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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Westerly, RI

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Charlestown, RI · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Direct Support Professional Part-time and Full-time availability! $18-$20/hr. based on experience, education, licensure, etc. Would you like to make a difference every day in someone's life? In this ...

Perfect Care Inc.

Direct Support Professional

Baltic, CT · Remote

$15.25 - $18.75/hr

Appropriate use of natural community supports (e.g., social clubs, faith-based supports ... Other activities directed at reducing disability, restoring participant functioning and achieving ...

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Direct Support Professional information

See Westerly, RI salary details

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Westerly, RI is $16.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.52 and $17.69 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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What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Westerly, RI look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Westerly, RI are:

What cities near Westerly, RI are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities near Westerly, RI with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:

Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Westerly, RI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,119 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Whole Life Inc.

Brooklyn, CT • On-site

$18.46/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Being a Direct Support Professional

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. We help them maintain jobs, encourage community and recreational activities, and assist in daily functions such as grocery shopping, cooking, and light cleaning. We allow the people we serve to live better lives full of things to look forward to, personal choice, and pride. 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:

  • MUST be able to PROVIDE PROOF a High School diploma, High School Transcripts, GED or equivalent.
  • MUST be able to PROVIDE PROOF a valid driver's license and a social security card, birth certificate, or passport.
  • All employees must pass a Background Check, DSS Abuse Registry Check, have a safe driving record. Post-hire, employees must pass a "Fit for Duty" physical and tuberculosis test within 30 days of hire.
  • Must be able to stand, move, twist, bend, kneel, reach, lift, and walk for the majority of your shift. Some positions require occasionally lifting up to 100lbs unassisted.

Preferred:

  • 1+ year experience in group homes, assisted living, or direct support
  • First Aid/CPR certification (willing to train)
  • Medication Administration Certification (wiling to train)
  • Experience with developmental disabilities, autism, TBI, Alzheimer's, dementia, or memory care
  • Strong observation, communication, and documentation skills
  • Positions require varying degrees of physical labor


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 | Healthcare Pension

* - Depends on Employment Classification and ACA Eligibility


Notes: All Whole Life DSP Positions are covered by a Healthcare Union. All DSP Positions will receive CPR and PMT certifications through Whole Life upon attendance of Orientation. Within 6 months of hire, all employees are required to have obtained their Medication Administration Certification through DSS, sponsored by Whole Life. All Whole Life Employees are subject to a 6-month probationary period, including a probationary starting salary. The completion of probation comes with a salary increase and more flexibility of use regarding Sick time, PTO, leave requests, transfers, etc.

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


Weekly Hours


Weekly Schedule

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Posting ID


Weekly Hours
33.5
Weekly Schedule
Friday- 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM, 1:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday- 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sunday- OFF
Monday- 1:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday- OFF
Wednesday- OFF
Thursday- 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Posting ID
013-07