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Direct Support Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Crossroads Programs, Inc

Youth Support Worker

Trenton, NJ · On-site

$18.50/hr

Youth Support Worker | Direct Support Professional Location: STAS Kerri's | Ewing, NJ Pay: $18.50 per hour Job Type: On-Call | Short Hour (SUB) Shift: Availability for all three shifts (7am-3pm,3pm ...

Compassionate Care Group Homes

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Group Home Direct Care Worker / Caregiver (DCW)

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$16/hr

Our group homes are looking for a reliable and caring support team. Our goal is to provide our ... Caregiver/Direct Support Worker/Home Health Care Experience. * Valid Driver's License * Article 9 ...

Winds of Change

Rehab & Support Worker

Missoula, MT · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

Description NOW HIRING: Rehab Support Worker Winds of Change is currently hiring Rehabilitation ... Provide encouragement and direct support to individuals in recovery * Assist with daily living ...

Compassionate Care Group Homes

Be Seen First

Group Home Direct Care Worker / Caregiver (DCW)

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$16/hr

Our group homes are looking for a reliable and caring support team. Our goal is to provide our ... Caregiver/Direct Support Worker/Home Health Care Experience. * Valid Driver's License * Article 9 ...

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How much do direct support worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support worker in the United States is $16.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Direct Support Workers?

Direct Support Workers are professionals who assist individuals with disabilities, mental health issues, or developmental challenges in their daily lives. They help clients with tasks such as personal care, household chores, medication management, and community activities to promote independence and quality of life. Direct Support Workers often work in homes, group settings, or community organizations and play a vital role in supporting clients' physical, emotional, and social well-being.

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.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A Direct Support Worker typically earns less than $4,000 per week; high-paying roles that can reach this level without a degree include specialized sales, real estate brokers, certain skilled trades like commercial pilots or construction managers, and entrepreneurship. These positions often require experience, certifications, or licenses rather than formal degrees.

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 is the main role of a direct support worker?

A direct support worker provides assistance to individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions, helping them with daily activities such as personal care, household tasks, and community engagement. They often work in clients' homes or care facilities and may require training in first aid, communication, and behavior management.

How much does a DSP make?

A Direct Support Worker (DSP) in Connecticut typically earns between $14 and $18 per hour, depending on experience, certifications, and the specific employer. The average annual salary ranges from approximately $29,000 to $37,000. Many DSPs work part-time or full-time, often requiring CPR and first aid certifications.

Is a degree needed to be a DSP?

A degree is not typically required to become a Direct Support Worker (DSP), but many employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills such as communication, patience, and experience with caregiving or support work are often more important, and some positions may require certification or training programs.

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.

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Direct Support Worker jobs near you
Disabilities Support Worker PT - Hospital Setting New Britain

Disabilities Support Worker PT - Hospital Setting New Britain

GIL Foundation

New Britain, CT • On-site

$18.45/hr

Part-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Disabilities Support Worker PT - Hospital Setting New Britain
The primary Day Program Support Worker is responsible for supporting developmentally and intellectually disabled individuals. Responsibilities include coaching and counseling; socialization and communication around hobbies, personal interests, recreational activities, as well as providing, nutritional, and behavioral support; lifting, walking with, transferring, and transporting individuals. This job is considered a safety sensitive position due to the nature of supporting high risk, disabled individuals, in their home or other settings.
About Our Mission
GIL "Grounded In Love" Foundation Inc. is a private nonprofit organization celebrating more than 35 years of compassionate care and services for community residents with Intellectual Disabilities, Developmental Disabilities, and Autism in Connecticut. Our Values & Beliefs describe the kind of organization GIL is and also helps identify the kind of people who will fit our culture. If you want to know more about what it's like to work here, check us out at www.gilfoundation.com
What We are Looking for in a Direct Support Worker in this setting
Experienced DSPs are encouraged to apply; however, we will also train the right people who fit this culture. We are seeking friendly, helpful, and compassionate persons, who are genuinely caring, will prioritize others over themselves, and can align with the following essential traits of outstanding Direct Support Workers:
  1. Someone who has a desire to join a mission based organization; and is friendly, compassionate, and genuinely cares for and appreciates people.
  2. Someone who can work with positivity and truly enjoy engaging with individuals with complex medical and developmental disabilities.
  3. Someone who is super reliable and has no difficulty showing up for work every day on time, in order to fulfill planned activities and responsibilities.
  4. Someone who values integrity, who is honest, faithful, and trustworthy; and demonstrates a dedicated work ethic.
  5. Someone who is kind, patient, and flexible; and also good at observing for other's needs, while listening to others, and promoting personal choice and expression.
  6. Someone who is motivated and self-directed to follow assignments and take initiative when individuals need assistance and things need to be done.
  7. Someone who can be flexible with your schedule and availability to work due to the nature of 24-hour care for individuals requiring high levels of support.
  8. Someone who is coach-able, interested in personal development, eager to learn and willing to ask questions.

What a Direct Support Professional will be doing
  • Providing consistent support and assistance for individuals with disabilities living in their skilled nursing residency.
  • Assisting individuals with socialization and recreation activities - such as art, crafts, decorating for holidays, making greeting card, social media interactions, family/friend interactions, and general engagement support responsibilities.
  • Providing your full focus and attention for the safety, support, and welfare of the individuals served by putting your personal cell phone away while on duty.
  • Assisting with program strategies and recreation activities at the Hospital for Special Care.
  • Regularly completing required monthly and annual training in order to be better equipped for your job - while also maintaining specific competencies and compliance to regulations for all direct support workers.
  • Providing for the safeguard & protection of individual's personal property, rights, and privacy.

New Britain at The Hospital for Special Care
Mon-Sat: Shifts are typically daily 3-hours to 6-hours between 11am-7pm
*Must be able to be flexible depending upon the needs of the individual and the HSC
Other Essentials:
  • This position is based in a hospital/skilled nursing setting
  • This position is designed to provide one to one direct program support
  • This position does not require medication administration
  • This position requires adult first aid and CPR, which may be obtained through company paid training
  • Must have a valid CT driver's license

Apply