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Direct Support Professional Dsp Jobs in Springfield, VA

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - $21.53/hour Make a Difference. Build a Career. Change Lives. Join Chimes , a mission-driven nonprofit where compassion meets purpose. As a Direct Support ...

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Direct Support Professional Dsp information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$10

$17

$21

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

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional dsp in Springfield, VA is $17.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $18.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can I get with a direct support professional certification?

A direct support professional (DSP) certification qualifies individuals for roles providing assistance to people with disabilities, including positions such as residential support staff, community habilitation workers, and behavioral support specialists. These jobs typically involve working in group homes, community agencies, or healthcare settings and often require skills in communication, caregiving, and behavior management.

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

AspectDirect Support Professional DspPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsOften requires CPR, First Aid, and state-specific trainingMay require similar certifications, but less frequently mandated
Work EnvironmentSupports individuals with disabilities in community or residential settingsProvides personal care in private homes or healthcare facilities
Employer & IndustryHuman services agencies, non-profits, government programsHome healthcare agencies, private clients

Both roles involve assisting individuals with daily activities, but Direct Support Professionals typically work with people with disabilities in community or residential settings, requiring specific certifications. Personal Care Assistants often work in private homes, focusing on personal hygiene and daily living tasks, with slightly different certification requirements. Understanding these differences helps clarify job expectations and career paths in the caregiving industry.

What is a direct support professional (DSP)?

A Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a caregiver who assists individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their daily lives. DSPs help with personal care, skill development, community involvement, and fostering independence. Their work may include assisting with bathing, meal preparation, transportation, and providing emotional support. DSPs play a vital role in ensuring the safety, well-being, and quality of life for those they support.

Is a direct support professional a good career?

A direct support professional (DSP) provides assistance to individuals with disabilities, often working in community or residential settings. It offers opportunities for meaningful work, skill development, and job stability, especially with certifications like CPR and first aid. The role typically involves flexible hours and requires strong communication and patience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a direct support professional (DSP), and why are they important?

To thrive as a Direct Support Professional, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic caregiving knowledge, and an understanding of developmental disabilities. Familiarity with documentation systems, medication administration, and CPR/First Aid certifications are often required. Compassion, patience, strong communication, and problem-solving abilities distinguish exceptional DSPs. These skills ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of individuals receiving support, fostering a positive and empowering environment.

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. Factors like experience, certifications, and the specific employer also influence pay rates, with some states or cities offering premium wages for experienced DSPs. Overall, salaries vary widely based on location and qualifications, but urban centers often provide higher compensation.

What are some common challenges faced by direct support professionals (DSPs) and how can they be managed?

Direct Support Professionals often encounter challenges such as managing unpredictable behaviors, balancing the needs of multiple clients, and maintaining clear communication with both clients and their families. Building strong relationships, utilizing de-escalation techniques, and participating in ongoing training can help DSPs navigate these situations effectively. Team collaboration and regular support from supervisors also play a vital role in overcoming daily hurdles and ensuring high-quality care.
What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professional Dsp jobs in Springfield, VA? For Direct Support Professional Dsp jobs in Springfield, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional Dsp jobs in Springfield, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional Dsp jobs in Springfield, VA are:
What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Direct Support Professional Dsp jobs? Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Direct Support Professional Dsp job openings:
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional Dsp job openings in Springfield, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,379 per year, or $17 per hour.

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

ServiceSource

Chantilly, VA โ€ข On-site

$19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Make an impact by joining ServiceSource, a champion for people with disabilities. Explore new opportunities! ServiceSource is an organization of talented people who drive innovation, embrace change, and strengthen communities.
Join Our Team!
ServiceSource is proudly hiring a compassionate and skilled Direct Support Professionals for our Adult Day Support Programs for adults with developmental disabilities!
ServiceSource has been building partnerships and providing services for adults with developmental disabilities in Northern Virginia for over 50 years. We continue to be a an employer of choice by offering:
  • Great Pay! Position starts at $19/hr
  • Work-Life Balance: 8-hour day shifts, Monday - Friday; NO Evenings or Weekends! Three (3) weeks of Paid Time-Off; eleven (11) paid Federal holidays
  • Career Growth: Established internal upward mobility opportunities, Tuition Reimbursement, $500 annual Wellness and Personal Development Program
  • Other Benefits: a generous Health/Vision/Dental plan with eligibility of earning up to $680 in health and wellness incentives, Retirement Planning and gifted matching in a 403b, 100% Paid Company Life and AD&D insurance, and much more!

Job Summary
This position is responsible for creating, leading, and supporting assigned participants in their daily programming in the areas of academic, social, life and leisure skills as well as recreational activities. Assist in the development and implementation of Personal Centered Individual Service Plans (ISP), including but not limited to social, community inclusion, communication, behavior, and skill development. Ensure compliance with all State and Federal regulatory guidelines, including Medicaid, Licensure, and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), as well as other funding sources and company policies and procedures.
Primary Duties
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. These duties and responsibilities will be rated on the Annual Performance Review.
  • Provide active engagement and support for all individuals assigned, including but not limited to community integration and inclusion, training, leisure, communication, mobility, behavior, personal care (feeding), bus loading and unloading, medication, safety and risk management.
  • Provide input and implement Person Centered Plans (PCP) outcomes, support activities, and protocols as written in order to ensure a safe and healthy environment, proper documentation, and progress. Provide and maintain accurate information and documentation for the PCP, quarterly reports, and daily notes.
  • Responsible for a safe, clean, and orderly environment. Immediately report any unsafe conditions, medical concerns to the Program Manager or designee. Follow established written protocols and plans. Report any allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation according to ServiceSource policies and procedures. Complete incident reports and adhere to health and safety regulations.
  • Ensure and maintain accurate records and documentation per the PCP, regulatory and company standards. Inform the Program Manager or designee of missing or inaccurate information immediately.
  • Communicate with family members, guardians, authorized representatives, residential providers and support coordinators regarding participant's illness, incidents, and progress at the direction of the Program Manager or designee. Keep team members apprised of any concerns.

Additional Responsibilities
  • Maintain participant records, daily notes, quarterly reports, per Medicaid, Licensure, and CARF standards.
  • Participate and/or provide input for the PCP process (plan, quarterlies, daily notes) and work in conjunction with the team in the implementation, monitoring and review of the individual's written plan.
  • Utilize appropriate behavior intervention techniques, proper lifting, feeding, and transferring techniques as written.
  • Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications: Education, Experience, and Certification(s)
  • Required: High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED)
  • Required: Minimum one (1) year of experience working with adults with developmental disabilities or working in a related field.
  • Must pass the State of Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) fingerprinting and criminal background check.
  • Must pass the ODD (Orientation to Developmental Disabilities) assessment and competencies.
  • Employees who drive individuals in the community must possess a current and valid driver's license. Eligible drivers must have a good motor vehicle record (MVR). Driving requirements vary by site.
  • If eligible to drive, must pass the online driving training within 15 days of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Physical ability to support participants with personal care (feeding, toileting, transferring, etc.).
  • Ability to relate well to people at all levels of an organization.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office skills, and the ability to become familiar with corporate specific programs and software.
  • Ability to solve practical problems and adapt to new information and guidance quickly.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Detail-oriented and able to carry out work with the highest levels of accuracy.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Knowledge of behavior intervention principles.
  • Knowledge of community resources.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk and sit. The employee may occasionally lift or move products and supplies, up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. Occasional exposure to outside weather conditions.
What We Offer - for Benefit Eligible Employees May Include:
Because ServiceSource hires the best people, we work hard to provide benefits that make their lives better, so we offer a comprehensive benefit program which features:
  • Health coverage for you and your family through Medical, Dental, and Vision plans.
  • Financial protection with 100% company paid Disability, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance.
  • A 403(b)-Retirement plan in which the company matches dollar for dollar on a generous percentage matching up to 3% of your contribution.
  • Tax advantages through Flexible Spending and Health Savings accounts that allow you to pay for specific healthcare and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
  • To help you manage your work and life needs, we offer an Employee Assistance Program, Wellness Program, and Tuition Assistance.
  • A generous paid time-off program in which the benefits increase based on your tenure with the company.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, making employment decisions without regard to a person's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and transgender status), national origin, age (40 or older), veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. We are an E-Verify Employer and a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment background checks are required for all employment positions.
PAY TRANSPARENCY POLICY STATEMENT:
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information