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Direct Support Professional Caregiver Jobs in Riverside, CA

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Mission Viejo, CA ยท On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Change Lives. Build Relationships. Make an Impact. Are You a ... This isn't just a caregiving position--it's an opportunity to empower individuals with intellectual ...

Direct Support Professional

Hemet, CA ยท On-site

$21 - $24/hr

A Direct Support Professional (DSP) is under the direct supervision and guidance of the Residential Home Administrator or current Lead Staff of their designated facility. A Direct Support ...

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Santa Ana, CA ยท On-site

$17.75 - $18.25/hr

Employer-Sponsored Life Insurance Direct Support Professional (DSP) Responsibilities: * Assist clients with personal care tasks, including bathing, grooming, and dressing * Help clients with ...

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NOW HIRING A DIRECT CARE STAFF MEMBER (Entry-Level) JOIN OUR TEAM - No experience or caregiver ... Team support, mentorship, and career growth opportunities Requirements: * Able to pass a background ...

Pay Rate: $17.11 Per Hour THRIVE AS A CAREGIVER AT SEVITA. EACH DAY, YOU'LL * Be proud of rewarding ... Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ...

Pay Rate: $17.11 Per Hour THRIVE AS A CAREGIVER AT SEVITA. EACH DAY, YOU'LL * Be proud of rewarding ... Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ...

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Direct Support Professional Caregiver information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$9

$16

$21

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

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional caregiver in Riverside, CA is $16.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a direct support professional caregiver?

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Caregivers are trained individuals who assist people with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities in their daily lives. They help clients with personal care, medication management, transportation, meal preparation, and participation in community activities. DSP Caregivers are essential for promoting independence, safety, and a higher quality of life for those they support. Their work often takes place in homes, group residences, or community settings, providing both practical and emotional support.

What challenges do direct support professional caregivers face and how can they be managed?

Direct Support Professional Caregivers often encounter challenges such as managing unpredictable behaviors, balancing multiple clients' needs, and maintaining clear boundaries while building supportive relationships. Effective communication, consistent routines, and ongoing training in de-escalation techniques are essential for managing these challenges. Many organizations also provide mentorship, teamwork, and regular check-ins to help staff navigate difficult situations and prevent burnout, fostering a supportive work environment.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a direct support professional caregiver?

To thrive as a Direct Support Professional Caregiver, you need a foundational understanding of personal care, support strategies for individuals with disabilities, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with documentation systems, basic medical equipment, and sometimes certifications like CPR/First Aid are typically required. Patience, strong communication, empathy, and problem-solving abilities are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure the safety, well-being, and empowerment of clients while maintaining effective and compassionate care.

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

AspectDirect Support Professional CaregiverPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsOften requires CPR, First Aid, and state-specific trainingMay require similar certifications, depending on state regulations
Work EnvironmentSupports individuals with disabilities in community or residential settingsProvides in-home assistance to elderly or disabled clients
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, healthcare providersHome healthcare agencies, private clients

Both roles involve assisting individuals with daily activities, but Direct Support Professional Caregivers typically work with people with disabilities in community or residential settings, while Personal Care Assistants mainly provide in-home support to elderly or disabled clients. The certifications and work environments overlap, but their focus and settings differ.

What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professional Caregiver jobs in Riverside, CA? For Direct Support Professional Caregiver jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional Caregiver jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional Caregiver jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Direct Support Professional Caregiver jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Direct Support Professional Caregiver job openings:
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional Caregiver job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,420 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

DSP (Direct Support Professional) / Caregiver

Dignity Living

Corona, CA โ€ข On-site

$16/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Qualifications:

Must be 18 years of age and have a minimum of six months of prior experience providing special services to developmentally disabled individuals and completion of 12 additional hours of continuing education within the first six months of employment. Experience in implementing individual program plans highly desirable.
  • DSP 1 & 2 (Preferred) We provide training if you are not certified.
  • CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention)
  • Health and criminal record clearance required.
  • Certified in Standard First Aid/CPR/AED or willingness to become certified prior to 30 days of employment.
  • Must possess a valid California Driver's License, and good driving record required.
Job Types:

*Full-time (4 days 10/12-hour shifts.)
*Part-time (3 days 10/12-hour shifts.)
Morning, Evening and Overnight
Benefits: After 90 days probations (Full Time)
  • Medical
  • Vision
  • Dental
  • Monthly Paid Staff Trainings to expand on your experience.