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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Walpole, MA (NOW HIRING)

May Institute

Direct Support Professional

Norwood, MA · On-site

$21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Children's Residential Program Randolph, MA and Norwood, MA Support. Empower. Transform. Make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and adolescents ...

mayinstitute

Direct Support Professional

Norwood, MA

$21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Children's Residential Program Randolph, MA and Norwood, MA Support. Empower. Transform. Make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and adolescents ...

Northeast Arc

Direct Support Professional

Burlington, MA · On-site

$23.50 - $24.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Direct Support Professional Location: Burlington MA / residential community settings Schedule: Sunday 10am-6pm, Monday 4pm-9pm, Wednesday 4pm-9pm, Thursday 4pm-9pm, Friday 4pm-9pm, and Saturday 10am ...

Northeast Arc

Direct Support Professional

Burlington, MA · On-site

$23.50 - $24.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Direct Support Professional Location: Burlington MA / residential community settings Schedule: Sunday 10am-6pm, Monday 4pm-9pm, Wednesday 4pm-9pm, Thursday 4pm-9pm, Friday 4pm-9pm, and Saturday 10am ...

West Bay RI

Direct Support Professional

Warwick, RI · On-site

$21.50 - $22.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)NEW PAY RATE: $21.50-$22.50/hour+ $1.00/hour Weekend DifferentialFlexible Full-Time & Part-Time Schedules Available 1st Shift * 2nd Shift * Combination ShiftsMake a ...

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

Direct Support Professional information

See Walpole, MA salary details

$10

$17

$22

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Walpole, MA is $17.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $19.13 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 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.

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 cities 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.
More about Direct Support Professional jobs

What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Walpole, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Walpole, MA are:

What cities near Walpole, MA are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities near Walpole, MA with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:

Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Walpole, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,930 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

The Arc of Bristol County dba proAbility

Attleboro, MA

$21 - $25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Position: Direct Support Professional
Department: Family Supports
Schedule: Part-Time, various schedules available
Pay Rate: $21-$25/hour

General Description
Direct Support Professionals provide direct assistance and support services to address the needs of individuals with disabilities. The Direct Support Professional (DSP) reports directly to and receives support and supervision from their supervisor.
Minimum Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma required
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Two years’ experience working with people with disabilities preferred
  • Safe driving record, current driver’s license, personal vehicle, and current motor vehicle liability insurance required
  • Ability to successfully pass all background checks.
Job Responsibilities
*Responsibilities are based upon the needs of the individuals and may vary depending on their unique needs and goals*
  • Supports individuals and, when appropriate, their families in identifying areas of need and goals that the individual wishes to achieve.
  • Supports individuals in increasing and/or maintaining their everyday independence within their homes and communities.
  • Supports individuals to participate in activities or events of their choice and to be active members in their communities; to overcome any identified barriers to being included in any chosen activity; and to develop healthy personal relationships.
  • Assists individuals to further their social and communication skills.
  • Provides a sounding board for the individual’s day-to-day concerns, as well as encourages individuals to increase their own self-advocacy skills.
  • Encourages individuals to understand and protect their Human Rights.
  • Encourages and respects choice-making in all areas of life and, when needed informs individuals of the natural consequences of choices made.
  • Supports individuals in achieving and maintaining their own personal safety and well-being.
  • Maintains safety during the overnight hours by being awake and alert.
  • Provides transportation as needed.
  • Maintains open communication and works with all team members.
  • Completes needed documentation, including daily timesheet and corresponding progress note, in a timely manner.
  • Provides reliable and appropriate service to individuals.
  • Maintains necessary certifications (CPR, First Aid) and completes all required training.
  • Participates in routine established for support and supervision with the direct supervisor.
  • Performs any other job-related duties as assigned by supervisor or Director.
If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities, we invite you to apply today and join our dedicated team at The Arc of Bristol County!

Employment compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
The physical demands of this position are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee is regularly required to use hands in order to handle or feel objects, tools, and controls; reach with hands or arms, stoop, kneel, talk, and hear. The employee is required to stand, walk, sit, and occasionally be required to lift/transfer up to 50/70 lbs. alone or occasionally up to 200lbs with the assistance of other staff. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

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