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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Join Acas Inc as a Direct Support Professional in Centreville, VA, where you will make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities. This role offers a rewarding opportunity to ...

Direct Support Professional

Alexandria, VA ยท On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

None Our Client is seeking a motivated professional to work as a Direct Support Professional in the city of Alexandria. SUMMARY OF CLIENT'S DESCRIPTION OF THIS OPPORTUNITY * Help with daily living ...

Direct Support Professional

Manassas, VA ยท On-site

$21 - $22/hr

Join Acas Inc as a Direct Support Professional in Centreville, VA, where you will make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities. This role offers a rewarding opportunity to ...

Direct Support Professional

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$15.50 - $19/hr

Our client has immediate starts for motivated professionals to work as a direct support professional in the Washington, DC, NE and NW areas. SUMMARY OF CLIENT'S DESCRIPTION OF THIS OPPORTUNITY

Direct Support Professional

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$15.50 - $19/hr

Our client has immediate starts for motivated professionals to work as a direct support professional in the Washington, DC, NE and NW areas. SUMMARY OF CLIENT'S DESCRIPTION OF THIS OPPORTUNITY

Showing results 21-40

Direct Support Professional information

See Reston, VA salary details

$10

$16

$21

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Reston, VA is $16.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $18.27 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 Reston, VA?

For Direct Support Professional jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:

Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Reston, VA 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 $35,238 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Acas Inc

Centreville, VA โ€ข On-site

$21 - $22/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

About the Role:
Join Acas Inc as a Direct Support Professional in Centreville, VA, where you will make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities. This role offers a rewarding opportunity to provide essential support and care in a compassionate environment.

Responsibilities:
  • Provide personal care and support to individuals with disabilities in daily activities.
  • Assist clients with meal preparation, hygiene, and medication management.
  • Facilitate social and recreational activities to enhance clients' quality of life.
  • Document client progress and communicate effectively with team members.
  • Implement individualized care plans tailored to each client's needs.
  • Ensure a safe and supportive environment for all clients.
  • Participate in training and development to improve skills and knowledge.
  • Build trusting relationships with clients to promote independence and dignity.
Requirements:
  • High school diploma or equivalent; relevant certifications preferred.
  • Experience in direct support or caregiving roles is a plus.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
  • Compassionate and patient demeanor with a commitment to client care.
  • Basic first aid and CPR certification preferred.
  • Reliable transportation to travel to clients' homes.
  • Background check clearance required.
About Us:
Acas Inc has been dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities for over a decade. Our clients and their families appreciate our compassionate approach and commitment to quality care, while our employees enjoy a supportive workplace that values their contributions.