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Direct Support Professional Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ASG Home Care

Direct Support Professional

Somerset, NJ

$18 - $24/hr

Direct Support Professional Schedule: 2 days per week, 9 am-3 pm. $18-$24/hour | Flexible Hours | Cases Across New Jersey ASG Home Care is actively hiring Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to ...

ASG Home Care

Direct Support Professional

Mantua, NJ

$17 - $25/hr

Position Overview As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) with ASG Home Care, you will provide hands-on support that promotes independence, community engagement, and daily living success. As a Direct ...

ASG Home Care

Direct Support Professional

Middlesex, NJ

$18 - $24/hr

Position Overview As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) with ASG Home Care, you will provide hands-on support that promotes independence, community engagement, and daily living success. As a Direct ...

ASG Home Care

Direct Support Professional

Galloway, NJ · On-site

$17 - $25/hr

Position Overview As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) with ASG Home Care, you will provide hands-on support that promotes independence, community engagement, and daily living success. As a Direct ...

ASG Home Care

Direct Support Professional

Edison, NJ

$18 - $24/hr

Position Overview As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) with ASG Home Care, you will provide hands-on support that promotes independence, community engagement, and daily living success. As a Direct ...

ASG Home Care

Direct Support Professional

Asbury, NJ

$17 - $24/hr

Position Overview As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) with ASG Home Care, you will provide hands-on support that promotes independence, community engagement, and daily living success. As a Direct ...

ASG Home Care

Direct Support Professional

Red Bank, NJ

$18 - $25/hr

Position Overview As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) with ASG Home Care, you will provide hands-on support that promotes independence, community engagement, and daily living success. As a Direct ...

ABBOTT HOUSE

Direct Support Professional

Elmsford, NY

$17.74 - $18.79/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 ...

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 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 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 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.

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.

More about Direct Support Professional jobs
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What are the most commonly searched types of Direct Support jobs? The most popular types of Direct Support jobs are:
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Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,871 per year, or $16.3 per hour.
Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional

Professional & Attentive Care Providers LLC

Tulare, CA • On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Description:

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB DESCRIPTION/DUTIES:

The Direct Support Professional supports consumers in living their best life as the Consumer defined it in their Individual Service Plan (ISP). Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) will:

Support and motivate consumers to develop Independent Living Skills (ILS). Observe and report consumer's progress or setbacks. Teach and assist consumers with goals outlined in the ISP. This may include: planning and preparing meals, teaching and assisting consumers with developing and maintaining a laundry and housekeeping routine, assisting consumers with medical and dental appointments, and more. These are a few examples of the type of work he will be doing. The actual duties will be spelled out in the individual’s ISP.

OTHER DUTIES AS NEEDED; INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO

  1. To provide in-home and community-based assistance to consumers/clients according to individual service programs set up by Redwood Coast Regional Center (RCRC) and Professional & Attentive Care Providers (PACP).
  2. To teach and assist all consumers in the areas outlined in the individual’s ISP.
  3. To document daily charting notes and required paperwork.
  4. To report any issues and concerns regarding consumers to PACP Supervisor, Program Manager, or Program Director.
  5. To attend in-service training sessions and meetings when offered and complete required weekly continuing education.
  6. To assist with special events when needed.

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION

High School Diploma or equivalent.

HIRING CRITERIA AND QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. Must be able to pass a background check.
  2. Must be able to speak, read, and write English.
  3. Ability to pass drug screen at the request of PACP.
  4. Must be able to work with people who have disabilities.
  5. Possession and proof of a valid California Driver’s License, current vehicle insurance, a good driving record, and willingness to use your personal vehicle in the course of employment if transporting consumers. In the absence of these qualifications, no driving of a consumer is ever permitted.
  6. Complete PACP Orientation training, which includes: ISP, IPP, Abuse Prevention, Mandated Reporter, Person-Centered Approaches, Thinking, and Planning, Client Rights…

________________________________ _____________________________

Signature of Applicant/Employee Date

Requirements: