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Direct Support Dsp Jobs in Federal Way, WA (NOW HIRING)

ARC - KING COUNTY

Direct Support Professional

Seatac, WA · On-site

$21.50/hr

POSITION DESCRIPTION The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a non supervisory position with the ... The DSP is responsible for daily implementation of client service plans including required ...

PARKVIEW SERVICES

Direct Support Professional

Seattle, WA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

New DSP's will complete 75+ hours of training which will include: Orientation & Safety, Core Basic ... Direct Support Staff with then be required to complete 12 hours of continuing education annually.

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Direct Support Dsp information

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How much do direct support dsp jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support dsp in Federal Way, WA is $18.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $19.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a direct support DSP?

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are caregivers who assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their daily lives. They help clients with tasks such as personal care, medication management, transportation, and community involvement, aiming to promote independence and improve quality of life. DSPs work in a variety of settings, including private homes, group homes, and day programs. The role requires patience, compassion, and strong communication skills, as DSPs often advocate for their clients’ needs and preferences. Their work is essential in supporting people to live as independently as possible.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a direct support DSP?

To thrive as a 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 protocols, and safety procedures is often required, along with relevant certifications such as CPR/First Aid. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, empathy, and the ability to advocate for clients are essential soft skills in this role. These skills ensure that DSPs can provide safe, respectful, and effective support, promoting the well-being and independence of those they serve.

What are some common challenges direct support DSPs face when supporting individuals with disabilities, and how can they effectively manage them?

Direct Support Professionals often encounter challenges such as managing behavioral crises, communicating with nonverbal individuals, and balancing the diverse needs of those they support. Effectively handling these situations requires patience, strong communication skills, and ongoing training in de-escalation techniques. Building trust and maintaining a consistent routine can help reduce stress for both the DSP and the individuals in their care. It’s also important to collaborate closely with team members, supervisors, and family members to develop personalized support strategies.

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

AspectDirect Support DspPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, sometimes specialized trainingCPR, First Aid often required
Work EnvironmentAssisting individuals with disabilities in homes, community settingsProviding personal care in homes, healthcare facilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, healthcare agencies, government programsHome health agencies, private clients
Job FocusSupporting independence, assisting with daily activitiesPersonal care, hygiene, mobility assistance

Both roles involve providing care and support, often requiring similar certifications. However, Direct Support Dsp typically works with individuals with disabilities in various settings, focusing on promoting independence, while Personal Care Assistants mainly provide personal hygiene and daily living assistance in home or healthcare environments.

Are direct support DSP jobs hard to get?

Direct Support Professional (DSP) jobs are generally accessible but can be competitive depending on the location and employer. Requirements often include a high school diploma or equivalent, background checks, and sometimes certification in CPR or first aid, which can influence the ease of hiring. Experience working with individuals with disabilities can also improve chances of securing a position.

Is being a direct support DSP a stressful job?

Being a direct support DSP can be stressful due to the physical and emotional demands of assisting individuals with disabilities, managing challenging behaviors, and maintaining safety. The job often requires patience, strong communication skills, and the ability to handle unpredictable situations, which can contribute to stress levels. However, some find it rewarding and develop coping strategies over time.

Where do direct support professionals get paid the most?

Direct Support Professionals tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare and social services, such as certain metropolitan areas. Salaries can also vary based on experience, certifications, and the specific employer, with some states or cities offering premium pay for specialized skills or overtime work.

What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Dsp jobs in Federal Way, WA?

For Direct Support Dsp jobs in Federal Way, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Direct Support Dsp jobs in Federal Way, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Dsp jobs in Federal Way, WA are:

Direct Support Dsp jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Dsp job openings in Federal Way, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, and 24% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,825 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - General Application

Seatac, WA • On-site

ARC - KING COUNTY
See more jobs at ARC - KING COUNTYexternal

$21.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

THE ARC OF KING COUNTYS MISSION

The Arc of King County promotes and protects the human and civil rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), actively supporting their full inclusion so that they can live, learn, work and play in their community making the world a better place for us all.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a non supervisory position with the primary function of supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in their homes and communities throughout King County. The DSP is responsible for daily implementation of client service plans including required documentation.

ORGANIZATIONAL REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Department: Supported Living Program

Supervisor: Supported Living Program Coordinator

Other key relationships: Senior Lead DSP, Lead DSP

JOB SUMMARY

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides one to one support to participants within our Supported Living Program (SLP) that fosters inclusion and independence. The DSP is responsible for daily notations and other required documentation. The support that they provide should be reflective of The Arc of King County’s mission, the Residential Guidelines, and the Washington Administrative Codes (WAC). The DSP will meaningfully advocate on behalf of participants on various levels.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Assist participants with community inclusion and social integration.
  •  Attend appointments with participants (medial, housing, Individual Service Plans [ISPs]).
  • Complete quarterly safety logs. • Assist participant in setting and meeting goals and meeting ISP objectives.
  • Assist participant with housing reviews and finding housing.
  • Complete required documentation and daily narratives.
  •  Assist participants in managing their finances as directed by their Independent Financial Plan (IFP).
  • Assists participant with home support (cleaning, cooking, shopping, etc.).
  • Assists participant with goals and approaches as directed by medical professionals.
  • Performs Delegated Medication administration as needed.
  •  Assist participant with personal care tasks as needed.
  •  Provide the Human Resources (HR) Department with state required documentation of training and certifications to maintain employment as a DSP.
  • Accurately document participant appointments in Therap. 
  • Strategize and collaborate with SLP Leads in meeting participant support needs.
  •  Assist with orientation of new staff by being an exemplary example and providing information relevant to participant supports to new staff during the shadowing phase.

The above is not a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the position. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time as deemed necessary.

PHYSICAL AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

  • Driver license or ability to navigate public transportation.
  • Ability and willingness to work at locations throughout the King County region.
  • Ability to work flexible hours and days is required.
  • Must pass a criminal background check.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

This is an hourly non exempt position with the opportunity to work fulltime or parttime. Benefits available to employees per the rules of each benefit.

Qualifications

Education

  • High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Effective communication skills to provide feedback to all levels of management.
  • Experience and basic understanding of MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and Therap.
  • Ability to effectively work both independently and with the Coordinator Team and the Health Advocate Professional.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to analyze data and provide recommendations.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse economic, ethnic and social backgrounds.
  • Ability to prioritize work and or to ask for support in doing so from Supervisors and Coordinator.

OR a combination of education, experience and measurable performance which demonstrates the capability to perform the duties of this position.

Apply