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

As a Direct Support Professional, you will be a valued member of a mission-driven team that believes in doing good work, for the right reasons, with the right support. You will join our team in one ...

As a Direct Support Professional, you will be a valued member of a mission-driven team that believes in doing good work, for the right reasons, with the right support. You will join our team in one ...

As a Direct Support Professional, you will be a valued member of a mission-driven team that believes in doing good work, for the right reasons, with the right support. You will join our team in one ...

As a Direct Support Professional, you will be a valued member of a mission-driven team that believes in doing good work, for the right reasons, with the right support. You will join our team in one ...

As a Direct Support Professional, you will be a valued member of a mission-driven team that believes in doing good work, for the right reasons, with the right support. You will join our team in one ...

As a Direct Support Professional, you will be a valued member of a mission-driven team that believes in doing good work, for the right reasons, with the right support. You will join our team in one ...

Showing results 41-60

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 5, 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.

What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professional jobs in Novato, CA?

For Direct Support Professional jobs in Novato, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

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

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

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 (DSP) / Caregiver

Dungarvin

Fairfield, CA • On-site

$21.75 - $24.25/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead activities such as cooking, art, music, recreation, and life-skills to support individuals' development.

  • Support community outings, volunteer activities, and provide personal care including hygiene, eating, and mobility assistance.

  • Complete accurate electronic documentation and maintain a safe, positive, and consistent environment.


Dungarvin rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

81st of 247 rated social care providers


Job description

Company Description

Part-Time | Monday-Friday | 8:30 AM-3:00 PM | 32.5 Hours/Week
$21.75/hour | Benefits Eligible | Evenings & Weekends Off | Paid Training 

Who We Are: 

At Dungarvin, we are more than a provider of support services-we're a mission-driven team rooted in respect, response and choice. Since 1976, we've been dedicated to meeting people where they are - providing person-centered supports that allow individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and/or complex medical needs to live as independently as possible.

Our team is united by a shared commitment to making a real difference, and we encourage you to embrace this opportunity to impact someone's life!

Pay, Schedule & Benefits:  

  • Competitive Pay: $21.75/hour
  • Full Range Scale: $21.75 - $24.25 per hour. The starting rate for this position is fixed at $21.75 per hour. Pay increases occur over time and are tied to tenure/length of employment with Dungarvin.
  • Reliable 32.5 hour schedule
  • Monday - Friday work schedule with weekends off!
  • Medical, Vision and Dental Insurance for eligible employees
  • Supplemental Insurance
  • Flex Spending and HSA Accounts for eligible employees
  • Pet Insurance
  • Life Insurance for eligible employees
  • 401 K plan with up to 3% employer match for eligible employees
  • PAID TIME OFF (PTO) for eligible employees
  • Growth and Development Opportunities
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • National Brand Discounts
  • Tapcheck - early pay access
  • PAID training and orientation
Job Description

A Different Kind of DSP Role: 

Dungarvin is hiring experienced Direct Support Professionals and human services professionals for our Day Program.

This is an active, hands-on setting where DSPs lead activities, teach life skills, support community participation, and behavioral support, and help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities build greater independence.

You may lead a cooking or art activity, help someone practice communication or money-management skills, support a community outing, or help someone work through a behavioral challenge.

What You'll Actually Do:

  • Lead cooking, art, music, recreation, and life-skills activities
  • Teach and reinforce skills that build greater independence
  • Support community outings and volunteer activities
  • Provide personal care, including restroom, hygiene, eating, and mobility support
  • Provide behavioral support and use trained de-escalation techniques
  • Support individuals with verbal and nonverbal communication needs
  • Follow individualized support and behavior plans
  • Drive company vehicles for outings and community activities
  • Complete accurate electronic documentation
  • Prepare, clean, and reset program areas
  • Work closely with your team to maintain a safe, positive, and consistent environment

Engagement is part of the job. DSPs actively participate, encourage individuals, adapt activities when needed, and help each person participate at their own ability level.

Your Experience Matters:

We're looking for candidates with hands-on experience supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, behavioral needs, life-skills training, personal care, community-based services, or similar support needs.  

Relevant backgrounds may include Direct Support Professional (DSP), Behavior Technician, Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), Paraprofessional, Teacher's Aide, Respite Provider, Community Support Worker, Job Coach, Employment Specialist, or similar human services professional.

Qualifications

What Works Well Here:

Strong DSPs are patient, dependable, proactive, and able to stay calm when situations become challenging. You should be comfortable taking initiative, working as part of a team, receiving feedback, and adapting when needs or plans change.  Supporting independence also means knowing when to help and when to coach someone through a task so they can do more for themselves.

What You'll Need:

  • Relevant hands-on support experience preferred
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Highschool Diploma or GED
  • Valid driver's license and ability to drive a company van
  • Ability to respond appropriately during behavioral and emergency situations
  • Basic computer skills and able to learn electronic documentation systems
  • Good communication is key in this role. You'll rely on your reading, writing, and communication skills to document care, follow support plans, and collaborate with both internal and external team members
  • Ability to lift and transfer 50 lbs.
Additional Information

If you have relevant experience and want a Direct Support Professional role where you can teach, engage, support, and help adults build greater independence, we'd like to hear from you.

Apply today to join Dungarvin as a Direct Support Professional in our Fairfield Day Program.  

We believe in supporting not only those we serve but also each other, ensuring a collaborative and supportive work environment for all. Dungarvin is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, national origin, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any legally protected status per federal and/or state law.

#DCAJ

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About Dungarvin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Individual, family and community social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Mendota Heights, MN, US

Year founded

1976

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