ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Direct Support Professional Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

ASG Home Care

Direct Support Professional

Mantua, NJ · On-site

$17 - $25/hr

Position Overview As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) with ASG Home Care, you will provide hands-on support that promotes independence, community engagement, and daily living success. As a Direct ...

ASG Home Care

Direct Support Professional

New Lisbon, NJ · On-site

$17 - $24/hr

Position Overview As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) with ASG Home Care, you will provide hands-on support that promotes independence, community engagement, and daily living success. As a Direct ...

Bancroft

Direct Support Professional

Woodstown, NJ

$19.61 - $20/hr

  • PTO

Direct Support Professional Location: Woodstown, NJ Employment Type: Onsite Department: Adult Residential Shift: 3rd (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday 11p-9a = 30 hours full time) Are you looking to build a ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDirect Support Professional JobsEntry Level Direct Support Professional JobsEntry Level Direct Support Professional Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Entry Level Direct Support Professional information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do entry level direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level direct support professional in Philadelphia, PA is $16.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.57 and $17.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Direct Support Professional vs Direct Support Professional?

AspectEntry Level Direct Support ProfessionalDirect Support Professional
CertificationsCPR/First Aid often required; training providedSame certifications typically required or preferred
Work EnvironmentAssisting individuals with disabilities in community or residential settingsSimilar settings, including homes, group homes, and community programs
Experience LevelEntry-level, minimal prior experience neededVaries; can include experienced roles, but often similar entry points
Job ResponsibilitiesSupporting daily activities, personal care, and community integrationSimilar responsibilities, with potential for increased complexity with experience

Both roles involve supporting individuals with disabilities in various settings, requiring similar certifications and responsibilities. The main difference is that the Entry Level Direct Support Professional is designed for those new to the field, focusing on foundational skills, while the Direct Support Professional can include more experienced workers or those with additional responsibilities.

What types of support and training can new entry level direct support professionals expect when starting this role?

New Entry Level Direct Support Professionals typically receive comprehensive onboarding that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training. This support covers essential topics such as safety protocols, communication strategies, and understanding the needs of individuals with disabilities. Many organizations also offer mentorship programs, ongoing supervision, and regular team meetings to provide guidance and ensure continuous professional development. This collaborative environment helps new hires feel confident and supported as they adapt to the role’s responsibilities.

What is an entry level direct support professional?

Entry Level Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are individuals who assist people with intellectual or developmental disabilities in their daily lives. They help clients with tasks such as personal care, meal preparation, medication management, and participating in community activities. The role focuses on promoting independence, safety, and quality of life for clients, often in residential or day program settings. Entry level DSPs typically receive on-the-job training and work under the supervision of more experienced staff or program coordinators.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level direct support professional?

To thrive as an Entry Level Direct Support Professional, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic caregiving knowledge, and a genuine interest in supporting individuals with disabilities. Familiarity with documentation systems, basic first aid/CPR certification, and training in crisis intervention are often required. Patience, strong communication, and compassion are crucial soft skills for building trust and providing effective support. These abilities ensure the safety, well-being, and empowerment of clients, while promoting a positive and supportive environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Direct Support Professional jobs in Philadelphia, PA?

The most popular types of Direct Support Professional jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:

Entry Level Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Direct Support Professional job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 45% Full Time, 49% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,179 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Direct Support Professional/Caregivers

Indian Creek Foundation

Souderton, PA • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

  1. Jobs
Direct Support Professional (DSP) /Caregiver
  • Jobs
  • Login
  • Souderton, PA, US
  • 19.00 per hour Hourly
  • Full Time or Part Time
  • $3000 Sign on Bonus !!
  • Employee Referral Bonus of $750
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Health Savings Account
  • 401k - starting Day 1
  • Holiday Pay
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Paid training, meaningful work, job satisfaction and much more!

Indian Creek Foundation in Souderton, PA is seeking to hire full-time and part-time entry-level Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) / Caregivers to provide compassionate care for adults and children with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities in our residential group homes.

Would you like to support individuals with disabilities to lead self-directed, meaningful lives?

Are you ready to really make a difference?

If so, read on about this rewarding part-time or full-time position!

We pay our entry-level Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) / Caregivers a NEW competitive wage of $19.00/hr and offer additional generous benefits.

Our benefits include:

  • medical, dental, vision, 401(k), free training,
  • paid holidays
  • $3000 sign on bonus for all new DSP's to Indian Creek Foundation

Enjoy appropriate casual dress and a friendly, supportive team environment. If you are looking for a rewarding career enhancing the lives of others, apply today!

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (DSP) / CAREGIVER

As an Direct Support Professional (DSP) / Caregiver, you provide hands-on care to individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities and help them to live as independently as possible. You assist with activities of daily living such as bathing, meal preparation, feeding, restroom assistance, and medication administration. Helping our residents feel at home, you create a warm, caring environment by assisting with housekeeping, laundry, and grocery shopping. You also enjoy accompanying them on local community outings.

You build strong relationships with each client and find success in their successes. And, you are sure to maintain accurate documentation of progress. By providing individualized attention, you are able to encourage each individual's ability to maintain the highest practical physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being.

With each client, you are sure to maintain their comfort, privacy, and dignity in the delivery of services.

This job may not always be easy, but you find the work of supporting people with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities to live amazing lives according to their own needs and desires extremely rewarding!

Experience:

*Previous experience working with adults who have developmental or intellectual disabilities is preferred.

  • Are you kind, calm, patient, and able to help clients through difficult situations?
  • Do you connect with people easily?
  • Are you a great communicator?
  • Can you provide compassionate and loving care?
  • Are you discreet with confidential information?
  • If so, you may be perfect for the Direct Support Professional (DSP) / Caregiver position!

QUALIFICATIONS!

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Valid driver's license and clean driving record for at least 3 years
  • Ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Report, physical exam/TB test and drug test
  • Must have reliable transportation to assigned location
  • Willingness to complete a criminal background check and a child abuse clearance
  • Physical ability to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs
  • Basic computer proficiency
  • Good documentation skills
  • Must have strong written, and verbal communication skills
  • Must attend employee orientation and complete 1 week of mandatory on site training from 9am - 4-5pm.

FULL-TIME WORK SCHEDULES:

All Residential Homes are located with 10-15 mile radius of Souderton, PA. These areas include and not limited to:

  • Hatfield
  • Lansdale
  • Souderton
  • Sellersville
  • Perkasie
  • Telford
  • Harleysville
  • Schwenksville
  • Salfordville
  • Quakertown

2nd shift:

  • Tuesday-Friday 2:30pm-11:00pm and Saturdays 9:00am-11:00pm OR
  • Sundays 9:00am-11:00pm amp; Monday-Thursday 2:30pm-11:00pm

3rd shift: (Experienced DSP's only)

  • Wednesday-Saturday 11:00pm-9:00am (awake amp; asleep) OR
  • Sunday-Wednesday 11:00pm-9:00am

PART-TIME

  • We also have limited part-time schedules available which involve working every Friday, Saturday amp; Sunday. Please inquire about current part time schedules that are subject to change at any time.

ARE YOU READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM?

If you feel that you would be right for this entry-level part-time or full-time position, PLEASE fill out our initial 1-minute, mobile-friendly application.

We look forward to speaking with you soon!

ABOUT INDIAN CREEK FOUNDATION

For over 40 years, Indian Creek Foundation has served Bucks and Montgomery area children and adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. By offering residential and community-based, vocational, and behavioral health services, we continue to grow and meet the changing needs of our community. It is our goal to ensure that all individuals feel safe and engaged in nurturing ways that will empower them to build meaningful relationships with others.

Indian Creek Foundation is a community of caring, compassionate people, who accept others' uniqueness as an essential part of our lives. We are dedicated to building meaningful relationships based on mutual respect, unconditional value, and caring interactions.

We value our employees as they are the backbone of our organization. That is why we offer competitive pay and excellent benefits.

Location: 18964

Home health aides

residential aides

DSP

Apply