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Direct Support Worker Jobs in Philadelphia, PA (NOW HIRING)

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

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.

Equal Partners Inc

Direct Support

Browns Mills, NJ · On-site

$17.50/hr

Acquire High School Diploma or GED, and /or one year's experience working in a related field, valid driver's license, and minimum age of 18 years old. Responsibilities: The Direct Support ...

Equal Partners Inc

Direct Support

Browns Mills, NJ · On-site

$17.50/hr

Acquire High School Diploma or GED, and /or one year's experience working in a related field, valid driver's license, and minimum age of 18 years old. Responsibilities: The Direct Support ...

Crossroads Programs, Inc

Youth Support Worker

Trenton, NJ · On-site

$18.50 - $20.50/hr

What You'll Do As a Youth Support Worker, you will provide direct care and support to children in a structured residential setting. Your responsibilities may include: * Provide supervision, guidance ...

Equal Partners Inc

Direct Support

Browns Mills, NJ · On-site

$17.50/hr

Acquire High School Diploma or GED, and /or one year's experience working in a related field, valid driver's license, and minimum age of 18 years old. Responsibilities: The Direct Support ...

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All JobsDirect Support Worker JobsDirect Support Worker Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Direct Support Worker information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

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How much do direct support worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support worker in Philadelphia, PA is $15.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.80 and $16.78 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
Direct Support Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Worker job openings in Philadelphia, PA 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 $32,152 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Youth Support Worker

Crossroads Programs, Inc

Trenton, NJ • On-site

$18.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

❤️ Make an Impact Every Day to Shape Futures

Youth Support Worker | Direct Support Professional

On-Call | Short Hour (SUB) | $18.50/Hour | Flexible Scheduling | Paid Training

Location: STAS Homes – Kerri’s House | Ewing, NJ

Looking for More Than Just a Job?

At Crossroads Programs, Inc., we're not just hiring employees—we're building a team of compassionate professionals who believe every young person deserves the opportunity to grow, succeed, and live a fulfilling life.

As a Youth Support Worker | Direct Support Professional, you will provide direct care, guidance, and support to adolescents in a therapeutic residential setting. Your compassion, patience, and dedication will help create a safe and structured environment where youth can develop confidence, independence, and positive life skills.

For more than 40 years, Crossroads Programs, Inc. has provided safe and supportive residential treatment opportunities and therapeutic services to empower youth ages 5 to 21.

When you join our team, you become part of an organization that values compassion, teamwork, growth, and the belief that every person deserves the opportunity to thrive.

Why Join Our Team?

???? Competitive Pay & Career Benefits

  • $18.50 per hour

  • Paid training and professional development

  • Career advancement opportunities

  • Supportive team environment

  • Meaningful work with a mission-driven organization

???? Training & Professional Growth

  • Complete Safety Crisis Management (SCM) certification within one week of hire.

  • Three-day SCM training program.

  • Gain valuable experience in behavioral health and residential care.

  • Develop skills supporting youth with diverse needs.

❤️ Meaningful Work That Matters

  • Build relationships that change lives.

  • Support adolescents through personal challenges.

  • Encourage independence, confidence, and growth.

  • Help create a safe and positive living environment.

What You'll Do

The Youth Support Worker | Direct Support Professional provides direct support and supervision to residents ages 14–21 in a therapeutic residential setting.

Your responsibilities may include:

Resident Care & Support

  • Provide direct care and support to up to five residents.

  • Maintain a safe, supervised, and structured residential environment.

  • Assist residents with daily living activities.

  • Support youth through behavioral and emotional challenges.

  • Provide transportation to appointments, activities, and community events.

Treatment & Team Collaboration

  • Assist with developing and implementing individualized treatment plans.

  • Collaborate with team members to ensure consistent therapeutic care.

  • Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.

  • Support behavior management strategies and positive outcomes.

Documentation & Reporting

  • Maintain accurate resident records.

  • Complete progress notes and incident reports.

  • Communicate important information with the treatment team.

  • Follow program policies and safety procedures.

The Ideal Youth Support Worker | Direct Support Professional

You may be a great fit if you are:

✔ Compassionate

✔ Patient

✔ Dependable

✔ Professional

✔ Team-Oriented

✔ Positive

✔ Strong Communicator

✔ Dedicated to Helping Others

Qualifications

Education & Experience

One of the following is required:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or Psychology with one year of direct care experience working with youth in a behavioral health agency or institutional setting; or

  • High school diploma with a minimum of three years of relevant experience.

Additional Requirements

  • Must be at least 21 years of age.

  • Valid driver's license required with a clean driving record for the past six months.

  • Must successfully complete:

    • Physical screening

    • Drug screening

    • Criminal Record History Clearance

    • FBI Clearance

    • Child Abuse History Clearance

Safety Crisis Management (SCM) Certification

  • Required within one week of hire.

  • Training duration: Three days.

  • Requires active participation in physically demanding activities.

Schedule

On-Call | Short Hour (SUB)

Availability required for all shifts:

  • 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

  • 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM

  • 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM

Location:

STAS Homes – Kerri’s House
Ewing, NJ

???? Start a Career With Purpose

Some jobs provide support.

This job helps change lives.

If you are looking for meaningful work where your compassion, dedication, and commitment make a difference every day, we invite you to join the Crossroads Programs, Inc. team.

Apply Today and Make an Impact Every Day to Shape Futures.

Crossroads Programs, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.

"Creating a Better Tomorrow... Today"

About Our Organization

Crossroads Programs, Inc. is part of the Inperium family of companies.

Employment for this position is administered through Apis Services, Inc.

Crossroads Programs is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) behavioral health agency celebrating more than 40 years of service. We provide safe and supportive residential treatment opportunities and therapeutic services to empower youth ages 5 to 21.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Apis Services, Inc., Inperium Inc., and its affiliates provide equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy/childbirth, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.