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Direct Support Staff Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Production Support Staff

Northwood, OH ยท On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

This position has no direct reports. The Production Support Staff will work as a member of a team, promoting a positive attitude and feeling of well-being towards co-workers. The Production Support ...

Production Support Staff

Northwood, OH ยท On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

This position has no direct reports. The Production Support Staff will work as a member of a team, promoting a positive attitude and feeling of well-being towards co-workers. The Production Support ...

Production Support Staff

Northwood, OH ยท On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

This position has no direct reports. The Production Support Staff will work as a member of a team, promoting a positive attitude and feeling of well-being towards co-workers. The Production Support ...

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Direct Support Staff information

See Ohio salary details

$9

$15

$19

How much do direct support staff jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support staff in Ohio is $15.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $16.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a direct support staff?

Direct Support Staff are professionals who assist individuals with disabilities or special needs in their daily lives. Their responsibilities often include helping clients with personal care, daily activities, medication management, and community participation. They also provide emotional support and help promote independence, safety, and well-being. Direct Support Staff work in a variety of settings such as group homes, day programs, or private residences, and play a key role in enhancing the quality of life for those they support.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a direct support staff?

To thrive as a Direct Support Staff, you need a solid understanding of person-centered care, basic healthcare practices, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with documentation software, care planning tools, and CPR/First Aid certification is typically required. Compassion, patience, and strong interpersonal communication skills help build trusting relationships with clients and support their independence. These skills are crucial for ensuring the well-being, dignity, and quality of life of individuals with disabilities or special needs.

What are some common challenges faced by direct support staff and how can new hires prepare for them?

Direct Support Staff often encounter challenges such as managing clients' unpredictable behaviors, balancing multiple responsibilities, and maintaining clear communication with team members and families. New hires can prepare by familiarizing themselves with person-centered care approaches, participating actively in training sessions, and seeking guidance from experienced colleagues. Building patience, adaptability, and strong communication skills can help ensure success and provide the best support to individuals with disabilities.

Is a direct support staff a good career?

A career as a direct support staff involves assisting individuals with disabilities or special needs, often requiring strong communication and patience. It can be a rewarding job with opportunities for growth, and many positions offer flexible schedules and training requirements. Job stability depends on the setting and demand for support services in the community or healthcare sector.
Infographic showing various Direct Support Staff job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,201 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Direct Support Manager

AGENTIC CLIENT SUPPORT SERVICES LLC

Columbus, OH โ€ข On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development
  • Flexible schedule

POSITION SUMMARY 
The Direct Support Manager's role is critical in ensuring the smooth functioning of assigned location(s). This role is responsible for providing direct care to the clients, scheduling, training, and supervising staff who do the same. The Direct Support Manager oversees planning and participation in social events and activities and ensures that individuals are cared for during their medical appointments. The manager is also responsible for supervising the site's cleanliness and grocery shopping for household supplies. 
Essential Functions
Reasonable Accommodations Statement 
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
·        Supervises Lead and Direct Support Professionals, including coaching, development, and performance management, to ensure they provide quality client care in compliance with policies, laws, and regulations.
·        Ensure the employee schedule is scheduled in Brittco at least two weeks in advance, with the authority to approve or deny any shift changes or swaps.
·        Supports the recruiting and onboarding process of new team members. 
·        Attend all client meetings.
·        Respect individual rights and confidentiality. Be a role model, promote positive teamwork, and ensure completion of staff training in Brittco, including required training upon hire and annual training. 
·        Read, know, and implement organizational policies and procedures.
·        Ensure Direct Support Professionals implement and document all individual services and support through daily audits of client documentation in Brittco.
·        Read, know, and implement Clients’ Individual Service and Behavior Support Plans.
·        Alongside the Direct Support Professionals, assist with strengthening the individuals’ daily living needs, including nutrition, hygiene, exercise, communication, and socialization skills.
·        Ensure that Direct Support Professionals help individuals with bathing, grooming, dressing, participating in family-style dining, and other daily living skills, always working to improve self-reliance.
·        Ensure Direct Support Professionals assist the individuals in maintaining a clean, neat, and safe home environment.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS 
Competencies: 
·        Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate with individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, and the agency's staff.
·        Strong leader who can motivate and manage a team of support staff to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities receive high-quality care and support.
·        Highly organized and able to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities simultaneously, including scheduling, budgeting, and maintaining accurate records.
·        A deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals with developmental disabilities and the ability to quickly identify and address problems as they arise and work collaboratively with the support staff and agency staff to find practical solutions.
·        Genuine interest in the well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities and be able to provide emotional support and comfort when needed.
·        Exhibit cultural competency and awareness to be able to provide support to individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
·        Thorough knowledge of the rules and policies governing the provision of services to individuals with developmental disabilities and ensure that the support staff and agency staff adhere to these regulations and guidelines.
 

SKILLS & ABILITIES 
Education: Minimum high school diploma or GED; associate degree preferred.
 
Experience: 
·       Minimum of one year of Developmental Disabilities experience; two years preferred.
·       Minimum of six months of Developmental Disabilities supervisory or operations experience; one year preferred.
 
 
Computer Skills:  Compose emails and utilize various software programs, including Brittco and ADP, to perform job duties. Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including Excel and Word knowledge, is preferred.
 

Certificates & Licenses:  
·        Valid Driver’s License with less than six points.
·        Medication Administration Certification, if applicable.
 
Other Requirements:
·       Completed 60-hour continuing education completion within 90 days of hire or promotion.
·       Completion of applicable training requirements per Ohio Administrative Code.
 
Other Physical Requirements: must wear clothing appropriate for clients with inappropriate sexual behaviors or physical violence, can place clients in physical holds, may work outdoors during inclement weather, can travel by car, frequent computer keyboarding, and frequent viewing of a computer monitor.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

Work is performed primarily in residential, vehicle, and outdoor settings, in all weather conditions, including temperature extremes, during day and night shifts. Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate in most situations.