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

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Escondido, CA

$26 - $28/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our Residential Group Home in Escondido, CA. If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health aide or always wanted to be ...

Sevita Health

Direct Support Professional

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.75/hr

CS NJ Addendum - Direct Support Professional _1001 _ MPA 3429 * * Employees must cooperate with the licensee and Department of Human Services staff in any inspection, inquiry, or investigation.

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.75/hr

CS NJ Addendum - Direct Support Professional _1001 _ MPA 3429 * * Employees must cooperate with the licensee and Department of Human Services staff in any inspection, inquiry, or investigation.

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.75/hr

CS NJ Addendum - Direct Support Professional _1001 _ MPA 3429 * * Employees must cooperate with the licensee and Department of Human Services staff in any inspection, inquiry, or investigation.

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Bonita, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

CS NJ Addendum - Direct Support Professional _1001 _ MPA 3429 * * Employees must cooperate with the licensee and Department of Human Services staff in any inspection, inquiry, or investigation.

Sevita Health

Direct Support Professional

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.75/hr

CS NJ Addendum - Direct Support Professional _1001 _ MPA 3429 * * Employees must cooperate with the licensee and Department of Human Services staff in any inspection, inquiry, or investigation.

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Escondido, CA

$26 - $28/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Escondido, CA. If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health aide or always wanted to be one, this is ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Escondido, CA

$26 - $28/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Escondido, CA. If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health aide or always wanted to be one, this is ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Ramona, CA · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Ramona , CA. If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health aide or always wanted to be one, this is the ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Chula Vista, CA · On-site

$17.75/hr

CS NJ Addendum - Direct Support Professional _1001 _ MPA 3429 * * Employees must cooperate with the licensee and Department of Human Services staff in any inspection, inquiry, or investigation.

Sevita Health

Direct Support Professional

Bonita, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

CS NJ Addendum - Direct Support Professional _1001 _ MPA 3429 * * Employees must cooperate with the licensee and Department of Human Services staff in any inspection, inquiry, or investigation.

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.75/hr

CS NJ Addendum - Direct Support Professional _1001 _ MPA 3429 * * Employees must cooperate with the licensee and Department of Human Services staff in any inspection, inquiry, or investigation.

Sevita Health

Direct Support Professional

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.75/hr

CS NJ Addendum - Direct Support Professional _1001 _ MPA 3429 * * Employees must cooperate with the licensee and Department of Human Services staff in any inspection, inquiry, or investigation.

Sevita Health

Direct Support Professional

San Diego, CA · On-site

$16 - $19.50/hr

CS NJ Addendum - Direct Support Professional _1001 _ MPA 3429 * * Employees must cooperate with the licensee and Department of Human Services staff in any inspection, inquiry, or investigation.

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Showing results 21-40

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

Direct Support Professional information

See Poway, CA salary details

$10

$16

$21

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Poway, CA is $16.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.76 and $17.93 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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Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Poway, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,649 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Merakey

Escondido, CA

$26 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago

Merakey rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

90th of 244 rated social care providers

Job description

Are you looking for an opportunity to advance your career while working with an extraordinary team? At Merakey, we put heart and soul into everything we do. We are seekingDirect Support Professionals(DSPs) to join our team at our Residential Group Home inEscondido, CA.

If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health aide or always wanted to be one, this is the opportunity for you as we are hiring immediately!

Earn $26 - $28 per hour (rate increases to $2 per hour once you have received your RBT - Registered Behavioral Technician certification).

OurDirect Support Professionals(DSPs) interact and support our individuals with development disabilities in a variety of potential settings including community, family or individual homes and generic community settings, as well as Adult Training Facilities. The DSP will assist with direct care as well as implementation of behavior plans. We provide a level of care that enhances the health, safety, dignity and contentment of every consumer served by assisting and training individuals in the areas of personal care, communication, and social skill development.

Benefits

Merakey offers generous benefits that promote well-being, financial security, and work-life balance, including:

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus access to healthcare advocacy support.
  • Retirement plan -- both pre-tax and Roth (after-tax) options available for employee contributions.
  • DailyPay -- access your pay when you need it!
  • On the Goga well-being platform, featuring self-care tools and resources.
  • Access Care.com for backup childcare, elder care, and household services.
  • Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Tuition reimbursement and educational partnerships.
  • Employee discounts and savings programs on entertainment, travel, and lifestyle.
  • Access to Pryor Online Learning for free online personal development classes.

Learn more about our full benefits package -https://www.merakey.org/careers/benefits

About Merakey

Merakey is a non-profit provider of developmental, behavioral health, and education services. More than 8,000 employees provide support to nearly 40,000 individuals and families throughout 12 states across the country each year.Click here to watch a video about Merakey.Merakey strictly follows a zero-tolerance policy for abuse.

Merakey is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer!We deeply value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ethnic background, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or disability status. Moreover, we are committed to creating teams that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and encourage applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Merakey welcomes all Veterans to apply!

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Must have a verifiable/High School Diploma/G.E.D.
  • Dual Diagnose experience preferred.
  • A valid driver's license is required.
  • Must have at least six months of experienceproviding direct care to individuals with developmental disabilities, with a focus on behavioral services; and
  • Required to complete a DSP 1 and DSP 2 certification, within 1 year of hired date.
  • Required to complete an RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) certification within 1 year of hired date.

What Merakey employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Merakey

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Merakey is a leading developmental, behavioral health, and education non-profit provider with a fifty-year history. We offer a breadth of integrated services to individuals and communities across the country. Our belief that every individual has the right to achieve growth, dignity, and fulfillment guides all of our decisions. At Merakey, we care about each other and are committed to providing the very best care to those we serve. Merakey strictly follows a zero-tolerance policy for abuse.

Industry

Non-profits

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Lafayette Hill, PA, US

Year founded

1960

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