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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Direct Support Professional

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$21.53/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Direct Support Professional

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

None Our Client is seeking a motivated professional to work as a Direct Support Professional in the city of Alexandria. SUMMARY OF CLIENT'S DESCRIPTION OF THIS OPPORTUNITY * Help with daily living ...

Be Seen First

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

Be Seen First

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

Join Acas Inc as a Direct Support Professional in Centreville, VA, where you will make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities. This role offers a rewarding opportunity to ...

Direct Support Professional

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

None Our Client is seeking a motivated professional to work as a Direct Support Professional in the city of Alexandria. SUMMARY OF CLIENT'S DESCRIPTION OF THIS OPPORTUNITY * Help with daily living ...

Direct Support Professional

Springfield, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Some College Our client has immediate starts for motivated professionals to work as a direct support professional in the Springfield, VA. SUMMARY OF CLIENT'S DESCRIPTION OF THIS OPPORTUNITY * Provide ...

Direct Support Professional

Springfield, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Some College Our client has immediate starts for motivated professionals to work as a direct support professional in the Springfield, VA. SUMMARY OF CLIENT'S DESCRIPTION OF THIS OPPORTUNITY * Provide ...

Join Acas Inc as a Direct Support Professional in Centreville, VA, where you will make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities. This role offers a rewarding opportunity to ...

Direct Support Professional

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

None Our Client is seeking a motivated professional to work as a Direct Support Professional in the city of Alexandria. SUMMARY OF CLIENT'S DESCRIPTION OF THIS OPPORTUNITY * Help with daily living ...

Direct Support Professional

Manassas, VA · On-site

$21 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Join Acas Inc as a Direct Support Professional in Centreville, VA, where you will make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities. This role offers a rewarding opportunity to ...

Direct Support Professional

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

None Our Client is seeking a motivated professional to work as a Direct Support Professional in the city of Alexandria. SUMMARY OF CLIENT'S DESCRIPTION OF THIS OPPORTUNITY * Help with daily living ...

Direct Support Professional

Norfolk, VA

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Direct Support Professional (DSP) ✓ Overall responsibilities are to implement supports as outline in the individuals' support plan to accomplishment the desired outcomes ✓ Provide services that ...

Direct Support Professional

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Direct Support Professional (DSP) ✓ Overall responsibilities are to implement supports as outline in the individuals' support plan to accomplishment the desired outcomes ✓ Provide services that ...

Showing results 41-60

Direct Support Professional information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 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 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 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.

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.

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:

Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,581 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Chimes

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$21.53/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

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 Professional, you'll empower individuals with intellectual and behavioral challenges to live with dignity, independence, and confidence-while growing in a supportive, team-focused environment.
Why Chimes
  • Meaningful, purpose-driven work
  • Paid training and ongoing professional development
  • Culture rooted in dignity, respect, and compassion

What You'll Do
  • Provide hands-on support with kindness and respect
  • Assist with personal care including: dressing, toileting, hygiene, feeding, bathing and other daily living skills
  • Follow individualized care plans and document progress
  • Administer medications in accordance with policy
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and supportive environment
  • Use approved behavior support techniques
  • Encourage community engagement and participation
  • Some DSP roles will require travel and support from Residential to Day programs

What You Bring
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Experience in disability services preferred (not required-we train!)
  • Ability to lift, push, or pull 50+ lbs.
  • Valid U.S. driver's license - Meet one of the following driving record requirements? At least 3 years of unsuspended driving history with no more than 3 points, or At least 2 years of unsuspended driving history with a clean driving record

Why You'll Love Working Here
  • Medical plans starting at $6.90/month (Day 1 coverage)
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Generous paid time off
  • 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
  • Paid training and tuition assistance
  • Tickets at Work
  • Employee referral bonuses and recognition programs
  • Clear pathways for growth and advancement

Join a team where your work truly matters-every single day.
Apply today: https://chimes.org/Careers
Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.