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Direct Support Professional Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Modern Support Services

$20 - $25/hr

Direct Support Professional Company Overview We are a mission-driven human services organization dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to live ...

Modern Support Services

$20 - $25/hr

Direct Support Professional - Granada Hills Company Overview We are a diverse, mission-driven human services organization dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental ...

Modern Support Services

$20 - $25/hr

The Opportunity As a Direct Support Professional, you will be a mentor, teacher, guide, and advocate for adults with I/DD, helping them build skills, independence, and confidence in everyday life.

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Signal Hill, CA · On-site

$19.50/hr

The Direct Support Professional is responsible for providing direct support within a single program or unit within a program, typically supporting 4 - 6 individuals in residential settings, or up to ...

Tree of life home care

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Direct Support Professional

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$19/hr

Direct Support Professional (DSP) We are seeking a compassionate and dependable Direct Support Professional to provide daily care and support to adults with developmental disabilities in a ...

New

Tree of life home care

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Direct Support Professional

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$19/hr

Direct Support Professional (DSP) We are seeking a compassionate and dependable Direct Support Professional to provide daily care and support to adults with developmental disabilities in a ...

New

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Direct Support Professional information

See California salary details

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$20

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in California is $16.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)?

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are caregivers who assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their daily lives. They help with personal care, medication management, meal preparation, and transportation, while also supporting clients in achieving personal goals and participating in community activities. DSPs play a vital role in promoting independence, dignity, and quality of life for those they support.

What are some common challenges Direct Support Professionals face when supporting individuals with disabilities, and how can they effectively handle them?

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) often encounter challenges such as managing behavioral outbursts, ensuring effective communication with nonverbal individuals, and balancing the need for independence with safety. Handling these situations requires patience, empathy, and strong problem-solving skills. Many DSPs find it helpful to use individualized behavior support plans, maintain clear communication with team members, and participate in ongoing training. Building trust and understanding the unique needs of each individual also play a key role in overcoming daily challenges.

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

AspectDirect Support ProfessionalPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, sometimes specialized trainingCPR, First Aid often required
Work EnvironmentAssisting individuals with disabilities in community or residential settingsProviding personal care in private homes or facilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, healthcare providersHome care agencies, private clients

Both roles involve assisting individuals with daily activities, often requiring similar certifications like CPR and First Aid. However, Direct Support Professionals typically work in community or residential settings supporting people with disabilities, while Personal Care Assistants mainly provide personal care services in private homes. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the role that best matches their skills and career goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Direct Support Professional, 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, incident reporting tools, and sometimes CPR/First Aid certification is typically required. Patience, strong interpersonal skills, and empathy are crucial soft skills for effectively supporting individuals and building trust. These skills are vital for ensuring client safety, promoting independence, and delivering compassionate care tailored to each individual's needs.

What Is a Direct Support Professional?

Direct support professionals (DSPs) provide non-medical care and services to intellectually or physically disabled persons. These services may be in the patient's home, at assisted living facilities, or in government institutions. The primary duties of DSPs are to help the patient with everyday tasks, such as taking medication, providing transportation to doctor's appointments, and running errands. DSPs also aim to teach patients life skills, including light housework and meal preparation, to enable them to be a little more independent.

More about Direct Support Professional jobs
What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professional jobs in California? For Direct Support Professional jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities in California with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,428 per year, or $16.1 per hour.
Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional

Modern Support Services

Pasadena, CA • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Direct Support Professional


Company Overview

We are a mission-driven human services organization supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in Pasadena and surrounding cities. Our team is dedicated to helping each person live as independently and fully as possible in their community.

We foster an energetic, team-oriented environment where staff are encouraged to learn, grow, and build a meaningful career in direct support.


The Opportunity

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you will be a mentor, teacher, guide, and advocate for individuals with I/DD. Your work will directly impact their ability to access the community, build relationships, and enjoy a higher quality of life.

This is a great opportunity for someone who is compassionate, outgoing, and ready to take on real responsibilitywhether you are starting your career in human services or looking to deepen your impact in a direct care role.


What You'll Do
  • Support individuals with I/DD in daily living activities, personal care, and routines that promote independence and dignity.
  • Accompany and assist clients with community access, including recreational activities, errands, and appointments.
  • Coordinate and provide transportation to medical appointments and other scheduled activities, ensuring safety and timeliness.
  • Encourage and model positive peer interactions, helping clients build social skills and meaningful relationships.
  • Communicate effectively with your team and supervisors, sharing observations and participating in ongoing training to continuously improve support.
What Success Looks Like
  • Within the first few months, you build trust and rapport with the individuals you support, and they feel safe, respected, and heard.
  • You consistently follow care plans, complete required documentation accurately, and communicate changes or concerns promptly.
  • Clients you support increase their participation in community and recreational activities with your guidance.
  • You work reliably within your scheduled shifts, including agreed-upon weekend rotations, and are recognized as a positive, collaborative team member.
What We're Looking For
  • Strong judgment and problem-solving skills, especially in day-to-day situations that require calm, thoughtful decisions.
  • Clear communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
  • A genuine passion for helping others, with the desire to learn, take feedback, and grow within the role.
  • At least 21 years of age, with reliable transportation, a valid CA Driver's License, and the ability to pass a background check; previous human services experience and American Sign Language skills are a plus.
Benefits
  • Health insurance, flexible schedules, and additional benefits for full-time positions
  • Full-time and Part-time
  • Day shifts with rotating weekends; 4-hour and 8-hour shifts available; in-person
How to Apply

If you are ready to make a meaningful difference and grow your career as a Direct Support Professional, please submit your application through Indeed with your resume and contact information.