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Disability Support Workers Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$15K/mo

... Workers to join our Explore Program team and provide exceptional support to clients within the community. As a Support Worker, you will play a crucial role in helping individuals with disabilities ...

Family Support Worker

Tampa, FL ยท On-site

$18/hr

Family Support Workers also supervise parent visits. * A typical day as a Family Support Worker ... Health, Dental, Vision, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability and Life insurance options * 401K Match

Family Support Worker

Maitland, FL ยท On-site

$15.74/hr

Family Support Workers also supervise parent visits. * A typical day as a Family Support Worker ... Health, Dental, Vision, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability and Life insurance options * 401K Match

Individual Support Worker (ISS)

Dayton, NJ ยท On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

... developmental disabilities while developing strong relationships with their families and collaborating professionals. Our Individual Support Workers travel to the homes of our children and ...

Direct Support Worker

Honolulu, HI ยท On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

... with disabilities and building communities of Aloha where everyone has the ability to live independent, fulfilling lives. Our Direct Support Workers promote the individual growth of program ...

... with disabilities and building communities of Aloha where everyone has the ability to live independent, fulfilling lives. Our Direct Support Workers promote the individual growth of program ...

Direct Support Worker

Waimea, HI ยท On-site

$17.50 - $21.25/hr

... with disabilities and building communities of Aloha where everyone has the ability to live independent, fulfilling lives. Our Direct Support Workers promote the individual growth of program ...

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Disability Support Workers information

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$8

$17

$24

How much do disability support workers jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for disability support workers in the United States is $17.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $19.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can I do if I can't walk?

Disability Support Workers can perform a variety of roles that do not require walking, such as providing assistance with daily activities, administering medication, or offering companionship. Many positions focus on communication, planning, and support tasks that can be done seated or with minimal mobility, often requiring relevant certifications or training.

What are the skills of a disability support worker?

Disability support workers need strong communication, empathy, and patience to assist individuals with diverse needs. They should have good problem-solving skills, be able to follow care plans, and often require certifications such as first aid or manual handling training. Physical stamina and the ability to work independently or as part of a team are also important.

What are Disability Support Workers?

Disability Support Workers are professionals who assist people with disabilities in their daily lives, helping them achieve greater independence and participate fully in their communities. Their duties often include personal care, assistance with household tasks, providing emotional support, and facilitating social and recreational activities. They work in various settings, such as private homes, group homes, and community centers. Disability Support Workers play a vital role in improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by promoting inclusion, choice, and dignity.

What is the best job for people with disabilities?

Disability Support Workers are well-suited for individuals with disabilities, as the role involves providing care, assistance, and support in various settings. Success in this job often requires good communication skills, patience, and relevant certifications or training. It offers flexible schedules and the opportunity to make a positive impact on clients' lives.

What are some typical challenges Disability Support Workers face when supporting clients with diverse needs?

Disability Support Workers often work with clients who have a wide range of physical, intellectual, or psychosocial disabilities, which can present unique and evolving challenges. Adapting communication styles, addressing behavioral concerns, and managing unpredictable situations are common aspects of the role. Building trust with clients and their families while maintaining professional boundaries requires empathy, patience, and resilience. Ongoing training and support from team leaders or allied health professionals help workers navigate these challenges and ensure high-quality care.

What is the difference between Disability Support Workers vs Personal Care Assistants?

AspectDisability Support WorkersPersonal Care Assistants
CredentialsCertifications in disability support, first aid, and sometimes specific trainingFirst aid, basic health care, and sometimes specific certifications
Work EnvironmentAssist individuals with disabilities in homes, community settings, or facilitiesProvide personal care in homes or healthcare settings
Employer & IndustryDisability services, community organizations, healthcare providersHome care agencies, healthcare providers, private clients

Disability Support Workers and Personal Care Assistants share similar credentials and work environments, often assisting clients in personal or community settings. However, Disability Support Workers typically have a broader role supporting individuals with disabilities in various aspects of daily life, while Personal Care Assistants focus mainly on personal hygiene and daily living tasks.

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

To thrive as a Disability Support Worker, you typically need a Certificate III or IV in Disability or Individual Support, a sound understanding of person-centered care, and knowledge of relevant health and safety protocols. Familiarity with assistive technologies, client management software, and first aid certification is often required. Compassion, patience, strong communication, and the ability to build trust are crucial soft skills for supporting clients' independence and well-being. These skills and qualifications are essential to provide effective, respectful, and safe support tailored to each individual's unique needs.

What qualifications do you need to work with people with disabilities?

Disability Support Workers typically need a relevant qualification such as a Certificate III in Individual Support or equivalent, along with good communication skills and a compassionate attitude. Some roles may require background checks, first aid certification, and knowledge of care plans or assistive technologies. Specific requirements can vary depending on the employer and jurisdiction.
More about Disability Support Workers jobs
What cities are hiring for Disability Support Workers jobs? Cities with the most Disability Support Workers job openings:
What states have the most Disability Support Workers jobs? States with the most job openings for Disability Support Workers jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Disability Support Workers jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Disability Support Workers jobs are:
Infographic showing various Disability Support Workers job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,962 per year, or $17.3 per hour.
Director of Disability Support Services

Director of Disability Support Services

Knox College

Galesburg, IL โ€ข On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Director of Disability Support Services (DSS)

Position Type: Full-time, 12-month Administration

Reports To: Provost and Dean of the Faculty

Job Description

The Director of Disability Support Services (DSS) provides strategic vision, leadership, and administrative oversight for all programs, services, and accommodations supporting students with disabilities. The Director ensures institutional compliance with federal and state mandates, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as amended.

As the primary champion for campus accessibility, the Director leads a dedicated team, manages the department budget, sets divisional goals, and collaborates across academic and student life sectors to foster an inclusive, equitable, and universally designed campus environment. The Director serves as the final institutional authority on complex accommodation determinations and represents the college on key committees.

Leadership & Administrative Responsibilities
  • Strategic Direction: Provide visionary leadership to set, implement, and evaluate the department's short- and long-term goals, aligning them with the institutionโ€™s retention and diversity missions.

  • Compliance & Policy Authority: Serve as the primary institutional expert on legal mandates (ADA, Section 504/508); develop, review, and enforce university-wide operational procedures, documentation guidelines, and legal compliance workflows.

  • Personnel Management: Supervise, mentor, and evaluate professional staff, including the Assistant Director. Oversee the recruitment and training of student workers and peer leaders.

  • Fiscal Oversight: Develop and manage the annual DSS departmental budget, allocating resources efficiently for assistive technologies, alternative formats, and testing services.

  • Assessment & Reporting: Oversee comprehensive data collection and student records management; analyze term-by-term engagement and retention metrics to draft institutional reports for executive leadership.

Institutional Collaboration & Advocacy
  • Academic Liaison: Partner with Academic Deans, Department Chairs, and faculty to integrate Universal Design for Learning (UDL) into curricula and resolve complex instructional or program modification concerns.

  • Campus Operations Alliance: Consult with Human Resources, Facilities, Dining Services, and Residential Life to ensure physical, digital, and structural campus environments are fully accessible.

  • Committee Leadership: Represent DSS interests on campus committees related to student retention, risk management, diversity/inclusion, and emergency response.

  • Community Education: Design and deliver campus-wide professional development, training workshops, and educational materials regarding neurodiversity, accessibility, and disability rights for faculty and staff.

Direct Student & Family Services
  • High-Level Case Management: Oversee the student intake workflow; directly manage a select, complex portfolio of student cases, or step in to resolve high-priority or emergent student, family, or faculty crises.

  • Appeals & Grievances: Review and issue final determinations on contested accommodation requests or student grievances regarding service delivery.

  • Enrollment Partnership: Collaborate with Admissions to lead outreach efforts for prospective families, presenting at major recruitment and orientation events (e.g., Open Houses, Admitted Student Days).




Required Qualifications
  • Education: Masterโ€™s degree in Higher Education Administration, Special Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, Social Work, Counseling Psychology, or a closely related field.

  • Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressive professional experience in disability services, vocational rehabilitation, or educational advocacy, with a clear focus on higher education settings.

  • Supervision: Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated experience directly supervising professional, full-time staff.

  • Expertise: Comprehensive, nuance-level knowledge of legal frameworks governing higher education accessibility (ADA, Section 504), adaptive technologies, and standard clinical documentation evaluation.

  • Commitment: A proven track record of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, with demonstrated success supporting students from diverse intersecting backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Education: Doctorate (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in Higher Education Leadership, Special Education, Counseling, or a related discipline.

  • Experience: 5+ years of administrative leadership in a higher education DSS office, including full budget ownership and systemic policy development.

  • Skills: Active engagement with national professional organizations (e.g., AHEAD) and advanced knowledge of digital/web accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1).




Application Procedure

To apply, please submit the following materials:

  1. Letter of Interest: A comprehensive cover letter outlining your leadership philosophy, administrative experience, and qualifications as they relate to the responsibilities described above.

  2. Resume/CV: An up-to-date professional curriculum vitae or resume detailing relevant employment history.

  3. References: Names, titles, and contact information for three confidential professional references (including at least one supervisor and one direct report, if applicable).