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Direct Support Worker Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Lifesteps Inc

Direct Support Worker

Canonsburg, PA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

Experienced home health aides, nurse's aides, support assistants, and direct support professionals welcome! Position Requirements: * 18 yrs. or older * Ability to lift up to 200 lbs. with assistance

BETHANNA

FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER

Philadelphia, PA

$17.25 - $22/hr

The Family Support Workers is responsible for assessing the social service needs of participants, providing direct and indirect services and referrals, and engaging participants in various activities ...

BETHANNA

FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$17.25 - $22/hr

The Family Support Workers is responsible for assessing the social service needs of participants, providing direct and indirect services and referrals, and engaging participants in various activities ...

Elwyn

Recovery Support Worker

Bywood, PA · On-site

Responsibilities Elwyn Adult Behavioral Health Services seeks a Recovery Support Worker (RSW) to ... One year full-time experience in providing direct care service to mentally ill consumers preferred.

Elwyn

Recovery Support Worker

Bywood, PA

$18/hr

Responsibilities Elwyn Adult Behavioral Health Services seeks a Recovery Support Worker (RSW) to ... One year full-time experience in providing direct care service to mentally ill consumers preferred.

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Coraopolis, PA

$18/hr

Working closely with families, healthcare providers, and other team members, the DSP helps create ... Provide direct personal care and support to individuals, including assistance with hygiene, meal ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Coraopolis, PA · On-site

$18/hr

Working closely with families, healthcare providers, and other team members, the DSP helps create ... Provide direct personal care and support to individuals, including assistance with hygiene, meal ...

Bethanna

Be Seen First

CUA Family Support Worker

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$17.25 - $22/hr

The Family Support Workers is responsible for assessing the social service needs of participants, providing direct and indirect services and referrals, and engaging participants in various activities ...

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Direct Support Worker information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do direct support worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support worker in Pennsylvania is $16.21, 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 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.
More about Direct Support Worker jobs

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

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

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

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

Direct Support Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Worker job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,722 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Direct Support Worker

Lifesteps Inc

Canonsburg, PA • On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Join the Caregiving Team at Lifesteps

Lifesteps, a local, human service agency that has been in business for over 100 years, is hiring compassionate and caring staff to work with adults who have disabilities in a residential home setting in Canonsburg, PA.

Direct Care Aides (Caregivers) assist special needs individuals with their activities of daily living and home care. The direct care aide provides assistance to adults with disabilities helping them with daily activities like dressing, meal preparation, bathing, and transport to doctor appointments.

Duties can include:

  • Cooking and serving meals
  • Cleaning the house
  • Shopping for groceries and supplies
  • Personal care assistance like grooming or bathing
  • Medication administration
  • Individual goal attainment assistance
  • Community Outings and fun activities

Lifesteps offers steady, full-time hours! Available Shifts are: Evenings 3 pm to 11 pm.

Part-time hours are also available with flexible scheduling to fit your needs. Great for additional income or a second job.

No experience necessary! Paid training provided!

Experienced home health aides, nurse’s aides, support assistants, and direct support professionals welcome!

Position Requirements:

  • 18 yrs. or older
  • Ability to lift up to 200 lbs. with assistance
  • Valid driver’s license/auto insurance
  • Ability to obtain ACT 33/34 and FBI clearances required

Benefit Package for Full-Time Employees Includes:

  • 100% Paid Employee Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance Premiums
  • Paid Vacation, Sick and Personal/Emergency Time
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Short and Long-Term Disability
  • Life Insurance
  • 403 (b) Retirement Plan
  • Tuition Reimbursement and much more!

APPLY TODAY to start a meaningful and rewarding career!

Online: www.lifesteps.net/careers

Call: 724-283-1010

Lifesteps – Where Rewarding Opportunities Start!

EOE/ADA Drug-free Workplace




Full-Time: 3:00pm-11:00pm

Apply