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Direct Support Professional Jobs in West Springfield, MA

Direct Support Professional

Winsted, CT · On-site

$19.61 - $20/hr

Direct Support Professional Location: Pilesgrove Township, NJ Employment Type: Onsite Department: Adult Residential Shift: (40 hours - Wednesday to Friday 2p-11p Saturday 11a-11p) Are you looking to ...

Direct Support Professional

Winsted, CT · On-site

$19.61 - $20/hr

Direct Support Professional Location: Pilesgrove Township, NJ Employment Type: Onsite Department: Adult Residential Shift: 2nd shift (Sunday 9a-11p, Monday and Tuesday 2p-11p, Wednesday 3p-11p) Are ...

Direct Support Professional Location: Pilesgrove Township, NJ Employment Type: Onsite Department: Adult Residential Shift: (40 hours - Wednesday to Friday 2p-11p Saturday 11a-11p) Are you looking to ...

Direct Support Professional Location: Pilesgrove Township, NJ Employment Type: Onsite Department: Adult Residential Shift: 2nd shift (Sunday 9a-11p, Monday and Tuesday 2p-11p, Wednesday 3p-11p) Are ...

Direct Support Professional

Winsted, CT · On-site

$19.61 - $20/hr

Direct Support Professional Location: Pilesgrove Township, NJ Employment Type: Onsite Department: Adult Residential Shift: 2nd shift (Sunday 9a-11p, Monday and Tuesday 2p-11p, Wednesday 3p-11p) Are ...

Direct Support Professional

Winsted, CT · On-site

$19.61 - $20/hr

Direct Support Professional Location: Pilesgrove Township, NJ Employment Type: Onsite Department: Adult Residential Shift: (40 hours - Wednesday to Friday 2p-11p Saturday 11a-11p) Are you looking to ...

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

Direct Support Professional: Guidewire Inc is seeking Direct Support Professionals to join our dynamic team of caring and compassionate employees. We are a Non-Profit Human Service Agency supporting ...

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Adult's Residential Program Support. Empower. Transform. Make a meaningful difference in the lives of adults (ages 22+) with Autism and developmental disabilities.

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Adult's Residential Program Support. Empower. Transform. Make a meaningful difference in the lives of adults (ages 22+) with Autism and developmental disabilities.

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Adult's Residential Program Support. Empower. Transform. Make a meaningful difference in the lives of adults (ages 22+) with Autism and developmental disabilities.

Direct Support Professional

Amherst, MA · On-site

$20.50 - $21/hr

... Professional Development Opportunities and More SUMMARY OF POSITION: To provide direct support care to individuals residing in community-based settings. To ensure the health and safety of all ...

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Direct Support Professional information

See West Springfield, MA salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in West 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 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.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in West Springfield, 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 $33,752 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Bancroft

Winsted, CT • On-site

$19.61 - $20/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Bancroft rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview
We're Hiring: Direct Support Professional
Location: Pilesgrove Township, NJ
Employment Type: Onsite
Department: Adult Residential
Shift: (40 hours - Wednesday to Friday 2p-11p Saturday 11a-11p)
Are you looking to build a career as a caregiver? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of autistic, intellectually, and developmentally challenged individuals? If yes, working at Bancroft may be right for you. As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) within our Gloucester Program in Pilesgrove Township, NJ you'll empower the people we serve while supporting the Bancroft mission, vision and core values.
Bring Out the Best in You and Those We Serve
Bancroft's Lakeside Campus for people with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities fosters a stable environment where each individual can realize their best life. Direct Support Professionals help those in our care to reach their highest potential, while gaining experience and learning new skills.
The current hiring range for this position is: $19.61-$20.00 per hour. Plus additional incentives.
Bancroft is a leading service-provider for children and adults with autism, other intellectual or developmental disabilities or those in need of neurological rehabilitation.
We are looking for Direct Support Professionals that are passionate about providing quality care in a positive and empathetic manner. Our Direct Support Professionals must have a strong desire to work with autistic, intellectually and/or developmentally disabled individuals.
Responsibilities
Our Direct Support Professionals carry out behavioral treatment plans and are responsible for collecting direct observational data.
Direct Support Professionals provide assistance with daily living activities that may include, but are not limited to, personal hygiene, social awareness, meal preparation, money management, and housekeeping.
The Direct Support Professionals provides personal care and supervision, actively participating in the life growth of each individual. They will teach them daily living and functional skills to help individuals achieve personal goals and transition to less restrictive residential settings.
Direct Support Professionals will also be responsible for accompanying individuals to healthcare appointments and community outings and providing safe transportation.
Direct Support Professionals will be responsible for resolving problem behavior situations and providing intervention while adhering to Bancroft's quality standards for safety and approved crisis techniques.
The Direct Support Professionals will complete paperwork and provide regular documentation as required. They will maintain effective communication with residents and their parents, guardians and other family members.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
Must be 18 years of age
High School Diploma or GED
Valid Driver's License in the candidates' legal name and current address. One year minimum
driving experience. License should be in good standing and free of restrictions.
Minimum of six months related work experience OR Bachelor's degree or current enrollment in a degree program in Psychology, Social Work, or related field
Desired skills:
Aspiration to work with autistic, intellectually and developmentally challenged individuals
Prior experience working with individuals with autism, intellectual or developmental disabilities preferred
Effective verbal and written communication skills
We offer a competitive salary along with a full benefits package and paid time off. Bancroft also offers tuition reimbursement and the opportunity for professional development and advancement.
We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality or sex.
Keywords: Developmental Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, DD, Autism, Direct Support, Direct Care, Community Based, Mental Health Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant, CNA, Patient Care Assistant, PCA, Home Health Aide, Residential Counselor, Caregiver, Companion, Applied Behavior Analysis, ABA, Neurobehavioral, Psychology, Social Services
EEO Statement
Bancroft stands strong against racism and hate of all kinds and supports actions leading to respect, equality, fairness and peace. We advocate for and embrace an inclusive and just world. One world. For everyone. We work with heart, respect and collaboration. We are communicators, listeners, problem solvers, partners and collaborators. Bring your authentic self to our team.
Bancroft is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and supports diversity, equity and inclusion in its hiring and employment practices, so that every team member can feel a true sense of belonging, and maximize their unique potential. To this end, all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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