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Direct Support Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

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Direct Support information

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How much do direct support jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support in Rhode Island is $15.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $17.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

For a Direct Support professional, earning $4,000 a week without a degree is uncommon, as most roles pay less and require experience or certifications. High-paying jobs in this field typically involve supervisory or specialized positions, which may require additional training or credentials. Generally, achieving such income levels often involves advanced skills, certifications, or managerial responsibilities beyond entry-level support roles.

Is being a DSP a stressful job?

Being a Direct Support Professional (DSP) can be stressful due to the physical and emotional demands of assisting individuals with disabilities or special needs. The job often requires patience, strong communication skills, and the ability to handle challenging behaviors, which can contribute to stress levels. However, some find it rewarding and manageable with proper training and support from colleagues and supervisors.

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

AspectDirect SupportPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsOften requires specialized training or certifications in disability supportMay require basic caregiving or health-related certifications
Work EnvironmentSupports individuals with disabilities in homes, community settings, or facilitiesProvides personal care in private homes, healthcare facilities, or assisted living
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed by disability agencies, non-profits, or government programsHired by families, healthcare agencies, or assisted living facilities
Job FocusAssisting with daily living, community integration, and advocacyAssisting with personal hygiene, mobility, and daily routines

While both roles involve providing personal assistance, Direct Support typically encompasses a broader scope of supporting individuals with disabilities in various aspects of life, including advocacy and community engagement. Personal Care Assistants mainly focus on personal hygiene and daily living tasks. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Direct Support Professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Direct Support Professional, you need knowledge of personal care, client safety, and basic health support, often backed by a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Familiarity with care documentation systems and first aid/CPR certification is commonly required. Patience, empathy, and strong communication are crucial soft skills for building trust and supporting clients with diverse needs. These abilities are essential for ensuring client well-being, promoting independence, and maintaining a safe, supportive environment.

What are Direct Support professionals?

Direct Support professionals, also known as Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), are individuals who assist people with disabilities or special needs in their daily lives. They help clients with tasks such as personal care, medication management, transportation, and participation in community activities. DSPs play a vital role in promoting independence, dignity, and quality of life for the individuals they support. Their work may take place in group homes, private residences, or community settings.

How can I make 2000 a week working from home?

A Direct Support professional can increase earnings by working multiple shifts, gaining specialized certifications, or taking on additional clients. Building experience and offering flexible hours may help reach higher weekly income levels, but earning $2000 weekly typically requires multiple part-time roles or high-demand skills in the field.

What are some common challenges Direct Support Professionals face when supporting clients, and how can they be addressed?

Direct Support Professionals often encounter challenges such as communication barriers, managing behavioral issues, and adapting to each client's unique needs. Addressing these challenges involves ongoing training, strong teamwork, and utilizing person-centered approaches to build trust and rapport with clients. Regular communication with supervisors and colleagues also helps in finding effective strategies and sharing best practices for delivering high-quality support.

What is a direct support career?

A direct support career involves providing assistance to individuals with disabilities or special needs, helping them with daily activities, personal care, and community integration. These roles often require strong communication skills, patience, and may involve certifications such as CPR or first aid. Direct support professionals work in settings like homes, group homes, or community programs to promote independence and well-being.
What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Direct Support jobs? Cities in Rhode Island with the most Direct Support job openings:
Direct Support jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support job openings in Rhode Island as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,170 per year, or $15.9 per hour.
Direct Support Professional I

Direct Support Professional I

Seven Hills Foundation

North Smithfield, RI • On-site

$21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Seven Hills Foundation rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

52nd of 235 rated social care providers

Job description

Are you looking to make a difference and promote healthy and happy lives? Do you have a passion for working with individuals with disabilities and significant life challenges helping them to achieve their fullest potential? If so, consider joining us at Seven Hills Rhode Island where our CORE VALUES include Respect & Kindness, Integrity, Teamwork, Innovation, and Service to Others.

Pay: $21.00/hour

Sign-On Bonus: $500

Direct Support Professionals provide assistance to adults with varying disabilities living in one of our residential homes in the community.  In this role you will offer each person the maximum level of independence while ensuring that they are living a safe, healthy, and fulfilled life.  Community memberships through personal interests and beliefs are encouraged.  This position supports continued development of skills and abilities while respecting and celebrating the individuals’ culture, talents, and contributions. The goal is to provide each individual with a comfortable, safe home, keeping them closely connected to family members, friends, and their community.

Benefits for Full-Time Employees: 

  • Health and Dental Insurance: With generous company contribution
  • Generous Accrued Paid Vacation
  • Vacation Cash-Out Option
  • Paid Personal Days, Holidays and Sick Time
  • Enhanced Retirement Plan: With generous Employer match
  • Student Loan Assistance: Consolidation, counseling, & limited employer contribution
  • Tuition Assistance: Reimbursed or prepaid college coursework

*Benefits are based on position and scheduled hours


Direct Support Professionals are responsible for providing day-to-day services to our program participants. This includes assisting and teaching individuals with personal care and activities of daily living, so individuals always look and feel their best. In this position, you may also provide assistance and teach individuals with household maintenance, laundry, meal preparation, shopping, and budgeting while continually promoting independence. Direct Support Professionals may provide transportation and accompany individuals on appointments, using personal and agency vehicles.  Administering medications in accordance with residential guidelines is also required. This position works within a multidisciplinary team following all support plans, including behavior plans, and is responsible for accurate documentation.

Direct Support Professionals are provided a paid New Employee Orientation and receive training on CPR/First Aid, Safety Care, Defensive Driving, and Medication Administration. Comprehensive program-specific training at the work site is also provided.

  You can also see an overview of the amazing work our organization does with this video: 

https://vimeo.com/344648526

The mission of Seven Hills Foundation is to promote and encourage the empowerment of people with significant challenges so that each may pursue their highest possible degree of personal well-being and independence.


Required Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent
  • Valid Driver’s License & Good Driving Record
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Physical demands: sitting, pushing, pulling, carrying, grasping, speaking, listening, stooping, crouching, bending, standing, twisting, crawling, walking, and climbing. Requires a normal degree of flexibility; ability to walk, run or shuffle, kneel on one or two knees and then stand up; to utilize upper and lower body strength within weight restrictions; may be required to lift up to seventy-five (75) pounds or up to two hundred (200) pounds with assistance. Ability, with training, to perform appropriate physical restraint as needed.  

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Commitment to assisting people with varying disabilities to participate fully in their community and in their own lives.
  • Varied interests and personal connections in the local community.
  • Ability to work as a creative, engaged, dedicated member of your team.

What Seven Hills Foundation employees say

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