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Direct Support Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kindly Direct Care

Direct Support Professional

Chatham, 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 ...

Kindly Direct Care

Direct Support Professional

Oakland, 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 ...

Kindly Direct Care

Direct Support Professional

Oakland, 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 ...

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How much do direct support jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 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 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 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 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.

What is direct support in a job?

Direct support in a job refers to providing hands-on assistance to individuals with disabilities or special needs, helping them with daily activities, personal care, and community integration. This role often requires strong communication skills, patience, and sometimes certification in first aid or caregiving. The support worker collaborates closely with clients, families, and other professionals to promote independence and well-being.

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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,871 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Assurance Care & Support Services Inc

Elizabeth, NJ • On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Competitive salary
  • Flexible schedule

Responsibilities:
- Provide One on One direct support and assistance to individuals with disabilities or special needs
- Assist with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and grooming
- Help with meal preparation and feeding
- Perform light housekeeping tasks such as cleaning and laundry
- Provide transportation to appointments, errands, and community activities
- Monitor and document individuals' progress and behavior
- Assist with medication administration as needed
- Implement individualized care plans and follow specific instructions for each individual
Skills:
- Experience in home care or senior care is preferred
- Knowledge of meal preparation and nutrition guidelines
- Ability to provide direct support to individuals with disabilities or special needs
- Familiarity with dementia care techniques and strategies
- First aid and CPR certification is a plus
- Ability to take vital signs and monitor health status of individuals
- Strong communication skills to effectively interact with individuals, their families, and other healthcare professionals
Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may be requested to perform other duties as assigned.
Please submit your resume highlighting your relevant experience in direct support or caregiving roles. We look forward to reviewing your application!