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Direct Support Professionals Jobs in Pennsylvania

Direct Support Professional

Rochester, PA ยท On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

That's why we offer enhanced pay rates for certified Direct Support Professionals because the work you do every day matters, and your expertise should be recognized. Join our team and be part of an ...

Direct Support Professional

Rochester, PA ยท On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

That's why we offer enhanced pay rates for certified Direct Support Professionals because the work you do every day matters, and your expertise should be recognized. Join our team and be part of an ...

Showing results 21-40

Direct Support Professionals information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do direct support professionals jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professionals in Pennsylvania is $16.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $17.60 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.

What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professionals jobs in Pennsylvania?

For Direct Support Professionals jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professionals jobs in Pennsylvania look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professionals jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Direct Support Professionals jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Direct Support Professionals job openings:

Infographic showing various Direct Support Professionals job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,952 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

FT/PT DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL ADULT DISABILITY HOME/COMMUNITY SVC

Umbrella Functional Consulting & Support Team

West Chester, PA โ€ข On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Competitive salary
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance

You are applying for a role as a Certified Direct Support Professional for In-Home & Community Support for Adults with Disabilities for the West Chester, PA area. The role of a Direct Support Professional is complex and requires a specific set of skills and values. The following represents what to expect in one’s practice as a Direct Support Professional.
  • Direct Support Professionals assist people who need support to lead self-directed lives and participate fully in their communities. Direct support professionals recognize the unique gifts, preferences and needs of each person supported.
  • Direct Support Professionals recognize the personhood of people they support. They partner with them in making informed decisions and everyday choices about their finances, well-being, relationships, and employment. Direct Support Professionals will use knowledge, skills (competencies), and values (NADSP Code of Ethics) to guide their work and provide quality services. Direct Support Professionals continue to learn and develop their professional abilities through ongoing in-service and self-directed education and training.
  • Direct support professionals understand that quality services occur at the point of interaction with the people that they support.
  • Direct support professionals realize that their role includes being a mentor and a facilitator. Direct support professionals inform the people they support regarding their responsibilities and advocate with them for their valued role in society.
  • Direct support professionals empower people they support to have meaningful relationships with friends, their families, and promote integration and inclusion in all our nation’s communities.
  • Direct support professionals respect the privacy of the people they support and commit to promote their physical and emotional well-being.
  • The following list of the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals Competencies will be used to evaluate, develop and educate direct support professionals;
o Participant Empowerment o Communication o Assessment
o Community and Service Networking o Facilitation of Services
o Community Living Skills and Supports
o Education, Training and Self-Development o Advocacy
o Vocational, Educational and Career Support o Crisis Prevention and Intervention
o Organizational Participation o Documentation
o Building and Maintaining Friendships and Relationships
o Person-Centered Supports o Supporting Health and Wellness
Open positions are for locations throughout Chester County. We are looking for part time team members. We make every attempt to fit applicants with locations nearest their homes, to assigned cases that are right for them. Travel is a must. It takes tremendous effort to find quality team members who are professional and motivated for a good career. Only serious applicants will be considered. Our team is a close knit group who would love to welcome other highly motivated compassionate people who love what they do and who take care of the people we serve. Kindly demonstrate your professionalism in your desire to join our team. 
Additional clients residing in nearby Counties may become available to add to a caseload for potential growth opportunity.