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Part Time Direct Support Professional Jobs in Rhode Island

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Part Time Direct Support Professional information

What is a part time direct support professional?

Part Time Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are caregivers who assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their daily lives. Working part time, they help clients with personal care, daily activities, medication management, and community involvement. DSPs also provide emotional support and help promote independence, ensuring a safe and supportive environment. Their schedules are flexible, often including evenings and weekends, making this role ideal for those seeking fulfilling work with flexible hours.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a part time direct support professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Part Time Direct Support Professional, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic caregiving skills, and an understanding of developmental disabilities. Familiarity with individual service plans (ISPs), documentation software, and CPR/First Aid certification is often required. Patience, strong communication, and empathy are crucial soft skills for building trust and supporting clients’ independence. These competencies ensure the safety, well-being, and personal growth of individuals receiving care, while maintaining compliance with organizational and legal standards.

What are some common challenges faced by part time direct support professionals, and how can they be managed?

Part-time Direct Support Professionals often face challenges such as adapting to varying client needs, maintaining consistency in support with limited hours, and coordinating effectively with full-time staff. To manage these, it's important to communicate regularly with the team, stay updated on individual care plans, and be proactive in seeking clarification on responsibilities. Building strong relationships with both clients and colleagues helps ensure seamless support and a positive work environment.

What is the difference between Part Time Direct Support Professional vs Part Time Personal Care Assistant?

AspectPart Time Direct Support ProfessionalPart Time Personal Care Assistant
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, sometimes DSP certificationCPR, First Aid often required
Work EnvironmentSupporting individuals with disabilities in community or residential settingsAssisting individuals with daily living activities, often in private homes or facilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, healthcare providersHome care agencies, healthcare providers

Both roles involve providing personal support, but Direct Support Professionals typically work with individuals with disabilities in various settings, focusing on independence and community integration. Personal Care Assistants mainly assist with daily living tasks in private or home settings. While certifications overlap, DSPs often require additional training related to disabilities. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Is being a part time direct support professional a stressful job?

Part-time direct support professionals often work in challenging environments that require patience, strong communication skills, and the ability to handle emergencies. The job can be stressful due to the responsibility of supporting individuals with disabilities or special needs, but workload and stress levels vary depending on the setting and individual circumstances.

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

Part 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 focus on healthcare, social services, or specialized support programs often offer higher pay rates for these roles. Compensation can also vary based on certifications, experience, and the specific employer or organization.

What are the most commonly searched types of Direct Support Professional jobs in Rhode Island?

The most popular types of Direct Support Professional jobs in Rhode Island are:

What are popular job titles related to Part Time Direct Support Professional jobs in Rhode Island?

For Part Time Direct Support Professional jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Part Time Direct Support Professional jobs in Rhode Island look for?

The top searched job categories for Part Time Direct Support Professional jobs in Rhode Island are:

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Part Time Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Part Time Direct Support Professional job openings:

Part Time Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Part Time Direct Support Professional job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 19% Full Time, and 81% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Direct Support Professional

The Arc of Bristol County dba proAbility

Smithfield, RI • On-site

$20.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Position: Direct Support Professional
Department: RI Community Supports
Schedule: Various Per Diem, Part-Time, and Full-Time Schedules Available
Pay Rate: $20.50/hour
About Us
The Arc of Bristol County provides innovative services and programs that empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live their best lives. Through advocacy, community partnerships, and exceptional support, we promote growth, inclusion, and innovation for people of all abilities.
Benefits*:
  • Voluntary Retirement 403(b)
  • Life Insurance
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental and Vision Insurance
  • FSA (Flexible Spending Account)
  • Pet Insurance
  • Mileage Reimbursement

The Direct Support Professional to provides one-on-one support and care to individuals with developmental/intellectual disabilities (IDD) in community settings. As a Direct Support Professional, you will assist individuals in achieving personal goals, building independent living skills, enhancing social connections, and participating in community activities. Effective time management and communication skills are essential.
Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent required; Associates or Bachelor's Degree in Human Services or related field/one year experience working with people with disabilities and their families preferred
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Possession of a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of valid insurance and car registration
  • Ability to successfully pass criminal background checks
Job Responsibilities
  • Provide one-on-one direct support and care to individuals with IDD in community settings
  • Utilize a person-centered approach to support individuals in developing and achieving their unique personal goals, which may include facilitating participation in community activities, building independent living skills, enhancing social connections, and achieving other goals important to the individual
  • Support individuals in building and maintaining social connections by facilitating opportunities for socialization with peers, family, and community members
  • Maintain regular communication with individuals, their families, and other support staff to ensure the continuity and quality of care provided
  • Accurately and thoroughly document all services provided in accordance with organizational policies and procedures
  • Create and maintain a community network through community mapping to identify and access resources that promote the individual's growth and development
  • Ability to provide compassionate care and support to individuals with IDD, while respecting their individuality and promoting their independence
  • Provide personal care, including all ADLs, to ensure individuals' well-being and comfort.

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities, we invite you to apply today and join our dedicated team at The Arc of Bristol County!

*Benefits eligibility is based on full-time hours.

Employment compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
The physical demands of this position are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee is regularly required to use hands in order to handle or feel objects, tools and controls; reach with hands or arms, stoop, kneel, talk, and hear. The employee is required to stand, walk, sit, and occasionally be required to lift/transfer up to 50/70 lbs. alone or occasionally up to 200lbs with the assistance of other staff. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

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