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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Portland, OR

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Direct Support Professional information

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Portland, OR is $16.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $18.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)?

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.

What Is a Direct Support Professional?

Direct support professionals (DSPs) provide non-medical care and services to intellectually or physically disabled persons. These services may be in the patient's home, at assisted living facilities, or in government institutions. The primary duties of DSPs are to help the patient with everyday tasks, such as taking medication, providing transportation to doctor's appointments, and running errands. DSPs also aim to teach patients life skills, including light housework and meal preparation, to enable them to be a little more independent.

More about Direct Support Professional jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Direct Support jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Direct Support jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professional jobs in Portland, OR? For Direct Support Professional jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,999 per year, or $16.8 per hour.
Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Community Access Services

Beavercreek, OR • On-site

$21.75 - $22.75/hr

Part-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Part-Time
Location: Beavercreek, Oregon
Pay: $21.75–$22.75 per hour (DOE) 
Make a Difference Every Day
Looking for a meaningful career where you can make a real impact? Community Access Services (CAS) is hiring compassionate, dependable Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in living full, independent, and meaningful lives.
No previous DSP experience? No problem! We provide paid training, ongoing support, and opportunities to grow your career.
Why Join Community Access Services? (Part-Time) 
  • Competitive Pay: $21.75–$22.75/hour (based on experience)
  • Free Training & Certifications: Including CPR, First Aid, Medication Administration, Safety, and more — no prior experience required.
  • Growth Opportunities: Many of our supervisors and program managers started as Direct Support Professionals. CAS values internal growth and career development.
  • Supportive Team Culture: Join a mission-driven organization where teamwork, respect, and the impact you make every day truly matter.
  • Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP): providing up to 3 free counseling sessions, legal consultations, and financial coaching.
What Does a Direct Support Professional Do?
As a Direct Support Professional, you'll help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live as independently as possible while building meaningful relationships.
Responsibilities include:
  • Building positive, supportive relationships with individuals served
  • Assisting with daily living activities such as cooking, personal care, hygiene, and household tasks
  • Supporting community outings, appointments, recreation, and personal goals
  • Encouraging independence, confidence, and skill development
  • Administering medications and completing documentation accurately
  • Maintaining a safe, clean, and welcoming home environment
  • Advocating for the choices, dignity, and well-being of the people you support
Every day is different, and every day makes a difference.
Qualifications
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Ability to pass a national background check
  • Ability to become an approved company driver
  • Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs and assist with mobility support
Experience in caregiving, healthcare, behavioral health, childcare, or human services is helpful but not required.
Build a Career That Matters
At Community Access Services, we believe everyone deserves opportunities to thrive. Our Direct Support Professionals play a vital role in helping individuals achieve their goals, participate in their communities, and live fulfilling lives.
If you're looking for a rewarding career where you can truly make an impact, we'd love to meet you.
 

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