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Residential Direct Support Professional Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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A direct support professional is a trained caregiver who works directly with individuals who live with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, helping them to lead fulfilling lives. A DSP ...

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As a Residential Direct Support Professional, you'll provide personalized care to individuals living in one of our group homes in Southeast Salem. Your goal is to engage with and be present for ...

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How much do residential direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for residential direct support professional in the United States is $17.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Residential Direct Support Professionals?

Residential Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are individuals who provide care, support, and supervision to people with disabilities in residential settings. They assist clients with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication management. DSPs also help foster independence, encourage social participation, and ensure the safety and well-being of those they support. Their role is crucial in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities.

What are some common challenges faced by Residential Direct Support Professionals, and how can they be managed?

Residential Direct Support Professionals often encounter challenges such as managing behavioral issues, balancing the needs of multiple clients, and maintaining clear communication with team members and families. To effectively manage these challenges, it's important to utilize de-escalation techniques, stay organized with thorough documentation, and participate in regular team meetings to ensure everyone is aligned on care plans. Continuous training and support from supervisors also play a key role in helping staff feel confident and prepared in their responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Residential Direct Support Professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Residential Direct Support Professional, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic caregiving knowledge, and a genuine commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities. Familiarity with documentation systems, medication administration, and CPR/First Aid certification are commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and reliability help build trusting relationships and respond effectively to clients' needs. These skills ensure safety, promote independence, and enhance the quality of life for the individuals being supported.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

Residential Direct Support Professionals typically do not earn $10,000 a month without additional certifications or experience. High-paying roles that can reach this level often include specialized trades, sales positions, or entrepreneurship, but these usually require skills, training, or licensing rather than a formal degree. Most jobs paying this much without a degree are rare and often involve commission, bonuses, or business ownership.

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

AspectResidential Direct Support ProfessionalPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, sometimes specialized certificationsCPR, First Aid often required
Work EnvironmentResidential facilities, group homes, community settingsPrivate homes, healthcare facilities, community settings
Job DutiesAssist individuals with daily living, medication management, skill developmentAssist with personal hygiene, mobility, daily tasks
Employer & IndustryHealthcare providers, social service agenciesHome healthcare agencies, private families

Both roles involve supporting individuals with daily needs, but Residential Direct Support Professionals typically work in group homes or community settings with a focus on skill development and medication management, while Personal Care Assistants often work in private homes assisting with personal hygiene and daily tasks. Certifications like CPR and First Aid are common for both roles.

More about Residential Direct Support Professional jobs
What cities are hiring for Residential Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities with the most Residential Direct Support Professional job openings:
What states have the most Residential Direct Support Professional jobs? States with the most job openings for Residential Direct Support Professional jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Residential Direct Support Professional jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Residential Direct Support Professional jobs are:
Infographic showing various Residential Direct Support Professional job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,357 per year, or $17 per hour.

Residential Direct Support Professional

Upper Valley Services

Randolph, VT โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Salary: $22.00

Are you a kind and patient person that wants to make a difference in peoples lives? Do you want to be part of an innovative team environment? If your answer is Yes, we want you to join our team and support people with a disability to live their best lives.


Upper Valley Services (UVS) is one of Vermonts designated non-profit agencies serving people with developmental disabilities and adults who are eligible for Adult Family Care.


We are seeking a Residential DSP to provide direct support services for individuals living in a residential home with disabilities. Support is provided through friendly interactions and following the individualized support agreement. We follow person-centered thinking and self-determinization.


Duties

  • Daily notes and Record Keeping
  • 24/7 eyes on supervision and support
  • Community support with shopping, recreational activities, social opportunities and volunteer work
  • Crisis intervention as needed
  • Monitor and Administer daily medications as prescribed
  • Personal Care
  • Meal preparation
  • Housekeeping
  • Transportation and support with medical appointments
  • Follow agency policies and procedures


Schedule

  • 24 hour shifts
  • Friday 4pm-Sunday 8am


Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities is a plus but willing to train the right person.
  • Valid Drivers License and clean driving record
  • Must be able to pass a background check


Benefits Include

  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Wellness Reimbursement
  • Auto Repair Program
  • Paid Time Off
  • Employee Assistance Program and so much more!!


Disclaimer:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee to perform this job. Nothing in this job description restricts managements right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment or change the employment-at-will status of the employment relationship for the employee or the Agency.

EEO Statement:

It is the policy of UVS to insure, in compliance with and to the limits of federal and state laws, that all employment decisions and actions are made without regard to religion, gender, race, color, national origin, ancestry, place of birth, age, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, veteran status, physical or mental disability, having a positive test result on an HIV related blood test or any other legally protected classification. If an individual with a disability requires a reasonable accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of his or her position or job for which he or she has applied, upon request, UVS will provide such accommodation in compliance with state and federal laws.