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

Sevita Health

Direct Support Professional

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$22.50/hr

Direct Support Professional for Day Program Pay - $22.50 per hour Would you like to make a positive difference in the lives of others? Join our mission. Based in community settings, within a program ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Pinole, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Direct Support Professional - Day Program Pay - $20.00 Would you like to make a positive difference in the lives of others? Join our mission. Based in community settings, within a program, and ...

Jaqui Foundation

Direct support professional

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $21.50/hr

Community-Based Day Program Direct Support Professionals provide structured skill training, supervision, and support to adults with developmental disabilities in community-based, center-based, and ...

Lynn & Darla, LLC

Direct Support Professional

Napa, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $25/hr

Preferred 1-year direct support experience with people with developmental, physical or psychiatric disabilities- or transferable skills * Driver's license and reliable transportation Certifications:

Lynn & Darla, LLC

Direct Support Professional

Napa, CA

$16.90 - $25/hr

Preferred 1-year direct support experience with people with developmental, physical or psychiatric disabilities- or transferable skills * Driver's license and reliable transportation Certifications:

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Showing results 21-40

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

Direct Support Professional information

See Novato, CA salary details

$11

$19

$24

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Novato, CA is $19.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $20.62 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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The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Novato, CA are:

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

Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Novato, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, and 34% Part Time. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,767 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Sevita Health

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

$22.50/hr

Part-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Sevita Health rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 286 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

794th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Mentor Community Services, a part of the Sevita family, provides community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Here we believe every person has the right to live well, and everyone deserves to have a fulfilling career. You'll join a mission-driven team and create relationships that motivate us all every day. Join us today, and experience a career well lived.
Direct Support Professional for Day Program
Pay - $22.50 per hour
Would you like to make a positive difference in the lives of others? Join our mission. Based in community settings, within a program, and working closely with our clinical staff to support therapeutic and behavioral plans, DSPs provide assistance and strategies to the individuals we serve to live as independently as possible.
  • Transportation and support out in the community: outings/field trips, medical appointments, and shopping
  • Assist with daily living skills including meal preparation and assist with medication administration
  • Provide guidance on a range of developmental goals from community participation, household budgeting, exercise, nutrition, and supporting vocational responsibilities
  • Support persons served with living skills such as personal hygiene, grooming, and/or bathing and toileting
  • Assist individuals we serve to redirect agitated or aggressive behaviors

Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Must be minimum of 18 years of age
  • Six months of experience in human services preferred
  • Valid driver's license in good standing
  • Access to a registered vehicle with proof of insurance
  • Successful clearance of background checks
  • A reliable, responsible attitude
  • A compassionate approach and a commitment to quality in everything you do

Why Join Us?
  • Part-Time Monday-Friday
  • Full compensation/benefits package for full-time employees.
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and holiday pay
  • Rewarding work, impacting the lives of those you serve, working alongside a great team of coworkers.
  • Enjoy job security with nationwide career develop ment and advancement opportunities.

We have meaningful, energizing, and rewarding work for you - come join our team - Apply Today!
Sevita is a leading provider of home and community-based specialized health care. We believe that everyone deserves to live a full, more independent life. We provide people with quality services and individualized supports that lead to growth and independence, regardless of the physical, intellectual, or behavioral challenges they face.
We've made this our mission for more than 50 years. And today, our 40,000 team members continue to innovate and enhance care for the 50,000 individuals we serve all over the U.S.
As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Sevita Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Sevita

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sevita is a leading provider of home and community-based specialized health care. We believe that everyone deserves to live a full, more independent life. We provide people with quality services and individualized support that leads to growth and independence, regardless of the physical, intellectual, or behavioral challenges they face. We've made this our mission for more than 50 years. And today, our 40,000 team members continue to innovate and enhance care for the 50,000 individuals we serve. We're an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. Sevita is a leading provider of home and community-based specialized health care, similar companies include Brookedale Senior Living, A New Hope, and North Star.

Industry

Nursing and residential care facilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

1980

Social media

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