for adults with developmental disabilities. A Direct Support Professional (Also known as Direct Support, DSP, Residential Assistant, Caregiver, Home Health Aide, CNA) is responsible for personal care, medication administration, behavioral support and transportation of 3-4 individuals living in a group home setting depending on the needs of the location.
This job is inclusive of, but not excluded to the following duties:
  • Personal Care as needed (to include assistance with toileting, feeding, transfers, etc.).
  • Must be able to lift 50 lbs. as needed.
  • Must be able to stand, walk, sit, traverse, kneel, bend from the waist, etc., as needed.
  • Applicant must be able to communicate verbally, visually and audibly.

Qualifications:
  • Minimum High School Diploma/ G.E.D
  • Acceptable criminal background
  • Valid Driver's License with 2 yrs. experience, and less than 3 moving violations (NO Major Violations, D.U.I's, Suspensions) in the previous 36 months

Benefits ( For Full Time Employees)
  • Medical, dental, & vision plans
  • Paid vacation - Earned at .0615 per hour worked for eligible employees (equates to about 16 days per year for full-time employees)
  • Holiday pay, with 11 holidays observed
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
  • Basic Life & AD&D insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • 403B Retirement

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Compensation*:
  • Starting hourly rate is determined by position hourly rate band. Our budgeted hourly bands are as follows*:
  • DSP Band 1 - $19.35 per hour
  • DSP Band 2- $19.85 per hour
  • DSP Band 3- $20.35 per hour

    • This position is a Band 2 position.

*The above hourly bands are a general guideline. Multiple factors are taken into consideration to arrive at the final hourly rate to be offered to the selected candidate. Factors include, but are not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role offered, the work location, and business considerations.
For more information on Penn-Mar and our divisions, please visit: Join Our Team - Penn-Mar
Penn-Mar is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion.
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.