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$31K

$161.2K

$206K

How much do lead direct support jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead direct support in the United States is $161,189.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,000.00 and $205,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by lead direct support, and how are they typically addressed within a team setting?

Lead Direct Support professionals often encounter challenges such as balancing administrative duties with direct care responsibilities, managing diverse client needs, and supporting team members through complex situations. These challenges are typically addressed through regular team meetings, clear communication channels, and ongoing professional development. Collaboration with supervisors, therapists, and other support staff helps ensure that both client care and staff well-being are prioritized, fostering a supportive and effective work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead direct support?

To thrive as a Lead Direct Support Professional, you need experience in direct care, a strong understanding of developmental disabilities, and typically a high school diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with care documentation systems, behavior management tools, and medication administration procedures is often required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, leadership, and patience are crucial for mentoring staff and building trust with clients. These skills ensure effective support for individuals with special needs and foster a positive, compliant, and safe care environment.

What is the difference between Lead Direct Support vs Direct Support Professional?

AspectLead Direct SupportDirect Support Professional
CertificationsOften requires additional certifications or training in leadership and specialized careTypically requires basic caregiving certifications or training
Work EnvironmentSupervises team members, coordinates care plans, and manages schedulesProvides direct care and support to individuals with disabilities or needs
ResponsibilitiesLeadership, training, and overseeing daily activitiesAssisting with daily living activities and personal care

The main difference between Lead Direct Support and Direct Support Professional lies in their responsibilities and level of oversight. Lead Direct Support roles involve supervisory duties, team coordination, and leadership, while Direct Support Professionals focus on providing direct care and support to individuals. Both roles are essential in the caregiving industry, but the Lead position typically requires additional certifications and experience.

What is a lead direct support?

Lead Direct Support professionals are experienced caregivers who provide assistance to individuals with disabilities or special needs, often in residential or community settings. They not only deliver direct care, such as helping with daily living activities, but also supervise and mentor other support staff. Lead Direct Support professionals are responsible for ensuring high-quality care, maintaining documentation, and communicating with families or healthcare providers. Their leadership helps ensure that all clients receive consistent and compassionate support.
More about Lead Direct Support jobs
What job categories do people searching Lead Direct Support jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Direct Support jobs are:
Lead Direct Support jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead 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 $161,189 per year, or $77.5 per hour.

Lead Direct Support Professional

The Opportunity Tree

Phoenix, AZ

$16.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 hours ago

Posted today

Job description

Description

The Opportunity Tree Mission and Vision

To provide quality individualized services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in dynamic and innovative environments. The Opportunity Tree is committed to promoting the development of a society that fully embraces individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through inclusion, advocacy, and opportunities.



A $1,000 hiring bonus for new hires, paid after 12 full pay periods (approximately six months); other incentives for referring full or part time employees who are hired to work at The Opportunity Tree.


Benefits for Full-Time Employees:

  • Health Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • 401(k)
  • 11 Paid Holidays (full and part time; available immediately)
  • Paid Time Off (annual and sick leave; full and part employees; accured bi-weekly; use after 90 day)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (all employees)
  • Employee Referral Bonus (refer a full or part time employee to earn bonus after about three months)

Weekend Premium Rate: Hours worked on the weekend (Saturday and Sunday) includes a $1 per hour premium!


Lead Direct Support Professional Role:

The Lead Direct Support Professional-Residential supports and assists Members with developmental disabilities in developing/enhancing basic living and other life skills, promoting independence and individual choice.

  • Supervision of the Members' health, safety, and security to include assistance with Activities of Daily Living (eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, ambulation, and continence).
  • Coordinates the instruction and supervision of the Members in appropriate basic activities of daily living skills and recreational events in accordance with the Person-Centered Plan.
  • Encourage the Members to develop and maintain positive interpersonal skills.
  • Coordinate transportation, transport, and/or accompany according to their Person Center Plan.
  • Ensure proper medication procedures are followed for the Members.
  • Ensure physicians' orders are implemented correctly.
  • Responsible for developing/assisting to develop, implementing, documenting, and monitoring each Member's program.
  • Responsible for communicating progress and issues in a timely manner to the appropriate staff.
  • Responsible for planning and maintaining Member's and household accounts.
  • Responsible to maintain all other records/paperwork and submit documentation per assigned timelines.

Requirements

Lead Direct Support Professional Job Requirements

  • Minimum of 18 years of age.
  • Current driver license with Non-Restricted Motor Vehicle Record and compliance with the requirements of The Opportunity Tree's insurance carrier.
  • Fluent in English, both in speech and in writing, to communicate our mission clearly and warmly.
  • Experience: Preferred in the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) field.
  • Education: High school diploma or GED.
  • Knowledge: Beginner MS Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, web browsing.
  • Personal enthusiasm for providing services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • Positive attitude and ability to represent The Opportunity Tree effectively in the community. Ability to work collaboratively as a team member with Members, staff, families, funders and stakeholders.
  • Successful completion and maintenance of all required training which may include CPR, First Aid, and Prevention and Support.
  • Successfully meets AZ-DPS requirements for Fingerprint Clearance Card.
  • Reliable transportation and possible travel for The Opportunity Tree business.
  • Skills include but are not limited to knowledge of principles in staff interaction, task productivity, time management, problem identification, and resolution administration.

Work Environment:

  • Lift, carry, transfer minimum of 40 pounds.
  • Bend, kneel, and stoop.
  • Push, pull wheelchairs.
  • Reach, reach overhead.
  • Sit, stand, walkfor extended periods.
  • Finger/hand/wrist dexterity to eye.
  • This position is considered a "safety sensitive" position.


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