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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Sparrows Point, MD

Jayne Anderson

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Direct Support Professional Caregiver

Severna Park, MD · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

The Direct Support Professional Caregiver provides compassionate companionship and support to a 40-year-old individual with cerebral palsy. This role involves assisting with daily activities ...

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Direct Support Professional information

See Sparrows Point, MD salary details

$10

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Sparrows Point, MD is $17.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $19.28 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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The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Sparrows Point, MD are:

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Cities near Sparrows Point, MD with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:

Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Sparrows Point, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,207 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL-PART TIME

Athelas Institute

Columbia, MD • On-site

$18.81/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Direct Support Professional-Residential Services
Department: Residential (Meadow Heights)
Locations: Baltimore County (Randallstown)
Schedule: Mon-Fri 4pm-9pm, Sat and Sun 8am-4pm
Hourly Rate: $18.81
Position Overview: A Direct Support Professional plays an integral role in a supported person’s life. The DSP will provide assistance, guidance, mentoring, coaching, and teaching in many life areas such as activities of daily living, personal care, life skills, community integration, and transportation navigation. The DSP will assist the supported person in enjoying the life that they want to live and increasing their quality of life by providing excellent services.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Provide direct support, interaction and supervision of the supported persons, inclusive of all daily needs (meals, personal care, transportation, leisure activities, community integration, medical needs and medication administration)
  • Complete all state and agency required documentation in accordance with stated guidelines and deadlines.
  • Maintains positive, professional working relationships
  • Onsite duties required may include general household tasks. Maintain living environment in accordance with COMAR and Health Dept. standards.
  • DSP will support person in accordance with the Person-Centered Plan, Behavior Support Plan (if applicable), and Nursing Care Plan.
  • Obtain and maintain Medication Administration Certification through the Maryland Board of Nursing.
  • Administer and document medications pursuant to State and Agency requirements. All medication is completed through an eMAR. Medication administration follows the DDA nursing delegation model.
  • Provide transportation via company vehicles to supported persons. DSP must have current Driver’s License and meet the agency driving requirements.
  • DSP must complete all required and assigned trainings. CPR / First Aid, Mandt Systems, medication technician certification must be refreshed within timelines and certification must have current status.
  • Attend and actively participate in all scheduled meetings.
  • Check, and respond to emails daily to maintain proper communication
  • Staff will be required to utilize agency electronic systems for communication, time and attendance, progress notes, incident report filing, etc.
  • Treat everyone with dignity and respect at all times, the DSP must provide opportunities for the supported person to engage in decision making, and daily planning.
  • All other duties that may be requested by Operations Manager and Division Direct
Education:
High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED)
Training and Experience:
Preferred DDA core competencies, Mandt Systems Training, CPR / First Aid, MTTP
Experience working with people with IDD/DD preferred but not required.
Physical Requirements:
Person must be able to walk, stand, and sit for up to 8 hours. Person must have the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. or more based on assigned supported person (using health and safety lifting / turning techniques or assistive devices).
Person must be able to successfully demonstrate all Mandt Systems training physical interventions and techniques, to include assisting supported person to standing, providing assistance with ambulation, physical releases, and physical restraints.
Benefits:
Health: Health, Vision, Dental, supplemental coverage through Aflac. Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employee Incentives: Company Paid: Short / Long Term Disability Insurance, Term Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement Program, Flexible Spending Account, Sunny Day Fund
Work-Life Balance: Vacation, Sick, Personal, Bereavement, Jury Duty
Financial: 403B plan, Employee Credit Union (SECU)
Training: Paid DDA and new hire training's, Paid Red Cross CPR and First Aid Certification
Paid Medication Administration Training (If applicable)
*Benefit eligibility is dependent on Full or Part time status
Please Note: This job description is not all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. All working hours and location may be subject to change

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