ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Direct Support Professional Jobs in Worcester, MA

GAAMHA

Direct Support Professional

Leominster, MA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Join GAAMHA as a CBES Direct Support Professional Location: Leominster, MA - New Community-Based Enrichment Services (CBES) Program Are you ready to be part of something new and impactful? GAAMHA is ...

GAAMHA

Direct Support Professional

Leominster, MA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Join GAAMHA as a CBES Direct Support Professional Location: Leominster, MA - New Community-Based Enrichment Services (CBES) Program Are you ready to be part of something new and impactful? GAAMHA is ...

GAAMHA

Direct Support Professional

Leominster, MA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Join GAAMHA as a CBES Direct Support Professional Location: Leominster, MA - New Community-Based Enrichment Services (CBES) Program Are you ready to be part of something new and impactful? GAAMHA is ...

GAAMHA

Direct Support Professional

Leominster, MA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Join GAAMHA as a CBES Direct Support Professional Location: Leominster, MA - New Community-Based Enrichment Services (CBES) Program Are you ready to be part of something new and impactful? GAAMHA is ...

GAAMHA

Direct Support Professional

Gardner, MA · On-site

$18 - $19.50/hr

Become a Direct Support Professional! Do you have a passion for helping others live their best lives? Are you a natural encourager, someone who sees the potential in everyone? If so, GAAMHA has an ...

GAAMHA

Direct Support Professional

Gardner, MA · On-site

$18 - $19.50/hr

Become a Direct Support Professional! Do you have a passion for helping others live their best lives? Are you a natural encourager, someone who sees the potential in everyone? If so, GAAMHA has an ...

GAAMHA

Direct Support Professional

Gardner, MA · On-site

$18 - $19.50/hr

Become a Direct Support Professional! Do you have a passion for helping others live their best lives? Are you a natural encourager, someone who sees the potential in everyone? If so, GAAMHA has an ...

AMEGO INC

Direct Support Professional

Franklin, MA · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Direct Support Professional: Join the Amego team and make a difference in the lives of the people we serve! Amego Inc. is an organization that is dedicated to supporting and empowering the ...

GAAMHA

Direct Support Professional

Gardner, MA · On-site

$18 - $19.50/hr

Become a Direct Support Professional! Do you have a passion for helping others live their best lives? Are you a natural encourager, someone who sees the potential in everyone? If so, GAAMHA has an ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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

Direct Support Professional information

See Worcester, MA salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Worcester, MA is $16.25, 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.
More about Direct Support Professional jobs
What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professional jobs in Worcester, MA? For Direct Support Professional jobs in Worcester, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Worcester, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Worcester, MA are:
What cities near Worcester, MA are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Worcester, MA with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Worcester, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,797 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

NORTH SUFFOLK COMMUNITY SERVICES INC

Waltham, MA • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

North Suffolk is looking for Direct Support Professionals to join our team! Direct Support Professionals are members of a team responsible for providing high quality direct care services to adults with developmental disabilities. As a nonprofit organization, we believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. We are looking for both entry level and experienced individuals to work as Direct Support Professionals in our residential homes. The right candidates will be responsible for providing care and assistance to Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. If you have experience working with developmentally disabled adults, or are willing to learn, we encourage you to apply.

Full and part time positions available in Chelsea, Winthrop, Revere, Waltham, West Roxbury, Hyde Park and Saugus. Please indicate preference for location and shift.

Salary: $20 per hour.

$2.00/hour differential for high intensity programs

What you’ll do:

  • Offer guidance for residents during skills building
  • Develop and implement individual treatment plans for residents
  • Assist with daily living activities, including meal preparation, money management, doctor’s appointments and assisting with personal hygiene
  • Ensure appropriate staff-to-client ratio at all time
  • Develop and promote a supportive relationship with the residents
  • Support each Individuals existing relationships and assist in increasing their network of friends and acquaintances.

What you’ll need:

  • Education:
    • High School diploma or GED required.
    • Bachelor’s degree in any related field preferred.
  • Experience:
    • Zero to six years related experience (depending on DSP level) providing child care/elder care/direct support to developmentally disabled persons or previous experience supporting individuals in a mental health/special education or other human services setting is required.
  • Skills:
    • Must have valid Massachusetts Driver’s license.
    • Must be or able to become MAP certified
    • CPR/First Aid certified within five months of hire (training provided).

Competitive & Comprehensive Benefits

  • Paid Time Off – Two weeks’ Vacation per year (three weeks after 1 year of service), 12 Sick Days per year, and 11 Paid Holidays per year
  • Eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
  • Health & Dental Insurance, with generous employer contribution
  • Employer Paid Life Insurance
  • 403 (b) Retirement Plan with employer matching
  • Voluntary Short and Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Medical & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Access to Credit Union Banking
  • Access to State Tuition Remission Program (Worksite Specific)
  • Employee Referral Bonus Program
  • Discounted Movie Tickets
  • Comprehensive Training Program
  • Internal Advancement Opportunities