ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Direct Support Professional Jobs in Portland, OR

AIM Supports

Direct Support Professional

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$26/hr

We are seeking an experienced, dependable, and compassionate Direct Support Professional (DSP) to provide one-on-one support for a client located in Hillsboro, Oregon. This is a graveyard position ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDirect Support Professional JobsDirect Support Professional Jobs in Portland, OR

Direct Support Professional information

See Portland, OR salary details

$10

$17

$22

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Portland, OR is $17.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $18.75 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.
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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,222 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Hillsboro, OR • On-site

AIM Supports
See more jobs at AIM Supportsexternal

$26/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Description:

We are seeking an experienced, dependable, and compassionate Direct Support Professional (DSP) to provide one-on-one support for a client located in Hillsboro, Oregon. This is a graveyard position working Tuesday through Friday nights at a rate of $26.00 per hour.

The ideal candidate will have previous experience providing direct care or supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and be comfortable working independently during overnight hours. Experience supporting individuals with medical needs is strongly preferred.

In this role, the DSP will provide individualized support based on the client’s needs and support plan. Responsibilities may include personal care, assistance with daily living activities, maintaining household routines, monitoring health and safety, completing required documentation, and responding appropriately to needs that arise during the overnight shift.

This position also includes providing medical-related supports and delegated nursing tasks after the DSP has received appropriate training and delegation from a certified Registered Nurse (RN). Staff will be expected to follow all RN instructions, delegation requirements, individualized protocols, and agency procedures when providing these supports.

We are looking for someone who is reliable, attentive, professional, and confident working independently, particularly in situations that require close attention to an individual’s health and safety. The DSP must be able to follow established support plans, medical protocols, and agency procedures while promoting the client’s dignity, independence, safety, and personal choice.

Position Details:

  • Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
  • Schedule: Tuesday–Friday nights
  • Shift: Graveyard/overnight
  • Pay: $26.00 per hour
  • Previous DSP, caregiving, I/DD, or similar direct-care experience preferred
  • Experience supporting individuals with medical needs strongly preferred
  • Must be willing and able to complete RN training and delegation for applicable medical supports
  • Must be dependable, attentive, and comfortable working independently during overnight hours
Requirements:
  • Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.
  • Dependable transportation is required, along with a valid driver’s license and current insurance, if driving is necessary for the role.
  • Must have access to a mobile phone and an internet-enabled computer or tablet for communication and documentation purposes.