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Direct Support Professional Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Alora Supports

Direct Support Professional

Humphrey, NE

$17 - $20/hr

Become a Direct Support Professional (DSP) with Alora Supports. Are you ready to change a life--and enrich your own? Alora Supports is seeking compassionate, dedicated individuals to become Direct ...

Modern Support Services

$20 - $25/hr

Direct Support Professional - Granada Hills Company Overview We are a diverse, mission-driven human services organization dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental ...

ASG Home Care

Direct Support Professional

Red Bank, NJ · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Direct Support Professional Competitive Pay | Flexible Hours | Cases Near You ASG Home Care is actively hiring Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to support individuals with developmental ...

Alora Supports

Direct Support Professional

Omaha, NE · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Become a Direct Support Professional (DSP) with Alora Supports. Are you ready to change a life--and enrich your own? Alora Supports is seeking compassionate, dedicated individuals to become Direct ...

ABBOTT HOUSE

Direct Support Professional

Pomona, NY · On-site

$17 - $17.74/hr

JOB SUMMARY The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for supporting persons receiving services while promoting their personal, physical and emotional wellbeing. The primary role of the ...

Bancroft

Direct Support Professional

Cranbury, NJ · On-site

$19.06 - $19.44/hr

Direct Support Professional Job Locations US-NJ-Cranbury Requisition ID 2026-19508 Category Direct Support Professional Status Full Time Overview Position: Direct Support Professional (Audlt ...

Bancroft

Direct Support Professional

Carneys Point, NJ

$19.32 - $19.70/hr

Direct Support Professional Location: Carneys Point, NJ Employment Type: Onsite Department: Adult Residential Are you looking to build a career as a caregiver? Do you want to make a difference in the ...

Bancroft

Direct Support Professional

Bricktown, NJ · On-site

$19.06 - $19.44/hr

Direct Support Professional Job Locations US-NJ-Brick Requisition ID 2026-19677 Category Direct Support Professional Status Full Time Overview Position: Direct Support Professional (Adult program ...

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Bancroft

Direct Support Professional

Voorhees, NJ

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Our Direct Support Professionals must have a strong desire to work with autistic, intellectually and/or developmentally disabled individuals . Position: Direct Support Professional (Adult program ...

Bancroft

Direct Support Professional

Brick, NJ

$19.06 - $19.44/hr

Our Direct Support Professionals must have a strong desire to work with autistic, intellectually and/or developmentally disabled individuals . Responsibilities Position: Direct Support Professional ...

Bancroft

Direct Support Professional

Cherry Hill, NJ · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

Direct Support Professional (Adult program) Hours: Tues., - Sat. 7:30a-3:30p Location: Cherry Hill, NJ Bancroft is a leading service-provider for children and adults with autism, other intellectual ...

Bancroft

Direct Support Professional

Cherry Hill, NJ · On-site

$19.06 - $19.44/hr

Direct Support Professional Job Locations US-NJ-Cherry Hill Requisition ID 2025-18878 Category Direct Support Professional Status PT Over 20 Overview Position: Direct Support Professional (Adult ...

ASG Home Care

Direct Support Professional

Asbury, NJ · On-site

$17 - $24/hr

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Hiring Immediately Flexible Hours • Cases Near You • Competitive Pay ASG Home Care is hiring Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to support individuals with ...

Bancroft

Direct Support Professional

Audubon, NJ · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Direct Support Professional Job Locations US-NJ-Audubon Requisition ID 2026-19765 Category Direct Support Professional Status Sub Overview Bancroft is a leading service-provider for children and ...

Bancroft

Direct Support Professional

Cherry Hill, NJ · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

Direct Support Professional (Adult program) Location: Cherry Hill, NJ Shift: Sun.&Tues., 3p-9p & Fri. & Sat. 3p-11p Bancroft is a leading service-provider for children and adults with autism, other ...

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in the United States is $16.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional

Limitless Possibilities LLC

Ripon, WI • On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Direct support professionals are responsible for the direct supervision of adults with disabilities in various settings such as the home, community, and vocational sites. It is the responsibility of direct support professionals to see to the specific needs of each client served, provide and teach opportunities, provide options for informed choice, and follow guidelines according to clients' service and support plans. Direct support professionals report to program supervisors.

Qualifications:

  • Be at least 18 years of age (21 years of age for driving positions)
  • Possess at least a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Some experience in providing community supports to people with developmental disabilities
  • The ability to reason and problem solve
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Possess a valid driver license
  • Possess automobile insurance
  • Be willing to perform any reasonable request to meet the needs of the persons served
  • Ability to use computer applications such as a word processor, e-mail, etc. in a time-efficient manner
  • Capable of working with adults with developmental disabilities by communicating verbally to instruct, demonstrate, train, and work cooperatively
  • Stand, sit, bend, lift, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and move intermittently
  • Must frequently lift/move up to 25 pounds

Job Duties:

  • Household Management: Direct support professionals assist the individual with household management (e.g. meal preparation laundry, cleaning and decorating) and with transportation needs to maximize his or her skills, abilities and independence.
  • Facilitation of Services: Direct support professionals have knowledge sufficient to fulfill their roles related to individual service plan development, implementation, and review.
  • Health and Wellness: Direct support professionals promotes the health and wellness of all clients.
  • Organizational Participation: Direct support professionals are familiar with the organizational mission, vision and values.
  • Documentation: Direct support professionals are aware of the requirement for documentation in his or her organization and is able to manage these requirements efficiently.
  • Client Empowerment: Direct support professionals enhance the ability of the individual to lead a self-determining life by providing the support and information necessary to build self-esteem, and assertiveness and to make decisions.
  • Assessment: Direct support professionals are knowledgeable about formal and informal assessment practices in order to respond to the needs, desires, and interest of the individuals.
  • Advocacy: Direct support professionals should be knowledgeable about the diverse challenges facing individuals (i.e. human rights/client rights).
  • Community and Service Networking: Direct support professionals are knowledgeable about the formal and informal supports available in his or her community and are skilled in assisting the individual to identify and gain access to such supports.
  • Building and Maintaining Friendships and Relationships: Direct support professionals support the participant in the development of friendships and other relationships.
  • Communication: Direct support professionals are knowledgeable about the range of effective communication strategies and skills necessary to establish a collaborative relationship with the individual.
  • Crisis Intervention: Direct support professionals are knowledgeable about crisis prevention, intervention, and resolution techniques and should match such techniques to particular circumstances and individuals.
  • Professionalism: Direct support professionals pursue knowledge and information necessary to perform job duties.
  • Vocational, Educational, and Career Support: Direct support professionals are knowledgeable about the career and education related concerns of individuals.

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