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Part Time Direct Support Professional Jobs in Worcester, MA

Join GAAMHA as a CBES Direct Support Professional Location: Leominster, MA - New Community-Based Enrichment Services (CBES) Program Are you ready to be part of something new and impactful? GAAMHA is ...

Join GAAMHA as a CBES Direct Support Professional Location: Leominster, MA - New Community-Based Enrichment Services (CBES) Program Are you ready to be part of something new and impactful? GAAMHA is ...

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Part Time Direct Support Professional information

See Worcester, MA salary details

$9

$16

$20

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

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for part time direct support professional in Worcester, MA is $16.25, 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 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 Worcester, MA?

The most popular types of Direct Support Professional jobs in Worcester, MA are:

What are popular job titles related to Part Time Direct Support Professional jobs in Worcester, MA?

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

What job categories do people searching Part Time Direct Support Professional jobs in Worcester, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Part Time Direct Support Professional jobs in Worcester, MA are:

What cities near Worcester, MA are hiring for Part Time Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities near Worcester, MA with the most Part Time Direct Support Professional job openings:

Infographic showing various Part Time Direct Support Professional job openings in Worcester, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,797 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

110-13 Direct Support Professional

Venture Community Services Inc

Southbridge, MA • On-site

$17.50 - $19/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Venture Community Services rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Type
Part-time
Description
The Direct Support Professional reports to the Residential House Manager (or the Assistant Residential House Manager in the absence of the Residential House Manager) and is responsible for the daily care, supervision and safety of developmentally disabled individuals in both the residential and community settings. Ensuring overnight awake coverage is alert and responsive to needs of individuals. Direct Support Professional will follow through on assignments set by the Residential House Manager and will be responsible for the day to day implementation of the Individual Support Plans and Behavioral Management Plans. This position will be compensated on an hourly basis.
Schedule: Sat 9a-11p
Part-Time: 14 Hours
PAY RATE: $17.50-$19.00 per hour. Paid training by Venture!
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Monitor individuals for health and safety.
  • Safely evacuate individuals from residence in the event of fire or disaster.
  • Physically assist individuals, as needed, in transfer and carries, both ambulatory and non-ambulatory.
  • Physically escort/restrain individuals during emergency situations or behavioral episodes
  • Physically assist individual, as needed, in bathing and personal hygiene tasks which may include lifts and support to individuals with body weights of 150 - 250 pounds.
  • Educate, supervise and monitor individual self-medication programs.
  • Educate and train individuals in goals and objectives specified in ISP and behavior plan.
  • Assist with medical appointments scheduling/transportation.
  • Educate and assist individuals with meal preparation and food shopping.
  • Educate and assist with individual finances, banking, receipts, purchasing and maintain records.
  • Educate, transport, accompany and provide supervision to individuals in/to their place of worship.
  • Maintain records and document daily data.
  • Responsible for daily housekeeping and cleaning of residence to include laundry, dishes, mopping, sweeping, snow shoveling, report repair and maintenance needs.
  • Overnight Awake staff will assume primary responsibility for cleaning common areas and bathrooms.
  • Overnight Asleep staff will be available for direct care duties for the morning routine.
  • If Overnight Asleep staff are required for assistance during the overnight hours they will be paid the Direct Care rate if they have not had (5) uninterrupted hours available for sleep.
  • Writing, evaluating and assessing individuals for programmatic planning.
  • Able to work a flexible schedule based on programmatic coverage, weekend, holidays, and program emergencies.
  • Implement Agency policies and procedures as defined in the Agency Policy and Procedure Manual.
  • Maintain confidentiality and positive demeanor while successfully juggling multiple priorities simultaneously.
  • Coordinate and assist with planning of leisure time.
  • Provide emergency coverage to include overnight.
  • Perform duties of individual advocacy
  • Assisting person's served during the end of life reflective of palliative care and Hospice based supports and services.
  • Ability to remain on duty after scheduled hours if you have not been relieved by oncoming staff.
  • Attend weekly staff meeting and participate both verbally and written.
  • Part Time Direct Support Professional is not required to attend staff meetings but must attend all mandatory training.

Direct Care staff will be assigned specific responsibilities which may include but are not limited to:
Advocate: All full time staff will have advocate responsibilities for one of the people living in the home.
  • Responsible for preparation of Advocate Agenda for staff meetings and lead discussion concerning the person.
  • Prepare all data and documentation for End of Month submission
  • Ensure all records are complete, neat and in proper order
  • Assure all medical, dental, personal, and social needs are met.

Safety Officer:
  • Perform safety check of home, van and grounds utilizing safety checklist and report at staff meeting.
  • Attend Safety Committee meetings quarterly.
  • Bring report back to safety meeting regarding general and seasonal safety issues.
  • Maintain ongoing focus on safety and best practice within the program.

Healthy Eating Officer:
  • Healthy Eating Officer's will comply with Agency standards set-forth in the Nutritional Healthy Eating Policy and Procedure, Agency training, any and all training materials utilized to support the policy and procedure, and all duties outlined in the Direct Care/Healthy Eating Officer job description.
  • Participate in 'Food for Health' training.
  • Prepare weekly menus in compliance with dietary orders/needs of the individuals.
  • Lead staff meeting discussions around healthy eating.
  • Take primary responsibility for preparing shopping lists and maintaining healthy pantry/freezer items in the house.
  • Role model healthy eating practices (i.e. meal preparation and demonstrations)

MARGINAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Other job related duties, as requested.
  • Handle related job duties in compliance with Agency policy.
  • Review weekly staff meeting notes and provide input into the meeting agenda.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Maintain First Aid, CPR, MAP & PABC certifications.
  • Complete Agency Orientation.
  • Insure the program maintains the standards outlined in the Department of Developmental Services, the agency Mission Statement, the Survey and Certification Tool, as well as requirements of Performance Based Objectives.
  • Obtain and maintain certification in Applied Non-Violence.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule based on programmatic coverage, weekend, holidays and program emergencies.
  • Will not engage in actions that jeopardize the care and safety of individuals at any time.
  • Ability to advocate and establish rapport with the disabled population, their families, co-workers and service providers.

Requirements
  • High School Degree or G.E.D.
  • Must be 21+ years old, have a valid driver's license, daily use of a car on site (preferred but not required) and be available by telephone for daily contact.

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