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

Independent Living Systems

Manager, Care Team

Mariposa, CA · On-site

$70K - $103K/yr

... and supported in their roles. The Manager will work closely with healthcare professionals to ... Facilitates professional growth and improved proficiency of staff who are direct and indirect ...

US Navy

Information Technology Professional

Chowchilla, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

What to Expect High tempo, mission critical work supporting around the clock operations and watch ... Direct enlistment into IT, CTN, or IS pipelines from civilian life based on aptitude, security ...

US Navy

Information Technology Professional

Fairmead, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

What to Expect High tempo, mission critical work supporting around the clock operations and watch ... Direct enlistment into IT, CTN, or IS pipelines from civilian life based on aptitude, security ...

US Navy

Information Technology Professional

Hughson, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

What to Expect High tempo, mission critical work supporting around the clock operations and watch ... Direct enlistment into IT, CTN, or IS pipelines from civilian life based on aptitude, security ...

US Navy

Information Technology Professional

Winton, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

What to Expect High tempo, mission critical work supporting around the clock operations and watch ... Direct enlistment into IT, CTN, or IS pipelines from civilian life based on aptitude, security ...

US Navy

Information Technology Professional

Le Grand, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

What to Expect High tempo, mission critical work supporting around the clock operations and watch ... Direct enlistment into IT, CTN, or IS pipelines from civilian life based on aptitude, security ...

US Navy

Information Technology Professional

Gustine, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

What to Expect High tempo, mission critical work supporting around the clock operations and watch ... Direct enlistment into IT, CTN, or IS pipelines from civilian life based on aptitude, security ...

US Navy

Information Technology Professional

Planada, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

What to Expect High tempo, mission critical work supporting around the clock operations and watch ... Direct enlistment into IT, CTN, or IS pipelines from civilian life based on aptitude, security ...

US Navy

Information Technology Professional

Denair, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

What to Expect High tempo, mission critical work supporting around the clock operations and watch ... Direct enlistment into IT, CTN, or IS pipelines from civilian life based on aptitude, security ...

RecruitWell

Otolaryngology Physician

Turlock, CA · On-site

Weekly direct deposit * 24/7 dedicated recruiter support * Professional onboarding and credentialing * Prepaid travel and lodging RecruitWell's Core Values: * Open communication * Sense of urgency

US Navy

Information Technology Professional

Waterford, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

What to Expect High tempo, mission critical work supporting around the clock operations and watch ... Direct enlistment into IT, CTN, or IS pipelines from civilian life based on aptitude, security ...

US Navy

Information Technology Professional

Atwater, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

What to Expect High tempo, mission critical work supporting around the clock operations and watch ... Direct enlistment into IT, CTN, or IS pipelines from civilian life based on aptitude, security ...

US Navy

Information Technology Professional

Livingston, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

What to Expect High tempo, mission critical work supporting around the clock operations and watch ... Direct enlistment into IT, CTN, or IS pipelines from civilian life based on aptitude, security ...

US Navy

Information Technology Professional

Delhi, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

What to Expect High tempo, mission critical work supporting around the clock operations and watch ... Direct enlistment into IT, CTN, or IS pipelines from civilian life based on aptitude, security ...

US Navy

Information Technology Professional

Turlock, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

What to Expect High tempo, mission critical work supporting around the clock operations and watch ... Direct enlistment into IT, CTN, or IS pipelines from civilian life based on aptitude, security ...

US Navy

Information Technology Professional

Hickman, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

What to Expect High tempo, mission critical work supporting around the clock operations and watch ... Direct enlistment into IT, CTN, or IS pipelines from civilian life based on aptitude, security ...

US Navy

Information Technology Professional

Ballico, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

What to Expect High tempo, mission critical work supporting around the clock operations and watch ... Direct enlistment into IT, CTN, or IS pipelines from civilian life based on aptitude, security ...

US Navy

Information Technology Professional

Jamestown, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

What to Expect High tempo, mission critical work supporting around the clock operations and watch ... Direct enlistment into IT, CTN, or IS pipelines from civilian life based on aptitude, security ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsDirect Support Professional JobsDirect Support Professional Jobs in Merced, CA

Direct Support Professional information

See Merced, CA salary details

$10

$17

$21

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Merced, CA is $17.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $18.51 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 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.
More about Direct Support Professional jobs

What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Merced, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Merced, CA are:

What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities near Merced, CA with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:

Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Merced, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,769 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Manager, Care Team

Independent Living Systems

Mariposa, CA • On-site

$70K - $103K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Independent Living Systems rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

We are seeking a Manager, Care Team to join our team at Independent Living Systems (ILS). ILS, along with its affiliated health plans known as Florida Community Care and Florida Complete Care, is committed to promoting a higher quality of life and maximizing independence for all vulnerable populations.

About the Role:

The Manager, Care Team plays a pivotal role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality health care services to members. This position is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the care team, ensuring that all staff members are effectively trained and supported in their roles. The Manager will work closely with healthcare professionals to develop and implement care plans that meet the diverse needs of members. Additionally, this role involves monitoring member outcomes and satisfaction to continuously improve service delivery. Ultimately, the Manager of the Care Team is dedicated to fostering a compassionate and efficient environment that prioritizes member well-being and safety.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Health Administration, or a related field required.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in a healthcare setting, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role required.
  • Current nursing license or relevant certification preferred.
  • Requires knowledge of and experience working with community agencies and programs.
  • Requires experience with Medi-Cal eligibility guidelines, application, and renewal/redetermination process.
  • Requires strong problem-solving and customer service skills.
  • Must be a CA Resident, and must reside in CA while employed.
  • Current and valid California (CA) Driver’s License.
  • Must use personal vehicle and current vehicle registration required.
  • Proof of auto insurance required, must maintain CA minimum insurance coverage.
  • BCLS CPR Certification required.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in Social Work, Nursing, Health Administration, or a related field.
  • Experience with electronic health record (EHR) systems.

Responsibilities:

  • Conducts interviews and hiring of direct reports. Completes a ninety-day introductory and annual performance evaluation of each direct report. Facilitates professional growth and improved proficiency of staff who are direct and indirect reports through mentoring and training. Conducts ongoing performance management of each direct report; establishes performance goals; and measures performance against goals.
  • Ensure the development and implementation of care plans in collaboration with the care team, healthcare professionals, caregivers, and members.
  • Coordinate daily operations of the care team, including scheduling, resource allocation, and workflow management.
  • Monitor patient care quality metrics and implement improvement plans to address any gaps or challenges.
  • Collaborate with healthcare providers, administrative staff, and external partners to ensure seamless care coordination.
  • Manage compliance with healthcare regulations, organizational policies, and safety standards.
  • Conduct one on ones, audits and regular team meetings to support professional growth and accountability.
  • Develop and implement training programs to enhance team skills and knowledge.
  • Address patient and staff concerns promptly and effectively to maintain a positive care environment.


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