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Direct Support Worker Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Become a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Change Lives! Starting Pay: $17.00 - $20.25 / hour ... With nearly 6,500 employees working in programs across the country, Devereux is a trusted partner ...

Direct Support Professional

FL · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Become a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Change Lives! Starting Pay: $17.00 - $20.25 / hour ... With nearly 6,500 employees working in programs across the country, Devereux is a trusted partner ...

Become a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Change Lives! Starting Pay: $17.00 - $20.25 / hour ... With nearly 6,500 employees working in programs across the country, Devereux is a trusted partner ...

Become a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Change Lives! Starting Pay: $17.00 - $20.25 / hour ... With nearly 6,500 employees working in programs across the country, Devereux is a trusted partner ...

Become a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Change Lives! Starting Pay: $17.00 - $20.25 / hour ... With nearly 6,500 employees working in programs across the country, Devereux is a trusted partner ...

Become a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Change Lives! Starting Pay: $17.00 - $20.25 / hour ... With nearly 6,500 employees working in programs across the country, Devereux is a trusted partner ...

Become a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Change Lives! Starting Pay: $17.00 - $20.25 / hour ... With nearly 6,500 employees working in programs across the country, Devereux is a trusted partner ...

Become a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Change Lives! Starting Pay: $17.00 - $20.25 / hour ... With nearly 6,500 employees working in programs across the country, Devereux is a trusted partner ...

Direct Support Professional

Palm Bay, FL · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Become a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Change Lives! Starting Pay: $17.00 - $20.25 / hour ... With nearly 6,500 employees working in programs across the country, Devereux is a trusted partner ...

Become a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Change Lives! Starting Pay: $17.00 - $20.25 / hour ... With nearly 6,500 employees working in programs across the country, Devereux is a trusted partner ...

Become a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Change Lives! Starting Pay: $17.00 - $20.25 / hour ... With nearly 6,500 employees working in programs across the country, Devereux is a trusted partner ...

Direct Support Professional

Viera, FL · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Become a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Change Lives! Starting Pay: $17.00 - $20.25 / hour ... With nearly 6,500 employees working in programs across the country, Devereux is a trusted partner ...

Direct Support Professional

Viera, FL · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Become a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Change Lives! Starting Pay: $17.00 - $20.25 / hour ... With nearly 6,500 employees working in programs across the country, Devereux is a trusted partner ...

Direct Support Professional

Palm Bay, FL · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Become a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Change Lives! Starting Pay: $17.00 - $20.25 / hour ... With nearly 6,500 employees working in programs across the country, Devereux is a trusted partner ...

Direct Support Professional

Palm Bay, FL · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Become a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Change Lives! Starting Pay: $17.00 - $20.25 / hour ... With nearly 6,500 employees working in programs across the country, Devereux is a trusted partner ...

Showing results 41-60

Direct Support Worker information

See Florida salary details

$7

$12

$15

How much do direct support worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support worker in Florida is $12.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.77 and $13.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a direct support worker?

As a direct support worker, you provide care and training for people with developmental disabilities. You offer community support by using your skills and experience to help individuals become more active and social. Some direct support workers provide live-in, 24-hour support for clients, while others provide care on a regular, but less constant, basis. A career as a direct support worker requires you have some formal qualifications and education, typically a bachelor’s degree in health, counseling, or a related field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a direct support worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Direct Support Worker, you need a foundational understanding of person-centered care, basic health and safety practices, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with documentation systems, assistive technology, and first aid/CPR certification is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to communicate compassionately make someone stand out in this role. These skills are crucial to effectively support individuals with disabilities, ensure their well-being, and foster independence in daily living.

What are some common challenges faced by direct support workers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Direct Support Workers often encounter challenges such as managing clients with complex behavioral or medical needs and adapting to varying routines. Effective communication, patience, and ongoing training are essential in navigating these situations. Building strong, trusting relationships with clients and collaborating closely with families and healthcare professionals can also help manage difficulties. Many organizations provide regular supervision and access to support networks, which can be valuable resources for addressing workplace challenges.

What is the difference between Direct Support Worker vs Personal Care Assistant?

AspectDirect Support WorkerPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsOften requires certifications like CPR, First Aid, and sometimes specialized trainingMay require similar certifications, especially First Aid and CPR, but less specialized training
Work EnvironmentSupports individuals with disabilities, mental health, or developmental needs in community or residential settingsProvides personal care services in clients' homes or healthcare facilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, healthcare providersHome healthcare agencies, private households, healthcare facilities

Both roles involve assisting individuals with daily activities, but Direct Support Workers typically work with people with disabilities or mental health needs in community settings, while Personal Care Assistants mainly provide personal care in home or healthcare environments. The certifications and work environments overlap, but the focus and client needs differ slightly.

Where do direct support workers get paid the most?

Direct support workers tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare services, such as urban areas or states with higher minimum wages. Factors like experience, certifications, and the specific employer also influence pay rates, with some private agencies offering higher compensation than public programs.

What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Worker jobs in Florida?

For Direct Support Worker jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Direct Support Worker jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Worker jobs in Florida are:

What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Worker jobs in FL?

For Direct Support Worker jobs in FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Direct Support Worker job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $25,140 per year, or $12.1 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

South Florida Autism Center, Inc.

Hialeah, FL • On-site

$17/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Description
South Florida Autism Center, Inc. is seeking compassionate and dependable Direct Support Professionals to support adult participants (ages 22 and older) diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This position plays an important role in assisting participants with daily activities, life skills development, personal care needs, and community-based learning opportunities while helping to create a safe, positive, and engaging environment.
Position Details:
  • Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM-2:45 PM
  • Pay Rate: $17 per hour
  • Benefits: This position does not include benefits or paid time off.

Responsibilities
• Support participants in developing essential life skills, fostering independence and confidence.
• Assist with personal care needs, ensuring dignity and respect in every interaction.
• Facilitate community-based learning experiences, promoting social integration and engagement.
• Collaborate with team members to create a safe, positive, and nurturing environment.
• Implement individualized support plans, tailoring activities to meet each participant's unique needs.
• Monitor and document progress, providing feedback to enhance participant growth and development.
• Encourage open communication, building trust and rapport with participants and their families.
Qualifications
• A high school diploma is required; an associate's degree is preferred; a bachelor's degree is a plus.
• For all positions, prior experience working with individuals with disabilities and/or Applied Behavior Analysis is preferred.
• Local background check and background screening required through Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD); fingerprint fee is $77, paid by applicant.
• Applicant must complete training through the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD).
• Fluent English is required.