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Direct Support Worker Jobs in Baltimore, MD (NOW HIRING)

Sunrise Cedars

Direct Support Professional

Randallstown, MD · Remote

$15.25 - $18.75/hr

A valid Maryland Driver's License and a working car is preferred. * Successfully pass background ... The Direct Support Professional is a member of our Community Living Support Team and the selected ...

Sunrise Cedars

Direct Support Professional

Randallstown, MD · Remote

$15.25 - $18.75/hr

A valid Maryland Driver's License and a working car is preferred. * Successfully pass background ... The Direct Support Professional is a member of our Community Living Support Team and the selected ...

Primus Health

Direct Support Professional

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$21/hr

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Location: Annapolis, MD 21401 Client Requirement: This position ... Minimum of 1 year of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities. * Valid ...

Sunrise Cedars

Direct Support Professional

Halethorpe, MD

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

The Direct Support Professional is a member of our Community Living Support Team and the selected ... A valid Maryland Driver's License and a working car is preferred. * Successfully pass background ...

Sunrise Cedars

Direct Support Professional

Halethorpe, MD

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

The Direct Support Professional is a member of our Community Living Support Team and the selected ... A valid Maryland Driver's License and a working car is preferred. * Successfully pass background ...

L.I.F.E., INC

Direct Support Professional

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$18/hr

Direct Support Professional: L.I.F.E. Inc is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual ... experience working with intellectual and or physically disabled individuals in a residential ...

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All JobsDirect Support Worker JobsDirect Support Worker Jobs in Baltimore, MD

Direct Support Worker information

See Baltimore, MD salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do direct support worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support worker in Baltimore, MD is $16.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.33 and $17.45 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.
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Direct Support Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Worker job openings in Baltimore, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,427 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Family Support Worker

Greenbelt, MD • On-site

LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES OF THE NAT
See more jobs at LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES OF THE NATexternal

$57K - $58K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

The Family Support Worker (FSW) is responsible for providing comprehensive support to the Social Workers that are supporting youth and families in LSSNCA's DC foster care program. This supportive position requires the ability to anticipate needs, think critically, develop relationships with the families served, plan visits/doctor appointments and transport youth to and from visits with family, and the ability to de-escalate conflict with a high level of professionalism. Reporting directly to a Supervisory Social Worker; the FSW serves as the most supportive role to the program. The FSW must be willing to transport clients, supervise visitation, document interactions and enjoy working within a collaborative and dynamic environment that is mission-driven, results-focused and community oriented. The candidate must have a commitment to the mission of Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA).
Essential Functions:
  • Schedules in collaboration with social workers and supervises visitation with biological family members, transports child if necessary and completes visit log in FACES.
  • Builds working relationships with biological families and foster families to effectively provide support and interventions during monthly home visits.
  • Ensures that children living in the biological home are being adequately supervised, and that their needs are being met (educational, medical, physical, and emotional).
  • Link families with respective collaborative agencies.
  • Ensure that all contacts are documented in FACES.
  • Reviews each foster child's record to monitor documentation of annual physicals and twice year dental evaluations are completed. Transports foster child to medical appointments as requested by social worker and program director. Make necessary and appropriate referrals to DC Kids for medical, dental, psychological and therapy services.
  • Will take clients to medical screenings per placement change.
  • Transport children to and from school (until DCPS transportation service starts) when foster children are moved from one home to another for emergency respite.
  • Coordinate and assist with Family-Based Team Meetings.
  • Teams with Family Wellness Worker in identifying Kinship Permanency Resources through case mining family records and face-to-face contact with biological families.
  • Must be available to work some evening hours.

• Bachelor's Degree in social work or related field.
• At least two (2) years of prior experience working with children and families
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Must have an ability to provide excellent and compassionate engagement with all clients
• Culturally competent: experience with different cultures, religions, and nationalities.
• Ability to work independently and exercise a high level of confidentiality
• Must be reliable with time sensitive appointments
• Computer and typing skills sufficient to perform essential job functions.
• Active motor vehicle license.
• Maintain a reliable automobile with adequate insurance coverage.
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries.
Preferred Skills
• 2 plus years of experience in child welfare
• 2 plus years of experience in the foster care system
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel)
• Bi-lingual (Spanish and English)
• Ability to manage time well
• Ability to work independently and in a group.

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