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Direct Service Professional Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Million Air

Line Service Professional

Richmond, VA

$16.25 - $18.75/hr

The Line Service Professional plays a vital role to our daily operations and will provide an elite ... and direct contact with both moving and non-moving aircraft. This position may be exposed to ...

Million Air

Line Service Professional

Richmond, VA · On-site

$17.50/hr

The Line Service Professional plays a vital role to our daily operations and will provide an elite ... and direct contact with both moving and non-moving aircraft. This position may be exposed to ...

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See Virginia salary details

$8

$16

$21

How much do direct service professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct service professional in Virginia is $16.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $18.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are direct service jobs?

Direct service jobs involve providing hands-on support and assistance to individuals or communities, often in settings like healthcare, social services, or education. These roles typically require strong communication skills, empathy, and sometimes certifications or training, and they focus on meeting clients' immediate needs.

What are some common challenges faced by Direct Service Professionals and how can they be addressed?

Direct Service Professionals often encounter challenges such as managing clients with complex behavioral needs, maintaining clear communication among team members, and balancing documentation requirements with hands-on support. To address these challenges, it's important to participate in regular training sessions, collaborate closely with supervisors and colleagues, and utilize available support resources. Building strong relationships with clients and fostering a positive, team-oriented environment also help make the role more rewarding and manageable.

Is a DSP job hard?

A Direct Service Professional (DSP) job can be physically and emotionally demanding, as it involves providing personal care, support, and supervision to individuals with disabilities. The role requires patience, strong communication skills, and the ability to handle challenging situations, often working flexible hours including evenings and weekends. Training and certifications are typically provided to ensure safety and effective care.

What are Direct Service Professionals?

Direct Service Professionals (DSPs) are caregivers who provide support and assistance to individuals with disabilities or special needs. They help clients with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication management, while also encouraging independence and inclusion in the community. DSPs often work in group homes, day programs, or clients’ own homes, and play a vital role in improving the quality of life for those they serve.

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

AspectDirect Service ProfessionalPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsOften requires CPR, First Aid, and sometimes specialized trainingMay require basic certifications like CPR, First Aid, but less specialized training
Work EnvironmentCommunity settings, group homes, residential facilitiesPrivate homes, individual client settings
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare, social services, non-profitsHome care agencies, private clients
Job FocusSupporting individuals with disabilities, mental health, or developmental needsAssisting with daily living activities for elderly or disabled clients

While both roles involve providing care and support, a Direct Service Professional typically works in community or facility settings with a focus on individuals with disabilities or mental health needs, often requiring specialized training. A Personal Care Assistant usually works in private homes, assisting with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and mobility, often with fewer certifications required.

What Is a Direct Support Professional Job Description?

A direct support professional works to assist people with disabilities. In this career, your job duties include helping people in a residential assisted living community; however, most direct support professionals work offsite in the homes or schools of support program participants. You need strong organizational and communication skills to deal with clients, their other caretakers, and their family members. Most employers expect you to document your experience with each client and note changes in behavior and progress toward developmental goals. Educational qualifications include a high school diploma and previous experience or on-the-job training.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A Direct Service Professional typically earns less than $4,000 per week; high-paying roles that do not require a degree are rare. Some skilled trades, sales positions, or entrepreneurial ventures can reach that level with experience and effort, but they often require specialized skills, certifications, or a strong network. Most jobs paying $4,000 weekly without a degree involve high risk, commission-based income, or self-employment.

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

To thrive as a Direct Service Professional, you need a foundational understanding of client care, basic health and safety, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with electronic documentation systems and CPR/First Aid certification are often required. Patience, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work collaboratively are crucial soft skills for building trust with clients and supporting their daily needs. These abilities are essential for providing quality care, ensuring client well-being, and fostering a supportive environment.

What qualifications do I need for a DSP job?

To qualify as a Direct Service Professional, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some roles may require CPR and first aid certification. Prior experience working with individuals with disabilities or in caregiving is often preferred, and strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for success in this role.
More about Direct Service Professional jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Direct Service jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Direct Service jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Direct Service Professional jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Direct Service Professional job openings:
Direct Service Professional jobs near you
Direct Service Professional-Intensive-New Horizons (Relief)

Direct Service Professional-Intensive-New Horizons (Relief)

New River Valley Community Services

Radford, VA • On-site

$17.89 - $20.57/hr

Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

New River Valley Community Services rating

3.6

Company rating: 3.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description


Do you enjoy helping people and wanting to make a difference? New River Valley Community Services' New Horizons is seeking a considerate hard-working Relief Direct Service Professional to provide mental health support to adults experiencing crisis. This direct service professional position would provide part-time coverage at New Horizons and work as a team with direct service professionals, clinicians, and on-site nurses. The Direct Service Professional would assist with client needs, provide phone support, complete/process client admission paperwork, manage client documentation, prepare client meals and maintain cleanliness within the facility as needed.
  • Experience working with individuals in a caregiving role is preferred.

Hourly-Rate Range:
$17.89- $20.57
Education Requirements:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
  • Associate's Degree is preferred.

Additional compensation will be considered for any new employees who speak multiple languages.

What New River Valley Community Services employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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