ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lead Direct Support Jobs (NOW HIRING)

kencrest

Lead Direct Support Professional

Dover, DE

$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 ...

Resources for Human Development

$19.25/hr

Lead Direct Support Professional Job Type: Full Time Job Location: Zionsville, PA Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday 7a-3p Position Summary The Lead Direct Support Professional (LDSP) directly supports the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLead Direct Support Jobs

Lead Direct Support information

See salary details

$31K

$161.2K

$206K

How much do lead direct support jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 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 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 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 the pros and cons of being a DSP?

A Lead Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides assistance to individuals with disabilities, offering daily care and support. Pros include meaningful work, developing interpersonal skills, and flexible schedules; cons involve physically demanding tasks, emotional stress, and sometimes low pay. The role often requires patience, communication skills, and certification in CPR or first aid.

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 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 jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Lead Direct Support roles typically do not pay $4,000 a week without specialized experience or certifications. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include skilled trades like commercial driving, sales positions, or entrepreneurship, but these usually require relevant skills, licenses, or significant experience. Most roles paying this amount consistently without a degree are rare and often involve high responsibility or commission-based earnings.

How can I make $2000 a week working from home?

A Lead Direct Support role can potentially pay $2000 or more weekly if it involves full-time hours, specialized skills, and experience. Achieving this income may require working additional shifts, taking on multiple clients, or earning overtime, depending on the employer's pay structure and your qualifications. Developing strong communication, organizational skills, and familiarity with relevant tools can help increase earning potential in remote support positions.

What does a lead Direct Support Professional do?

A lead Direct Support Professional (DSP) supervises and assists individuals with disabilities or special needs, providing personal care, support with daily activities, and implementing care plans. They often coordinate team efforts, document progress, and ensure safety, requiring strong communication skills and relevant certifications. The role typically involves working in community or residential settings and may include training or mentoring other DSPs.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 5% 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

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

$19/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Resources For Human Development rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Title: Lead Direct Support Professional (DSP)


Employment Type: Full-Time


About Us:

Job Summary:

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.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Support clients in daily living activities, including personal care, meal preparation, and household management.
  • Foster a positive and respectful relationship with clients while promoting their independence and personal choices.
  • Assist clients in developing skills for everyday living and participate in social and recreational activities.
  • Document client progress and maintain accurate records of care and support provided.
  • Communicate effectively with clients, families, and other team members to ensure coordinated care.
  • 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.

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent; further education in a related field is a plus.
  • Minimal one year of experience working with person with disabilities or mental illness.
  • Must be at least 21 years of age.
  • Compassionate and patient demeanor with a genuine desire to help others.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Supervisory experience preferred.
  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation (if required for the position).
  • CPR and First Aid certification (or willing to obtain).

Why Join Us?

  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Tapcheck program- Employer-provided benefit
  • Opportunities for professional development and advancement.
  • A supportive and caring work environment.
  • The chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.


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.

What Resources For Human Development employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom