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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Springfield, MA

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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 (800-10c)

Whole Life Inc.

Tolland, CT • On-site

$13.50 - $16.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Whole Life is seeking compassionate and dedicated Direct Support Professionals to join our team! DSP's are a vital component in providing comprehensive and individualized person-centered care to individuals with developmental, intellectual, and/or physical disabilities. This rewarding position focuses on enhancing the quality of life for our clients by supporting their activities of daily living (ADL's), promoting independence, and encouraging community integration. The role requires building trusting relationships with clients and their families, ensuring their safety, dignity, and well-being at all times. The Direct Support Professional collaborates closely with managers, providers and family members to effectively and consistently implement personalized care plans while contributing to client empowerment by assisting in the achievement of personal goals, leading to enriching and fulfilling lives.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and meal preparation
  • Administer medications, monitor vital signs, and support medical appointments
  • Ensure a clean, safe living environment through light housekeeping and laundry
  • Engage clients in social activities, community outings, and choice-making to promote independence
  • Use mobility equipment (e.g., Hoyer lifts) with proper techniques
  • Document daily activities, observations, and incidents accurately.
  • Maintain confidentiality per HIPAA regulations.
  • Implement individualized care plans

Qualifications & Skills

Required:

  • Valid driver's license
  • High School diploma (or equivalent)

Preferred:

  • 1+ year experience in group homes, assisted living, or direct support
  • First Aid/CPR certification
  • Experience with developmental disabilities, autism, TBI, Alzheimer's, dementia, or memory care
  • Strong observation, communication, and heavy lifting ability

About Whole Life

For nearly 40 years, Whole Life has proudly served as a non-profit resource, support network, and lifeline for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Connecticut. Today, with 31 homes and programs statewide, our mission remains rooted in person-centered care—empowering each individual to build the supports they need to live a meaningful, fulfilling life where their hopes and dreams are truly within reach.

If you’re looking for work that is meaningful, dynamic, and a little bit challenging in the best way, you might be exactly who we’re looking for. Join us and train to become a Whole Life Direct Support Professional—make a difference every single day.

Benefits

Dental insurance* | Health insurance* | Paid orientation | Paid time off* | Paid training | 401K Contributions

* - Depends on Employment Classification and ACA Eligibility

Join our team and build a meaningful career, making a difference! Apply today!


Casual/Per Diem
Posting ID: 800-10c