1

Direct Support Professional Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Direct Support Staff work directly alongside participants, helping them engage in meaningful ... Maintain professionalism, respect participant dignity, and follow all Bridge of Promise policies ...

Showing results 41-60

Direct Support Professional information

See Renton, WA salary details

$11

$18

$23

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Renton, WA is $18.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $19.76 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 job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Renton, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Renton, WA are:

What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities near Renton, WA with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:

Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Renton, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,099 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Direct Support Professional / Youth Caregiver

Tacoma, WA • On-site

Dungarvin
Individual, Family and Community Social Assistance • 5 - 10K employees

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead person-centered activities to help kids learn life skills, build confidence, and participate in routines and activities.

  • Teach and role-model life skills to promote independence, provide supervision, coaching, and encouragement, and assist with routines such as meal prep, personal care, and medication administration.

  • Implement positive behavior supports, de-escalate challenging behaviors, and perform housekeeping and laundry duties to create a safe and supportive environment.


Dungarvin rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Company Description

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!

Company Perks/Benefits: 

  • Wage: $18.00 per hour 
  • 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

What You'll Do

As a Youth DSP, you'll be a mentor, coach, and role model who leads person-centered activities that helps kids:

  • Learn everyday life skills
  • Build confidence and independence
  • Participate in school, home, and community routines and activities
  • Discover their strengths and celebrate their progress

In addition you will: 

  • Teach and role-model life skills to promote independence
  • Provide supervision, coaching, and encouragement
  • Assist with routines such as meal prep, personal care, and medication administration
  • Implement positive behavior supports and de-escalate challenging behaviors when needed.
  • Perform housekeeping and laundry duties
  • Create a safe, positive, and supportive environment
Qualifications
  • Must be 21 years of age or older
  • Must have a high school diploma, transcript, or GED
  • 6+ months of professional work experience supporting vulnerable populations required (ex. caregiver, nanny, paraeducator, direct support professional, etc.) 
  • 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. 
  • Valid driver's license (due to transporting persons served)
  • Must be able to attend three weeks of paid training Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Additional Information

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.

#EMWIJ

9/1


What Dungarvin employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Dungarvin logo

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

Social media