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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Delta-T Group Inc

Direct Support Professional

Vienna, VA · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

None Our Client is seeking a motivated professional to work as a Direct Support Professional in Vienna and Fairfax, VA. SUMMARY OF CLIENT'S DESCRIPTION OF THIS OPPORTUNITY * Provide support and care ...

Delta-T Group Inc.

Direct Support Professional

Vienna, VA

$15 - $18.25/hr

None Our Client is seeking a motivated professional to work as a Direct Support Professional in Vienna and Fairfax, VA. SUMMARY OF CLIENT'S DESCRIPTION OF THIS OPPORTUNITY * Provide support and care ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$16/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals to join our team in our Virginia Beach, Virginia location. If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health Aide this is the opportunity for you.

Chimes

Direct Support Professional

Fairfax, VA

$21.53/hr

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 ...

HCAOA

Direct Support Professional

Sterling, VA · On-site

$19/hr

We are looking for Direct Support Professionals or caregivers that are interested in learning and growing their skills within the senior and disability care industry. Our Direct Support Professional ...

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Virginia is $16.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $17.40 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.

How much do DSP workers make?

Direct Support Professionals typically earn between $15 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, certifications, and the employer. In some cases, wages may be higher with specialized skills or in certain regions, and many DSPs work part-time or full-time schedules with benefits varying by employer.

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 is the work of a Direct Support Professional?

A Direct Support Professional provides assistance to individuals with disabilities or special needs, helping them with daily activities such as personal care, household tasks, and community integration. They often work in clients' homes or care facilities, requiring good communication skills and sometimes certification in CPR or first aid.

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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Direct Support Professional typically earns less than $10,000 a month; however, high-paying roles in sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship can reach that level without a degree. These jobs often require strong interpersonal skills, self-motivation, and sometimes licensing or certifications, but they do not necessarily require a college degree.

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.

What is an example of a Direct Support Professional?

A Direct Support Professional is a trained caregiver who provides assistance to individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions, helping them with daily activities such as personal care, medication management, and community integration. They often work in settings like homes, group homes, or community centers and may require certifications like CPR or first aid.
More about Direct Support Professional jobs
What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professional jobs in Virginia? For Direct Support Professional jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,581 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

ADP - RNOOID0028725907

Hopewell, VA

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

**Job Overview:** We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Direct Support Professional to provide care and support to individuals in need. The ideal candidate will have experience in patient care, home care, or senior care, and possess a strong understanding of resident rights and HIPAA regulations. **Duties:** - Assist individuals with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation - Provide emotional support and companionship to residents - Ensure residents' safety and well-being at all times - Administer medications under the direction of healthcare professionals - Maintain a clean and organized living environment for residents - Help residents participate in social activities and community outings **Experience:** - Experience in patient care, senior care, or home care is preferred - Knowledge of HIPAA regulations and resident rights - Ability to lift and perform heavy lifting tasks when necessary - Background in nursing, social work, or related field is a plus - Strong communication and interpersonal skills This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals in need while gaining valuable experience in the healthcare industry. If you are passionate about providing high-quality care and support, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding position as a Direct Support Professional