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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Schenectady, NY is $15.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $16.97 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.
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Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Schenectady, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,771 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany

Schenectady, NY • On-site

$18.52 - $20.52/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Are you Ready to Launch Your Career? ???? 

Join us in our mission as a Direct Support Professional at Catholic Charities Disabilities Services.

Imagine yourself as part of an organization with a profound commitment to making a positive impact. When you choose Catholic Charities, you step into a world of endless opportunities, where your efforts collectively contribute to a brighter community. We consider it a privilege to make a meaningful difference, and we love what we do. 

At Catholic Charities hiring decisions are personal. So personal, in fact, that every application is screened by a member of the HR team or a trained hiring manger!

As the Direct Support Professional, you will play a pivotal role in individuals' lives, making a significant impact through: 

  • Assisting, providing and promoting independence in individuals’ daily treatment, care and services
  • Administering medications accurately and in accordance with agency policy and procedures
  • Maintaining a current knowledge base of the population served by the agency’s mission and their physical, health and emotional related needs
  • This position is expected to respect the individual’s personal choice, lifestyles and their dignity to make decisions for themselves

Direct Support Professional Minimum Salary: $18.52/hour or $20.52/hour *Rate is determined by program assigned*

Direct Support Professional Maximum Salary: $18.52/hour or $20.52/hour *Rate is determined by program assigned*

Direct Support Professional Schedule: Full-time and part-time, morning, evening, and awake overnight shifts available

**The training requirements are 4 days of Orientation, SCIP CPR/First Aid, and Medication Administration Certification, including successful completion of medication pours. All of these trainings are paid and hosted by Catholic Charities Disabilities Services. All Trainings must be successfully completed within 90 days of employment.**


***We offer a differential for any hours worked between 3pm Friday and 7am Monday***

Qualifications: 

  • All employees must consent to a full criminal background check and fingerprinting

We value work-life balance and offer some stellar benefits: 

  • For benefit-eligible positions: 
  • Health/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance 
  • Retirement planning options 
  • Generous Time Off (as an eligible employee, you will accrue up to 23 days off in your first year, based on your standard work day) 
  • A diverse and inclusive work environment 
  • Employee Assistance Program 
  • Employee Discounts (movie tickets, hotels, flights, amusement parks, etc.) 
  • Exciting referral bonuses 
  • Ongoing training and development 
  • Recognition and Awards 
  • Career Growth 
  • A collaborative team culture 

Catholic Charities is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, fostering a workplace where every individual can shine their brightest. 

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Law: 

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) 

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Know Your Rights 

Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)