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Lead Direct Support Jobs (NOW HIRING)

kencrest

Lead Direct Support Professional

Dover, DE · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

Join Our Team as a Lead Direct Support Professional (LDSP)! Location: Community Homes in the Dover Area Schedule: Full-time, 2nd Shift Are you passionate about helping others live full, independent ...

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$31K

$161.2K

$206K

How much do lead direct support jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Direct Support Professional, and why are they important?

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 are some common challenges faced by Lead Direct Support professionals, 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 Lead Direct Support professionals?

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.

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.

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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $161,189 per year, or $77.5 per hour.
LEAD DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

LEAD DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Resources for Human Development

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

$19 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Resources For Human Development rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Lead Direct Support Professional

FULL TIME

Dorseyville, PA

The Lead Direct Support Professional (LDSP) directly supports the Site Supervisor in maintaining program operations in accordance with industry, federal and local regulations and requirements. In addition to providing direct-care to consumers and performing the duties of the Direct Support Professional, this leadership position serves as a mentor to other Direct Support Professionals via modeling effective interpersonal interactions, developing creative strategies aimed at enhancing consumers’ independent living skills, and maintaining professionalism. The LDSP will perform responsibilities assigned by the Site Supervisor to ensure that quality services and operations are maintained. A commitment to the RHD values should be demonstrated as job duties are performed.

Responsibilities:

Staff Support

  • Works with Direct Support Professionals, management, internal departments, and additional stakeholders to ensure service implementation as stated in Individual Service Plans.
  • Mentor, trains, observes, monitors, and provides feedback to DSP’s regarding the implementation of the ISPs.

Direct Care

  • Develops and maintains organizational systems in assigned areas/homes based upon the support needs of the individuals as outlined in their ISPs and budget.
  • Provide service to consumers in accordance with all state, local and federal regulations.
  • Operations
  • Collaboration with management in preparation for the daily operation of the program.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications:

  • High School diploma or equivalent at a minimum; Associates or bachelor’s degree preferred.
  • Basic computer and internet literacy with the ability to utilize applications like emails, time recording and other programs to enter and retrieve data as necessary to perform the essential functions of the job.
  • Two years of experience working with individuals with IDD and/or Mental Health issues.
  • Understanding of trauma, trauma-informed care, and the creation of trauma-informed environments.
  • Valid driver’s license and clean driving record within the last 5 years.
  • Subject to employment clearances, including FBI clearance, if applicable.

About Company:

Apis Services, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Inperium, Inc.) provides a progressive platform for delivering Shared Services to Inperium and its Constellation of affiliate companies. Allowing these entities to advance their mission and vision. By exploring geographical program expansion and focusing on quality outcome measures to create cost savings that result in reinvestment into the organizations stakeholders through capacity creation and employee compensation betterment.

Apis Services, Inc. and affiliate’s provide equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment in compliance with all federal and all applicable state and local laws and regulations, including nondiscrimination in hiring and employment. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy/childbirth, veteran status or any other basis protected by law. This policy of non-discrimination and equal employment opportunities extends to every phase and aspect of hiring and employment.


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