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Direct Support Professional Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

PINNACLE SUPPORT SERVICES LLC

Be Seen First

Direct Support Professional

Culver City, CA · On-site

$18 - $19.50/hr

  • Retirement

We are seeking a Direct Support Professional to join our team! You will assist in the daily care of elderly or disabled individuals. Responsibilities: * Assist clients with daily living activities

ETTA

Direct Support Professional

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20/hr

ETTA (non-profit)Supporting Adults with Intellectual and Developmental DisabilitiesETTA's Supported Living Services (SLS) Department is SeekingOn-Call Direct Support Professional (DSP)for Young Adult ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Redding, CA · On-site

$17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

Direct Support Professional Location: Redding, CA Pay Rate: Earn $17.50/hour Shifts available: Part-Time, 2nd Shift:Fri-Sat 3p-11p, Sun-Mon 2p-7p Merakey is Hiring Direct Support Professionals!

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Redding, CA · On-site

$17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

Direct Support Professional Location: Redding, CA Pay Rate: Earn $17.50/hour Shifts available: Part Time, 2nd Shift (24 hours per week): Tue-Sat 2p-7p Merakey is Hiring Direct Support Professionals!

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Redding, CA · On-site

$17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

Direct Support Professional Location: Redding, CA Pay Rate: Earn $17.50/hour Shifts available: Part Time, 2nd Shift (24 hours per week):Tue-Sat 2p-7p Merakey is Hiring Direct Support Professionals!

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Redding, CA · On-site

$17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

Direct Support Professional Location: Redding, CA Pay Rate: Earn $17.50/hour Shifts available: Part-Time, 2nd Shift: Fri-Sat 3p-11p, Sun-Mon 2p-7p Merakey is Hiring Direct Support Professionals!

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Redding, CA · On-site

$17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

Direct Support Professional Location: Redding, CA Pay Rate: Earn $17.50/hour Shifts available: Part-Time, 2nd Shift:Fri-Sat 3p-11p, Sun-Mon 2p-7p Merakey is Hiring Direct Support Professionals!

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Redding, CA · On-site

$17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

Direct Support Professional Location: Redding, CA Pay Rate: Earn $17.50/hour Shifts available: Part Time, 2nd Shift (24 hours per week):Tue-Sat 2p-7p Merakey is Hiring Direct Support Professionals!

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Redding, CA · On-site

$17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

Direct Support Professional Location: Redding Pay Rate: Earn $17.50/hour Shifts available: Part-Time, 2nd Shift with Weekends: Fri-Sat 3p-11p, Sun-Mon 2p-7p Merakey is Hiring Direct Support ...

Nick's Community

Direct Support Professional

Torrance, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Under the direct supervision of the Program Director, the Direct Support Professionals, (DSP) provide individualized services in the facility, community, and vocational settings. DSPs collect data ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Redding, CA · On-site

$17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

Direct Support Professional Location: Redding Pay Rate: Earn $17.50/hour Shifts available: Part-Time, 2nd Shift with Weekends:Fri-Sat 3p-11p, Sun-Mon 2p-7p Merakey is Hiring Direct Support ...

Nick's Community

Direct Support Professional

Torrance, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Under the direct supervision of the Program Director, the Direct Support Professionals, (DSP) provide individualized services in the facility, community, and vocational settings. DSPs collect data ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Redding, CA · On-site

$17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

Direct Support Professional Location: Redding, CA Pay Rate: Earn $17.50/hour Shifts available: Part-Time, 2nd Shift: Fri-Sat 3p-11p, Sun-Mon 2p-7p Merakey is Hiring Direct Support Professionals!

ETTA

Direct Support Professional

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$22/hr

Interested in working as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) with an honor student who is a non-speaking autistic man? I am ambitious, curious, methodical, open-minded, intuitive, honest ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Chico, CA · On-site

$17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Chico, CA. If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health aide or always wanted to be one, this is the ...

Elwyn

Direct Support Professional

Granada Hills, CA · On-site

$23/hr

Elwyn seeks Direct Support Professionals to work with our team in residential group homes. Primary Function * Direct Support Professional staff provide assistance and supervise residents in ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsDirect Support Professional JobsDirect Support Professional Jobs in California

Direct Support Professional information

See California salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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 is a direct support professional?

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 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 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.

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. States or cities with a strong focus on healthcare, social services, or specialized care often offer higher pay rates for this role. Factors like experience, certifications, and the specific employer also influence salary levels.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,428 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

PINNACLE SUPPORT SERVICES LLC

Culver City, CA • On-site

$18 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago

Be Seen First

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Job description

We are seeking a Direct Support Professional to join our team! You will assist in the daily care of elderly or disabled individuals.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist clients with daily living activities
  • Communicate ongoing care results and updates to relevant parties
  • Collaborate with clients and families for best care opportunities
  • Maintain a healthy and comfortable living environment

​Qualifications:

  • Previous experience in personal care or other related fields
  • Compassionate and caring demeanor
  • Ability to build rapport with clients
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Company Description

Pinnacle Support Services empowers adults with developmental disabilities to live independently with dignity and inclusion. As a mission-driven service provider, we offer person-centered in-home and community-based support throughout the Westside Regional Center area. Our team values professionalism, compassion, and integrity while providing staff with competitive pay, mileage reimbursement, retirement benefits, and ongoing training. At Pinnacle, you’ll find meaningful work, growth opportunities, and the chance to make a lasting impact in people’s lives.