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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Springfield, MA

ServiceNet

Direct Support Professional

Holyoke, MA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Vision insurance Direct Care Professional Department: Developmental Brain Injury Services Location ... Home Support: Cook meals, clean, do laundry, shop for groceries, and help keep the home cozy.

ServiceNet

Direct Support Professional

Holyoke, MA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Vision insurance Direct Care Professional Department: Developmental Brain Injury Services Location ... Home Support: Cook meals, clean, do laundry, shop for groceries, and help keep the home cozy.

Whole Life Inc.

Direct Support Professional (004-06)

Hebron, CT · On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Direct Support Professional We are seeking compassionate and dedicated Direct Support Professionals to support individuals with developmental disabilities in group homes. In this rewarding role, you ...

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All JobsDirect Support Professional JobsDirect Support Professional Jobs in Springfield, MA

Direct Support Professional information

See Springfield, MA salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Springfield, MA is $16.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.38 and $17.50 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 popular job titles related to Direct Support Professional jobs in Springfield, MA? For Direct Support Professional jobs in Springfield, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Springfield, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Springfield, MA are:
What cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Springfield, MA with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Springfield, MA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, and 32% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,753 per year, or $16.2 per hour.
Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional

Gilead Community Services

Glastonbury, CT • On-site

$18.50 - $19.40/hr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Oak Hill is seeking a highly motivated and dynamic Residential Program Worker (RPW) to provide direct support to individuals with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities. This person will inspire others and make a life changing impact while achieving professional growth and personal fulfillment. Oak Hill sets the standard, partnering with people with disabilities, to provide services and solutions promoting independence, education, health, and dignity. This role will help expand Oak Hill's ability to identify and address diverse needs within the community. Along with the individuals we serve, Oak Hill is committed to empowering our staff. When you join our team as an RPW, our team will support you to reach your career goals. We offer professional development, tuition reimbursement, and career pathways that allow you to develop your career while an Oak Hill employee.
The RPW at Oak Hill's Glastonbury, CT location works 16 hours per week, Saturdays and Sundays, from 7:00 AM until 3:00 PM. The RPW provides a range of services for individuals based on their needs, in their home and in their community.
This includes but is not limited to personal care, domestic household services, personal appointments, medical appointments, vocational services, community activities, supervision within the home, and other tasks based upon their individual goals.
Applicants with no experience and interested in entering the direct care field with a desire to serve people with disabilities, or individuals seeking a career change are encouraged to apply to this position.
Minimum Requirements:
  • High school diploma or GED
  • At least age 18
  • Valid driver's license

Benefits:
  • Excellent Professional Development Opportunities; Tuition Reimbursement; Career Pathways
  • Staff Recognition and Appreciation
  • Paid Training, Education, and Certification as necessary (including CPR training)

This is a union position and pays $18.50 - $19.4 per hour dependent on shift.
Responsibilities:
  • Provides information for program maintenance and evaluation, and meets Oak Hill's policies, procedures, licensing and certification regulations by collecting, recording and charting data, including electronically maintained records.
  • Maintains program participants' cleanliness, comfort and well-being and facilitates the development and maintenance of self-help and daily living skills by providing guidance and assistance in the completion of personal hygiene tasks.
  • Facilitates program implementation by preparing materials for program participant-related activities or projects as needed.
  • Maintains program participant's health and well-being by promoting/encouraging self-administration of prescription and non-prescription medications; administering medication; documenting medication administration, and any errors which may occur, as specified in Oak Hill's policies and procedures; observing and reporting on changes in behavior, physical and mental appearance to so that issues can be addressed as needed.
  • Protects program participants and employees by applying Emergency First Aid and CPR procedures
  • Observes and maintains confidentiality by treating information regarding program participants with discretion and complying with all applicable policies and procedures protecting the identity and medical information of program participants

We support equality for and advancement of all people, based on their qualifications and actions alone, without regard to color, gender, age, religion, national origin or disability.
Our company is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please reach out to total.rewards@oakhillct.org. We will make every effort to accommodate your needs in accordance with applicable laws and our commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
An Equal Opportunity Employer.

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