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Direct Support Professionals Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for Direct Support Professionals to help with our vision:Starting Pay: $16/HourPurpose- SC is hiring Full Time Direct Support Professionals, to provide assistance to our program ...

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Direct Support Professionals information

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How much do direct support professionals jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professionals 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 the difference between Direct Support Professionals vs Personal Care Assistants?

AspectDirect Support ProfessionalsPersonal Care Assistants
CertificationsOften require certifications like CPR, First Aid, and sometimes specialized trainingMay require similar certifications, but less frequently mandated
Work EnvironmentAssist individuals with disabilities in community, residential, or healthcare settingsProvide personal care in private homes or healthcare facilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofit organizations, government agencies, healthcare providersHome healthcare agencies, private clients, assisted living facilities

Both roles involve providing personal care and support, but Direct Support Professionals typically work with individuals with disabilities in various settings and often require specific certifications. Personal Care Assistants mainly focus on assisting with daily living activities in private homes or healthcare environments. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What do you do as a direct support professional?

A direct support professional provides assistance to individuals with disabilities or special needs to help them live independently and participate in daily activities. Their duties include personal care, medication management, skill development, and ensuring safety, often working in clients' homes or community settings. They typically require good communication skills and may need certification or training relevant to caregiving and health support.

What qualifications do I need for a direct support professional job?

To become a direct support professional, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may be required to complete training or certification in areas such as first aid, CPR, or behavioral support. Some positions also require background checks and good communication skills to work effectively with individuals with disabilities or special 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 these roles. Additionally, certifications and experience can influence salary levels across different locations.
More about Direct Support Professionals jobs

What cities are hiring for Direct Support Professionals jobs?

Cities with the most Direct Support Professionals job openings:

What states have the most Direct Support Professionals jobs?

States with the most job openings for Direct Support Professionals jobs include:

Infographic showing various Direct Support Professionals job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,871 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Direct Support Professionals

Royal Community Support

Rutherford, NJ โ€ข On-site

$24/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Royal Community Support – Hackensack Branch

Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Community-Based Support

Are you passionate about helping others live meaningful, independent lives?

Are you looking for a role with growth opportunities and supportive leadership?

Royal Community Support may be the right fit for you.

We provide one-on-one support to adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in their private homes and throughout their community. Our focus is person-centered care, skill-building, and meaningful engagement.

Royal Community Support believes that disability is not a limitation, but a part of human diversity. We are committed to promoting dignity, independence, and inclusion for the individuals we serve.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities may include:

Assisting with daily living skills (bathing, dressing, grooming as needed)

Supporting housekeeping tasks (laundry, dishes, tidying, light cleaning)

Preparing meals according to dietary needs

Teaching and reinforcing independent living skills

Following individualized service plans and behavior support strategies

Providing transportation to appointments and community activities

Encouraging participation in social and recreational activities

Promoting safety and well-being at all times

Maintaining professional communication with guardians and agency staff

Position Overview

We are seeking a reliable, energetic, and compassionate Direct Support Professional (DSP) to support an individual living in Rutherford, Bergen County, NJ.

This is a community-based position. The DSP will provide support in the individual’s home and assist with safe, structured participation in community activities.

The ideal candidate is self-motivated, patient, professional, and comfortable working independently in a one-on-one setting.

very sociable and enjoys being active in his community. He likes participating in activities such as visiting the YMCA and library, as well as spending time out in the community, is seeking a DSP who can help him discover new activities that are engaging, enjoyable, and aligned with his interests. 

SCHEDULE:

Saturday

10:30am - 4:30pm

6 hours a week 

Qualifications

Must be 18 years of age or older

High School Diploma or equivalent required

Valid driver’s license with good driving record

Reliable personal vehicle (community-based support required)

Ability to pass background checks and drug screening

Authorized to work legally in the United States

Preferred Qualities:

Person-centered mindset

Professional and positive attitude

Strong communication skills

Ability to work independently

Respectful and open-minded approach to disability support

Benefits

Employees who meet eligibility requirements may receive:

401(k) with company match (after 90-day introductory period)

FREE Dental Insurance

FREE Vision Insurance

FREE Life Insurance

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Health Insurance (eligibility based on hours worked)

Additional benefit details are provided during onboarding.

Compensation

Starting Pay: $22–$28 per hour (based on experience and Individualized Service Plan complexity)

Part-time position

In-person support