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Full Time Direct Support Professional Jobs in Springfield, MA

Direct Support Professional Qualifications & Skills Required: * PROOF a High School diploma/ Transcripts/ GED equivalent. * PROOF a valid driver's license and a social security card, birth ...

Direct Support Professional - Chicopee Hours: 35 hrs/week - Monday - Friday 8:30am - 3:30pm Salary: $21.50/hr Benefits: We offer generous Paid Time Off, including 11 Paid Holidays and Snow Days. We ...

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Positions require varying degrees of physical labor Being a Direct Support Professional Whole Life is seeking compassionate and dedicated Direct Support Professionals to join our team! DSP's are a ...

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Full Time Direct Support Professional information

See Springfield, MA salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do full time direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time direct support professional in Springfield, MA is $16.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.38 and $17.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a full time direct support professional?

Full Time Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are individuals who work directly with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, assisting them with daily living activities, personal care, and community involvement. DSPs help clients achieve greater independence and improve their quality of life by supporting them in areas such as communication, social skills, and personal growth. They often work in group homes, residential facilities, or clients' private residences, providing compassionate care and advocacy on a full-time basis.

What does a full time direct support professional do?

A typical day for a Full Time Direct Support Professional (DSP) involves providing hands-on support to individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities, assisting with daily living activities such as meal preparation, medication reminders, and personal care. DSPs often collaborate closely with other team members, including case managers, nurses, and therapists, to ensure coordinated care and support tailored to each client’s needs. Open communication and flexibility are essential since daily routines can change based on client schedules and needs. Building trusting relationships with clients and fostering a supportive environment are central to the role, making teamwork and empathy key to success.

Where do full time direct support professionals get paid the most?

Full time direct support professionals tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare and social services. States or areas with a strong presence of healthcare facilities, specialized care centers, or higher minimum wage laws often offer higher pay rates for this role. Experience, certifications, and working in urban or affluent areas can also influence salary levels.

Is being a full time direct support professional worth it?

Full time direct support professionals provide assistance to individuals with disabilities, often working in community or residential settings. The role offers stable employment, opportunities for skill development, and the chance to make a positive impact, though it may involve physically demanding tasks and irregular hours. Compensation varies by location and experience but generally includes benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a full time direct support professional?

To thrive as a Full Time Direct Support Professional, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong interpersonal skills, and experience in caregiving or working with individuals with disabilities. Familiarity with documentation systems, basic healthcare protocols, and optional certifications such as CPR/First Aid are valuable. Patience, empathy, reliability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills that enable positive relationships and support for clients. These skills ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of individuals receiving care, while also facilitating collaboration with families and colleagues.

What is the difference between Full Time Direct Support Professional vs Part Time Direct Support Professional?

AspectFull Time Direct Support ProfessionalPart Time Direct Support Professional
Work HoursTypically 30-40 hours per weekLess than 30 hours per week
CertificationsOften requires similar certifications (e.g., CPR, First Aid)Same certifications usually required
Work EnvironmentConsistent schedule, full-day shiftsFlexible, shorter shifts
Employer UsageCommon in full-service agencies and facilitiesUsed in part-time roles or supplemental positions

Full Time Direct Support Professionals work more hours per week, often with a consistent schedule, providing ongoing support. Part Time Direct Support Professionals work fewer hours, offering flexibility but less overall weekly support. Both roles typically require similar certifications and work in similar environments, but the commitment level differs.

How do you become a full time direct support professional?

To become a full-time direct support professional, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some roles may require certification in CPR and first aid. Relevant skills include communication, patience, and the ability to work flexible hours, often with on-the-job training provided by employers.
What are the most commonly searched types of Direct Support Professional jobs in Springfield, MA? The most popular types of Direct Support Professional jobs in Springfield, MA are:
What are popular job titles related to Full Time Direct Support Professional jobs in Springfield, MA? For Full Time Direct Support Professional jobs in Springfield, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Direct Support Professional jobs in Springfield, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Direct Support Professional jobs in Springfield, MA are:
What cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for Full Time Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Springfield, MA with the most Full Time Direct Support Professional job openings:
Infographic showing various Full Time Direct Support Professional job openings in Springfield, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,753 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Direct Support Professional (020-03temp)

Whole Life Inc.

Coventry, CT • On-site

$18.46/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

* Note about Temp Positions*

Temp Position Employees are permanent Whole Life employees, eligible for all benefits and accruals of regular staff, just hired under a temporary assignment that may not exceed 90 days. After 90 days, said temporary employee may choose another open position in the same location to request transfer to, find a position at a different Whole Life location, or choose to take a layoff/termination should no other open positions fit the life/needs of the employee.


Direct Support Professional

Qualifications & Skills

Required:

  • PROOF a High School diploma/ Transcripts/ GED equivalent.
  • PROOF a valid driver's license and a social security card, birth certificate, or passport.
  • All employees must pass a Background Check, DSS Abuse Registry Check, have a safe driving record. Post-hire, employees must pass a "Fit for Duty" physical and tuberculosis test within 30 days of hire.
  • Must be able to stand, move, twist, bend, kneel, reach, lift, and walk for the majority of your shift. Some positions require occasionally lifting up to 100lbs unassisted.
  • Must be able to document care given in English, and speak English with enough consistency to communicate with clients and co-workers verbally and written.

Preferred:

  • 1+ year experience in group homes, assisted living, or direct support
  • First Aid/CPR certification (willing to train)
  • Medication Administration Certification (wiling to train)
  • Experience with developmental disabilities, autism, TBI, Alzheimer's, dementia, or memory care
  • Strong observation, communication, and documentation skills
  • Positions require varying degrees of physical labor

Being a Direct Support Professional

Whole Life is seeking compassionate and dedicated Direct Support Professionals to join our team! DSP's are a vital component in providing comprehensive and individualized person-centered care to individuals with developmental, intellectual, and/or physical disabilities. This rewarding position focuses on enhancing the quality of life for our clients by supporting their activities of daily living (ADL's), promoting independence, and encouraging community integration. The role requires building trusting relationships with clients and their families, ensuring their safety, dignity, and well-being at all times. We help them maintain jobs, encourage community and recreational activities, and assist in daily functions such as grocery shopping, cooking, and light cleaning. We allow the people we serve to live better lives full of things to look forward to, personal choice, and pride. The Direct Support Professional collaborates closely with managers, providers and family members to effectively and consistently implement personalized care plans while contributing to client empowerment by assisting in the achievement of personal goals, leading to enriching and fulfilling lives.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and meal preparation
  • Administer medications, monitor vital signs, and support medical appointments
  • Ensure a clean, safe living environment through light housekeeping and laundry
  • Engage clients in social activities, community outings, and choice-making to promote independence
  • Use mobility equipment (e.g., Hoyer lifts) with proper techniques
  • Document daily activities, observations, and incidents accurately.
  • Maintain confidentiality per HIPAA regulations.
  • Implement individualized care plans

About Whole Life

For nearly 40 years, Whole Life has proudly served as a non-profit resource, support network, and lifeline for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Connecticut. Today, with 31 homes and programs statewide, our mission remains rooted in person-centered care—empowering each individual to build the supports they need to live a meaningful, fulfilling life where their hopes and dreams are truly within reach.

If you’re looking for work that is meaningful, dynamic, and a little bit challenging in the best way, you might be exactly who we’re looking for. Join us and train to become a Whole Life Direct Support Professional—make a difference every single day.

Benefits

Dental insurance* | Health insurance* | Paid orientation | Paid time off* | Paid training | 401K | Healthcare Pension

* - Depends on Employment Classification and ACA Eligibility

Notes: All Whole Life DSP Positions are covered by a Healthcare Union. All DSP Positions will receive CPR and PMT certifications through Whole Life upon attendance of Orientation. Within 6 months of hire, all employees are required to have obtained their Medication Administration Certification through DSS, sponsored by Whole Life. All Whole Life Employees are subject to a 6-month probationary period, including a probationary starting salary. The completion of probation comes with a salary increase and more flexibility of use regarding Sick time, PTO, leave requests, transfers, etc.

Join our team and build a meaningful career, making a difference! Apply today!


Weekly Hours


Weekly Schedule

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Posting ID


Weekly Hours
40
Weekly Schedule
Friday- 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday- OFF
Sunday- OFF
Monday- 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday- 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday- 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday- 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Posting ID
020-03temp