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Direct Support Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kindly Direct Care

Direct Support Professional

Butler, NJ · On-site

$17 - $24/hr

Kindly Direct Care is looking for Direct Support Professionals who are Caring, Compassionate and Dependable team members to assist individuals with Developmental Disabilities. DSPs must be willing to ...

Royal Community Support

Direct Support Professionals

Fair Lawn, NJ · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Royal Community Support - Hackensack Branch Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Community-Based Support Are you passionate about helping others live meaningful, independent lives? Are you looking for ...

New

Kindly Direct Care

Direct Support Professional

Boonton, NJ · On-site

$17 - $24/hr

Kindly Direct Care is looking for Direct Support Professionals who are Caring, Compassionate and Dependable team members to assist individuals with Developmental Disabilities. DSPs must be willing to ...

Alora Supports

Direct Support Professional

Lincoln, NE

$20 - $22/hr

Alora Supports is hiring Part-Time Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), Caregivers, and Direct Care Workers to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in their ...

Kindly Direct Care

Direct Support Mentor

Parlin, NJ

$18 - $22/hr

Kindly is seeking compassionate, dependable, and energetic Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to provide one-on-one support an adult with ASD or another disability who enjoys staying active ...

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Direct Support information

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How much do direct support jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support in the United States is $16.28, 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 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.

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 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 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.

More about Direct Support jobs

What cities are hiring for Direct Support jobs?

Cities with the most Direct Support job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Direct Support jobs?

The most popular types of Direct Support jobs are:

What states have the most Direct Support jobs?

States with the most job openings for Direct Support jobs include:

Direct Support jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,871 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Direct Support Staff

Jade Enhanced Support Services (JESS)

Tustin, CA • On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Direct Support Staff 
Pay: $19.00 – $21.00/hour
Schedule: Full-Time or Part-Time
Location:  Orange County, CA – Client Homes and Community Settings 
Join a team that’s empowering individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities to live more independent, fulfilling lives!
At Jade Enhanced Support Services (JESS), we’re looking for compassionate, dependable Direct Support Staff to provide individualized support to clients in their homes and throughout the community.
Important Driving Requirement
This is a community-based position that requires regular driving and client transportation. Direct Support Staff must have reliable access to a personal vehicle and be comfortable transporting clients to appointments, errands, recreational activities, community outings, and other approved destinations as part of their assigned duties.
Applicants must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and active auto insurance.
What You’ll Do
  • Provide one-on-one support to clients in their homes and community settings.
  • Transport clients safely to appointments, errands, activities, and community outings.
  • Assist clients with daily living skills, including cooking, laundry, hygiene, money management, and transportation.
  • Teach, model, and encourage skills that promote greater independence.
  • Support clients with social, recreational, and community-based activities.
  • Provide behavioral support and respond calmly and professionally to challenging behaviors.
  • Implement approved behavioral support and non-violent crisis intervention strategies when necessary.
  • Maintain a safe environment for clients at home, in vehicles, and throughout the community.
  • Complete required documentation, case notes, and behavioral tracking.
  • Communicate professionally with clients, families, supervisors, and other members of the support team.
What We Offer
✅ Paid training and ongoing professional development
✅ Flexible scheduling options
✅ Supportive, team-focused work environment
✅ Meaningful work supporting individuals in achieving greater independence
What You’ll Need
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Experience in Supported Living Services (SLS) or a related caregiving/support role preferred.
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • Reliable personal vehicle in working condition.
  • Active auto insurance.
  • Ability and willingness to regularly drive and transport clients as part of assigned job duties.
  • CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain.
  • Negative TB clearance, or willingness to obtain.
  • Ability to successfully complete required background screening.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to approximately 10–15 pounds.
  • Ability to safely support clients in home and community settings.
If you’re dependable, patient, comfortable working independently in the community, and ready to make a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today to join Jade Enhanced Support Services!

JESS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.