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Direct Support Jobs in Durham, NC (NOW HIRING)

Methodist Home For Children

Direct Support Staff

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$31K - $33K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Direct Support Staff (Transitional Living Home) Raleigh, NC Salary: $31,200+ annually, depending on education and experience Make a Difference in a Teen's Life Methodist Home for Children is seeking ...

aboundhealth

Direct Support Professional

Holly Springs, NC · On-site

$13 - $15.75/hr

Abound Health is hiring Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to provide caregiving and daily living support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). As a DSP, you will ...

New

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Holly Springs, NC · On-site

$13 - $15.75/hr

Direct Support: Provides direct support or assistance in accordance with individual service or program plans; assists with socialization and behavioral development, personal care, housekeeping ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Apex, NC · On-site

$11.50 - $14/hr

Direct Support: Provides direct support or assistance in accordance with individual service or program plans; assists with socialization and behavioral development, personal care, housekeeping ...

aboundhealth

Direct Support Professional

Holly Springs, NC · On-site

$13 - $15.75/hr

Abound Health is hiring Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to provide caregiving and daily living support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). As a DSP, you will ...

New

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Holly Springs, NC · On-site

$13 - $15.75/hr

Direct Support: Provides direct support or assistance in accordance with individual service or program plans; assists with socialization and behavioral development, personal care, housekeeping ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Apex, NC · On-site

$11.50 - $14/hr

Direct Support: Provides direct support or assistance in accordance with individual service or program plans; assists with socialization and behavioral development, personal care, housekeeping ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Apex, NC · On-site

$11.50 - $14/hr

Direct Support: Provides direct support or assistance in accordance with individual service or program plans; assists with socialization and behavioral development, personal care, housekeeping ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Apex, NC · On-site

$11.50 - $14/hr

Direct Support: Provides direct support or assistance in accordance with individual service or program plans; assists with socialization and behavioral development, personal care, housekeeping ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Apex, NC · On-site

$11.50 - $14/hr

Direct Support: Provides direct support or assistance in accordance with individual service or program plans; assists with socialization and behavioral development, personal care, housekeeping ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Direct Support: Provides direct support or assistance in accordance with individual service or program plans; assists with socialization and behavioral development, personal care, housekeeping ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Holly Springs, NC · On-site

$13 - $15.75/hr

Direct Support: Provides direct support or assistance in accordance with individual service or program plans; assists with socialization and behavioral development, personal care, housekeeping ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Cary, NC · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

Direct Support: Provides direct support or assistance in accordance with individual service or program plans; assists with socialization and behavioral development, personal care, housekeeping ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Direct Support: Provides direct support or assistance in accordance with individual service or program plans; assists with socialization and behavioral development, personal care, housekeeping ...

Serenity At Heart

Direct Support Professional-DSP

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides non-medical in-home support to clients requiring assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). This role plays a vital part in enhancing clients ...

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All JobsDirect Support JobsDirect Support Jobs in Durham, NC

Direct Support information

See Durham, NC salary details

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$15

$19

How much do direct support jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support in Durham, NC is $15.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $16.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 is a direct support professional?

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.

Is a degree needed to be a direct support professional?

A degree is not typically required to become a direct support professional, but many employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills such as communication, patience, and sometimes certification in CPR or first aid are often more important for this role.

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 and care 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 are the most commonly searched types of Direct Support jobs in Durham, NC?

The most popular types of Direct Support jobs in Durham, NC are:

What cities near Durham, NC are hiring for Direct Support jobs?

Cities near Durham, NC with the most Direct Support job openings:

Direct Support jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support job openings in Durham, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Full Time, 57% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,730 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Direct Support Staff

Methodist Home For Children

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$31K - $33K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Direct Support Staff (Transitional Living Home)

Raleigh, NC
Salary: $31,200+ annually, depending on education and experience

Make a Difference in a Teen's Life

Methodist Home for Children is seeking compassionate, dependable, and relationship-focused Direct Support Staff to join our Transitional Living Home team in Raleigh, NC. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy mentoring young people, teaching life skills, and helping adolescents build confidence as they prepare for adulthood.

What Is a Transitional Living Home?

Our Transitional Living Homes serve teens who are on probation and cannot safely return home following placement in a youth development center or other residential setting. Youth typically stay six to twelve months while working toward important goals such as:

  • Completing their education
  • Exploring career opportunities
  • Securing employment
  • Developing independent living skills
  • Learning budgeting and money management
  • Obtaining a driver's license
  • Building healthy relationships and life skills
What You'll Do

As a Direct Support Staff member, you will play a vital role in helping youth achieve stability, independence, and success. Responsibilities include:

  • Providing daily supervision, guidance, and support to adolescents
  • Building positive, professional relationships with youth
  • Implementing treatment and behavioral support plans using the agency's model of care
  • Teaching and reinforcing life skills such as cooking, budgeting, household management, and personal responsibility
  • Transporting youth to appointments, school, work, and community activities
  • Maintaining documentation and program records
  • Collaborating with families, volunteers, schools, and community partners
  • Creating a safe, structured, and supportive living environment
Schedule

This is a unique residential position that requires staff to live onsite while on shift. Staff typically work 3–4 consecutive days per week, providing continuity and consistency for the youth in our care. The schedule includes overnight responsibilities and may require working weekends and holidays as needed.

Qualifications
  • Must be at least 21 years of age
  • High School Diploma or GED required
  • Experience working with youth ages 11–17 preferred
  • Strong communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills
  • Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record
Benefits

Full-time employees are eligible for an excellent benefits package, including:

  • Paid Holidays
  • Vacation Leave
  • Sick Leave
  • Health Insurance
  • Health Care Flexible Spending Account
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
  • Life Insurance
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan
  • Credit Union Membership
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Equal Employment Opportunity

Methodist Home for Children is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

If you're passionate about mentoring youth and helping them develop the skills needed for independent living, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today!

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