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

Direct Support Professional

Goleta, CA · On-site

$19 - $19.25/hr

As a Direct Support Professional at Devereux, you'll work with other dedicated professionals who share your passion for helping individuals in need. We offer: * Opportunities to learn and develop ...

As a Direct Support Professional at Devereux, you'll work with other dedicated professionals who share your passion for helping individuals in need. We offer: * Opportunities to learn and develop ...

As a Direct Support Professional at Devereux, you'll work with other dedicated professionals who share your passion for helping individuals in need. We offer: * Opportunities to learn and develop ...

As a Direct Support Professional at Devereux, you'll work with other dedicated professionals who share your passion for helping individuals in need. We offer: * Opportunities to learn and develop ...

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Goleta, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

About the Role The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides compassionate, person-centered care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. DSPs support clients in daily living ...

About the Role The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides compassionate, person-centered care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. DSPs support clients in daily living ...

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Goleta, CA

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

About the Role The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides compassionate, person-centered care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. DSPs support clients in daily living ...

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides compassionate, person-centered care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. DSPs support clients in daily living activities ...

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Carpinteria, CA · On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides compassionate, person-centered care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. DSPs support clients in daily living activities ...

Sun-Thursday 2pm-10pm 20.63 an hour Direct Support Professional Would you like to make a positive difference in the lives of others? Join our mission. Based in community settings, within a program ...

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Direct Support Professional information

See Goleta, CA salary details

$10

$17

$22

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Goleta, CA is $17.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.58 and $18.94 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 job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Goleta, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Goleta, CA are:
What cities near Goleta, CA are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Goleta, CA with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Goleta, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,546 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Devereux

Goleta, CA • On-site

$19 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago


Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 239 rated social care providers


Job description

Description
GET YOUR CAREER STARTED! Do you want to make a positive impact in the lives of adults with intellectual and developmental needs? Are you looking to return home at the end of the day feeling fulfilled and accomplished? If you answered YES, then consider joining our Devereux Team!
Being a Direct Support Professional has its advantages! As a Direct Support Professional at Devereux, you'll work with other dedicated professionals who share your passion for helping individuals in need.
We offer:
  • Opportunities to learn and develop professionally in the behavioral health field
  • A fun, fast-paced and supportive environment that allows you to participate in the treatment planning process
  • Quality Low-Cost Benefits upon first 30 days of hire, including medical and dental.... learn more at mydevereuxbenefits.org
  • Tuition Assistance and Student Loan assistance through our program, ASCEND

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is one of the largest and most advanced behavioral healthcare organizations in the country. Nestled near the beaches between the Pacific Coast and Santa Ynez mountains, Devereux California is a therapeutic behavioral health treatment facility offering residential services, community living, day programs, and clinical services for adults with multiple diagnoses, including autistic spectrum disorders, emotional and/or behavioral differences, intellectual and developmental disabilities, dementia and other cognitive disorders.
Our beautiful Goleta campus overlooks the Pacific Ocean, and has been treating adults with co-occurring diagnoses in California since 1945. This position is responsible for assisting in the planning and implementation of recreational, social and instructional programs for individuals served in assigned residential or day program.
Responsibilities of the Direct Support Professional include, but are not limited to:
  • Assisting, instructing, and supporting our individuals with daily living activities, including cooking, cleaning, budgeting, bill pay, and grocery shopping.
  • Accompanying our individuals on community outings, medical appointments, and other activities, as directed
  • Assisting with hygiene care
  • Must be willing to work with individuals who may exhibit challenging and/or aggressive behaviors (paid training upon hire)
  • One weekend shift per week is required

Available Programs:
Casa Feliz (ages 18+)
Casa Feliz is a beautiful, seven-bed adult residential facility that serves men and women, age 18 and older, with multiple diagnoses. This program focuses on helping individuals improve their quality of life and achieve goals, such as securing placement in a supported living setting or transitioning to a less restrictive environment. The program centers on educating residents and helping them maintain positive social behaviors and life skills that promote individual self-esteem. Recreation and independent living skills programs are an important part of life at Casa Feliz.
Weisman Center RCFE (ages 59 +)
Weisman Center is a residential care facility for the elderly that serves both men and women, age 59 and older. The capacity of this warm, caring home is 15 people. The goal of Weisman is to maintain an excellent quality of life for an aging population. Maintaining skills, functioning and good health are all promoted. The program has nursing staff to assist in the maintenance of each individual's physical health. Our highly skilled staff provide a variety of choices in activities to empower residents, while still providing a high degree of structure. Weisman Center encourages residents to make choices about their activities of daily living; develop lifestyles, skills and interests; and increase independent use of community resources when possible. This home supports individuals with behavioral and medical challenges.
Compensation is $19/hour; $20/hour for overnight positions.
Part-time & full-time positions available. Part-time requirement is a minimum of three (3) eight (8) hour shifts per week.
#CAJob
Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED required
  • Valid CDL and a good driving record is required
  • Must be able to pass thorough background checks & Livescan
  • Experience in the field preferred

The IDEAL candidate will:
Be empathetic, a team player, have excellent written and verbal communication skills, energetic, creative, understand the theories of behavior management and positive reinforcement, and represent yourself as a positive role model. Additionally, you must be able to complete 30 hours of new hire orientation training, and have a strong passion for working with and helping adults with special needs.
Devereux has a zero-tolerance policy for abuse and maintains policies and procedures to systematically reduce the risk of abuse to occur in our organization. Devereux fosters a culture of reporting abuse, and will cooperate with the authorities to the fullest extent possible.
Company Overview
Company Overview
Devereux is one of the nation's largest nonprofit organizations, providing services, insight and leadership in the evolving field of behavioral healthcare. Founded in 1912, Devereux operates a comprehensive national network of clinical, therapeutic, educational and employment programs that positively impact the lives of 10,000+ children, adults - and their families - every year.
Our Mission: Devereux changes lives - by unlocking and nurturing human potential for people living with emotional, behavioral or cognitive differences.
With nearly 6,500 employees working in programs across the country, Devereux is a trusted partner for families, schools and communities, serving individuals in the areas of autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, specialty mental health, education and foster care.
Our Culture, Our Expectations
At Devereux, Servant Leadership is embedded throughout our culture and every aspect of our organizational framework. Our mission-driven, people-first mindset is at the heart of the compassionate and high-quality programming we provide - every day - for the individuals and families we serve, and other key stakeholders. Devereux offers challenging and exciting work, and our team environment creates an empowering, positive and rewarding atmosphere. To be successful at Devereux, you will: put the needs of others first, feel called to serve and called to lead. As a member of our team, you will be a significant part of our commitment to providing a welcoming and supportive work environment across all programs and services, and within all policies and employee practices.
We believe a workplace rooted in inclusivity - offering a sense of belonging to all those who walk through our doors - is fundamental to delivering the highest quality healthcare services. Through open dialogue and the creation of brave spaces, we will engage in work that gives each of us a chance to change the world - one person, one family, one community at a time.
What Devereux Offers You
In addition to a competitive salary, Devereux provides a comprehensive health and welfare program to eligible full-time employees, family members and domestic partners. Eligible employees are eligible to start benefits after 30 days of employment. In addition, we offer;
  • Medical (including telemedicine via phone, web, app), dental, prescription drug, preventative care, and mental health services.
  • Student loan debt assistance, tuition reimbursement and continuing education assistance.
  • Generous time-off (start accruing 1st day), 403(b) retirement plan with matching benefit, and voluntary/employee paid supplemental life and accident coverage.
  • Employee assistance / work-life balance program.

Visit www.mydevereuxbenefits.org to see why Devereux is a great place to work!
Devereux is a drug-free workplace, drug screening required. EOE

What Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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