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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Easterseals Hawaii

Direct Support Professional

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

Our Direct Support Professional promote the individual growth of program participants in a safe and positive learning environment (either in a program, community, or home-based setting) with a focus ...

Easterseals Hawaii

Direct Support Professional

Honolulu, HI

$14.75 - $18/hr

Our Direct Support Professional promote the individual growth of program participants in a safe and positive learning environment (either in a program, community, or home-based setting) with a focus ...

Easterseals Hawaii

Direct Support Professional

Honolulu, HI

$14.75 - $18/hr

Our Direct Support Professional promote the individual growth of program participants in a safe and positive learning environment (either in a program, community, or home-based setting) with a focus ...

Catalight

Direct Support Professional

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

Our Direct Support Professional promote the individual growth of program participants in a safe and positive learning environment (either in a program, community, or home-based setting) with a focus ...

Catalight

Direct Support Professional

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

Our Direct Support Professional promote the individual growth of program participants in a safe and positive learning environment (either in a program, community, or home-based setting) with a focus ...

Easterseals Hawaii

Direct Support Professional

Kahului, HI

$15 - $18.25/hr

Our Direct Support Workers promote the individual growth of program participants in a safe and positive learning environment (either in a program, community, or home-based setting) with a focus on ...

Catalight

Direct Support Professional

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

Our Direct Support Workers promote the individual growth of program participants in a safe and positive learning environment (either in a program, community, or home-based setting) with a focus on ...

Easterseals Hawaii

Direct Support Professional

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

Our Direct Support Workers promote the individual growth of program participants in a safe and positive learning environment (either in a program, community, or home-based setting) with a focus on ...

Catalight

Direct Support Professional

Kahului, HI · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

Our Direct Support Workers promote the individual growth of program participants in a safe and positive learning environment (either in a program, community, or home-based setting) with a focus on ...

Easterseals Hawaii

Direct Support Professional

Kahului, HI

$15 - $18.25/hr

Our Direct Support Workers promote the individual growth of program participants in a safe and positive learning environment (either in a program, community, or home-based setting) with a focus on ...

Catalight

Direct Support Professional

Kahului, HI · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

Our Direct Support Workers promote the individual growth of program participants in a safe and positive learning environment (either in a program, community, or home-based setting) with a focus on ...

Easterseals Hawaii

Direct Support Professional

Honolulu, HI

$14.75 - $18/hr

Our Direct Support Workers promote the individual growth of program participants in a safe and positive learning environment (either in a program, community, or home-based setting) with a focus on ...

Catalight

Direct Support Professional

Kahului, HI

$15 - $18.25/hr

Our Direct Support Workers promote the individual growth of program participants in a safe and positive learning environment (either in a program, community, or home-based setting) with a focus on ...

Catalight

Direct Support Professional

Kahului, HI

$15 - $18.25/hr

Our Direct Support Workers promote the individual growth of program participants in a safe and positive learning environment (either in a program, community, or home-based setting) with a focus on ...

Easterseals Hawaii

Direct Support Professional

Honolulu, HI

$14.75 - $18/hr

Our Direct Support Workers promote the individual growth of program participants in a safe and positive learning environment (either in a program, community, or home-based setting) with a focus on ...

Catalight

Direct Support Professional

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

Our Direct Support Workers promote the individual growth of program participants in a safe and positive learning environment (either in a program, community, or home-based setting) with a focus on ...

Catalight

Direct Support Professional

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

Our Direct Support Workers promote the individual growth of program participants in a safe and positive learning environment (either in a program, community, or home-based setting) with a focus on ...

Catalight

Direct Support Professional

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

Our Direct Support Workers promote the individual growth of program participants in a safe and positive learning environment (either in a program, community, or home-based setting) with a focus on ...

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Direct Support Professional information

See Hawaii salary details

$10

$16

$21

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Hawaii is $16.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $18.22 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 Hawaii? For Direct Support Professional jobs in Hawaii, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Hawaii look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Hawaii are:
What cities in Hawaii are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities in Hawaii with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Hawaii as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,191 per year, or $16.9 per hour.
Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional

Easterseals Hawaii

Honolulu, HI • On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Are you a self-motivated and reliable person who can work with adults with disabilities while helping them develop their skills and grow? Then we need you! At Easterseals Hawaii, we are dedicated to serving people with disabilities and building communities of Aloha where everyone has the ability to live independent, fulfilling lives. Our Direct Support Professional promote the individual growth of program participants in a safe and positive learning environment (either in a program, community, or home-based setting) with a focus on increasing the participant's options, opportunities, and community integration with daily life in support of our mission to make a positive difference. Depending on the needs of the program and the candidate's availability, Direct Support Professional are assigned to a facility or in-home based clientele. Our skilled staff will provide you with the training you need to feel comfortable and confident in all aspects of the role.
Core Responsibilities & Essential Job Functions
  • Support participants to achieve the highest level of independence possible in pursuit of their definition of a "good life."
  • Provide input and implement the participant's Individual Plan.
  • Follow organizational guidelines to promote the participant's health and safety.
  • Monitor, respond to and report issues of concern to the Case Coordinator or other supervisor.
  • Provide personal care and assistance with daily living activities (toileting, dressing, feeding, etc.) as needed, while respecting the participant's privacy and confidentiality.
  • Accurately complete all participant-related data and documentation by the assigned deadline via a web-based platform.
  • Accurately submit timesheets, leave requests, required credentialing documents, work related training and other required paperwork by the assigned deadline via the Family of Company's (FoC) web-based platforms.
  • Attend and participate in department meetings and training as required.
  • Other duties as assigned.
  • Assist in maintaining a clean, hygienic, and safe environment.
  • Respond appropriately and immediately to emergencies as defined in the Family of Companies (FoC) Operational procedures.
  • Report any safety concerns to the Program Manager or other supervisor.
  • Handle multiple tasks, adhere to deadlines, and process urgent projects while paying attention to detail.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Minimum Education, Experience & Training Equivalent to:
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • High School diploma, General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or equivalent

Knowledge & Skills:
  • Exercise patience and understanding working with participants of many skill levels and individual needs.
  • Be culturally respectful while working with an ethnically, linguistically, and economically diverse population.
  • Communicate effectively (verbally and written), and read, using the primary language within the workplace.
  • Exercise confidentiality and discretion pertaining to the work environment as required by HIPPA.
  • Be committed to the values of the organization while demonstrating good judgment, flexibility, and discretion when dealing with confidential and sensitive matters.
  • Operating knowledge of a computer, iPad or tablet, applications and software, standard office equipment and Microsoft (Outlook, Word, and Excel). Must be able to use an iPhone or work cell phone if applicable.
  • Ability to work comfortably with individuals at all levels within the organization

Physical Requirements:
  • Frequent bending, reaching, squatting, kneeling, twisting when working with participants.
  • Responsive to audio and visual cues from participants and their families, other staff members, and the environment
  • Work calmly during behavioral and health-related incidents.
  • Use logic and reasoning for anticipating future needs, goals, and events.
  • Stand or sit for extended periods of time, stand for up to 6-8 hours a day.
  • Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and loading materials up to and including 50lbs.
  • Aid during transfers when applicable. Some participants may require the use of a Hoyer lift for transfers.
  • Frequent driving (to and from office, the community, and participants' homes) when applicable.
  • Work at participants' homes, community settings, and ESH facility, depending on assignment.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
  • Ability to obtain and maintain criminal record clearance through the Department of Justice (DOJ). The People & Performance Department must analyze DOJ/FBI live scan reports in accordance with applicable Federal, State, and Local laws, as well as fitness for the position.
  • Reliable transportation needed.
  • (For locations where driving is required) Must have a valid Driver's License with Insurance, proof of current vehicle registration and safety check; maintain a clean driving record.
  • Must pass health screenings, obtain vaccinations and clear TB testing based on company policies. Freedom from any communicable disease or medical conditions that would interfere with the physical requirements of this position.
  • Obtain and maintain clearance through the Office of Inspector General.
  • Obtain and maintain current First Aid and CPR certification.
  • Must attend all required training.

Time Type:
Full time
Compensation:
$17.50-18.50 Hourly
The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas as deemed fit for the organization.
Easterseals Hawaii is an equal opportunity employer.

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