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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Rutland, VT (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Navy

IT Professional

Poultney, VT

What to Expect High tempo, mission critical work supporting around the clock operations and watch ... Direct enlistment into IT, CTN, or IS pipelines from civilian life based on aptitude, security ...

Porter Medical Center

Lab Assistant

Middlebury, VT · On-site

$26.14 - $31.25/hr

... to support professional growth and departmental initiatives EDUCATION: Able to read, write and ... The Laboratory Director will evaluate this. This is a bargaining union position.

Community Care Network

Employment Team Lead

Rutland, VT · On-site

$23.34 - $24.09/hr

This position provides direct support and services to clients who are interested in employment and ... Provide vocational leadership that demonstrates the highest level of professionalism reflecting the ...

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See Rutland, VT salary details

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Rutland, VT is $16.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.76 and $17.98 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 the most commonly searched types of Direct Support jobs in Rutland, VT? The most popular types of Direct Support jobs in Rutland, VT are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Rutland, VT look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Rutland, VT are:
What cities near Rutland, VT are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Rutland, VT with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Intensive Direct Support Professional

Intensive Direct Support Professional

Community Care Network

Rutland, VT • On-site

$20 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Community Care Network is looking for an Intensive Direct Support Professional to join our team in Rutland, Vermont.
Community Care Network is comprised of Rutland Mental Health Services and Rutland Community Programs. Our mission is to enhance the well-being of our communities, individuals and families through responsive, innovative and collaborative human services.
About the Role:
The Intensive Direct Support Professional (IDSP) is responsible for providing the appropriate support and guidance as identified in the Individual Support Agreement (ISA) for dual diagnosis individuals identified for high need supports. The IDSP provides support within the individual's home environment; prompting, supporting, and encouraging completion of Activities of Daily Living, getting to and from appointments, engagement in social activities, and developing/maintaining independent living skills (i.e. grocery shopping). This position also provides opportunity for preferred community engagement. The IDSP is vigilant in providing quality intensive specialized instruction, behavioral intervention, and support services to promote emotional and behavioral health. The IDSP attends team meetings, completes required documentation and contributes to the development of Behavior Support Plans and Individual Support Agreements.
Principal Responsibilities:
  • Models, mentors, advocates, and motivates individuals in order to help prevent relapse and promote long-term stability, healthy and adaptive social, emotional, and behavioral functioning.
  • Assist in planning and implementing clients' individualized service agreement by coordinating with larger treatment team including DS service coordinator.
  • Responds to medical or mental health emergent situations involving individuals i.e. self-harming behaviors, suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation).
  • Utilizes Therapeutic Options training to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals and others.
  • Implements behavioral management and de-escalation strategies.
  • Follows special care procedures under the supervision of RN (i.e. dysphagia), seeking Nurse consultation as needed.
  • Ensures the Safety and wellbeing of individuals served.
  • Provides a stimulating and positive experience within the home and in the community based on the interests and preferences of the individual.
  • Provides support at doctors' offices or hospitals when required.
  • Documents required paperwork (i.e. daily data, graphs, narratives, case notes, and timesheets) in a timely manner.
  • Provides transportation to individuals as necessary.
  • Maintains flexibility in scheduling and working with different individuals as needed due to potential staff shortages, emergencies, weekends, holidays, etc.

Qualifications and Competencies:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
  • Previous experience in developmental disabilities preferred.
  • Experience with Trauma Informed Care preferred.
  • Ability to work with others in a positive, responsible manner.
  • Strong writing and organizational skills in order to receive and convey information in efficient and effective manner.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Flexibility, dependability, and ability to work independently.
  • Commitment to community inclusion and individual choice.
  • Able to flex schedule as needed.
  • Must have a valid driver's license, reliable transportation with personal automobile liability insurance coverage at or above the levels mandated by the State of Vermont.
  • *Successful completion of a criminal history background check after hire.

Benefits:
  • Competitive Pay Range - $20.00-20.50/hour (compensation is typically dependent upon experience)
  • Comprehensive Benefit Package
    • 401(k)
    • 401(k) matching
    • Dental insurance
    • Employee assistance program
    • Flexible schedule
    • Flexible spending account
    • Health insurance
    • Health savings account
    • Life insurance
    • Paid time off
    • Professional development assistance
    • Retirement plan
    • Tuition reimbursement
    • Vision insurance
  • Career Training and Development
  • Tuition Discounts

Our work is guided by our core values of Trust, Accountability, Respect, Cultural Competence, Person-Centered, and Continuous Learning and Growth.
CCN is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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.

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