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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Azusa, CA (NOW HIRING)

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Azusa, CA is $16.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $17.84 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 areas 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.
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Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Azusa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,458 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Jay Nolan Community Services

Los Angeles, CA

$20.25 - $23/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Job Requirements

Location: Chatsworth , CA

Schedule: Friday 11:00pm -Sunday 11:00pm - 3rd weekend

Pay: $20.25-$23.00 hr

Supported Living

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at JNCS: You help individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities live quality lives with dignity, independence and choice. On an average day, DSPs support people to build relationships, live safely in their own homes, and accomplish their personal, educational, and career goals.

DSPs are more than just caregivers: Unlike a caregiver, DSPs encourage people to do things themselves, not do things for them. Ultimately, your goal is to empower people to live independently so they can live happier, more fulfilled lives.

Duties & Responsibilities:

 Providing one-to-one direct support services to people with Autism and intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to help them achieve their highest possible level of independence.

 Act as a mentor and role model for socially acceptable and culturally valued ways to interact and support each other to be successful.

 Support an individual with various challenges (behavioral, physical, communication, etc.) within their home and community.

Implement the Individual's Support Plan (ISP) as developed

Assist and support the person to maintain their own personal safety and well-being

Support the individual to establish a daily/weekly schedule of activities in order to maximize their independence.

Stay up to date with all training and certifications.

Participate hands-on in activities.

What does a typical workday for a DSP look like?

Accompanying clients to activities such as hobby groups, classes, or the gym

Supporting clients to accomplish daily chores such as household chores, errands, and medical appointments

Help with planning and staying on schedule

Going for walks around the neighborhood

Providing companionship and emotional support

Connecting with friends and loved ones (virtually or in person)

Wheelchair transfers (if applicable)

Assistance with personal hygiene (if applicable)

Preferred Qualifications:

 Direct Support Professionals must have a bachelor's degree in education, psychology, counseling, nursing, social work, applied behavior analysis, behavioral medicine, speech and language, rehabilitation, marriage and family therapy, or a comparable degree in a human services field

Experience working with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities (personal or professional) preferred but not required.

Depending on position, may require a valid drivers license, reliable transportation & current auto insurance.

Benefits:

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Retirement plan with company matching

Paid CPR & First Aid Training

Childcare Assistance Reimbursement

Pet Insurance and much more!

About us: Jay Nolan Community Services is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to provide individualized support to children, teens, and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities so that they may live, work and thrive in their own homes and in their community. We are an inclusive, supportive, and community-oriented workplace.

Jay Nolan Community Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.


Employment Type: PART_TIME

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