ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Direct Support Professional Jobs in Riverside, CA

ablelight

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Direct Support Professional Work as a DSP with a Non-Profit that cares! Provide Support, Build Relationships, Make a Difference! At AbleLight, people are the heart of everything we do. Our mission ...

ablelight

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Laguna Hills, CA · On-site

$16 - $19.50/hr

Direct Support Professional Work as a DSP with a Non-Profit that cares! Provide Support, Build Relationships, Make a Difference! At AbleLight, people are the heart of everything we do. Our mission ...

ablelight

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Direct Support Professional Work as a DSP with a Non-Profit that cares! Provide Support, Build Relationships, Make a Difference! At AbleLight, people are the heart of everything we do. Our mission ...

ablelight

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Direct Support Professional Work as a DSP with a Non-Profit that cares! Provide Support, Build Relationships, Make a Difference! At AbleLight, people are the heart of everything we do. Our mission ...

Momentum

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $18.25/hr

Employer-Sponsored Life Insurance Direct Support Professional (DSP) Responsibilities: * Assist clients with personal care tasks, including bathing, grooming, and dressing * Help clients with ...

tmn

Direct Support Professional

Montclair, CA · On-site

$20.75/hr

Pay Rate: $20.75 Direct Support Professional Mobile Would you like to make a positive difference in the lives of others? Join our mission. Based in community settings, within a program, and working ...

tmn

Direct Support Professional

Ontario, CA · On-site

$18/hr

Pay Rate: $18 Direct Support Professional Mobile Would you like to make a positive difference in the lives of others? Join our mission. Based in community settings, within a program, and working ...

tmn

Direct Support Professional

Ontario, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Pay Rate: $ 18.00 Direct Support Professional Mobile Would you like to make a positive difference in the lives of others? Join our mission. Based in community settings, within a program, and working ...

tmn

Direct Support Professional

Ontario, CA

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Pay Rate: $ 18.00 Direct Support Professional Mobile Would you like to make a positive difference in the lives of others? Join our mission. Based in community settings, within a program, and working ...

tmn

Direct Support Professional

Montclair, CA · On-site

$20.75/hr

Pay Rate: $20.75 Direct Support Professional Mobile Would you like to make a positive difference in the lives of others? Join our mission. Based in community settings, within a program, and working ...

tmn

Direct Support Professional

Ontario, CA

$18/hr

Pay Rate: $18 Direct Support Professional Mobile Would you like to make a positive difference in the lives of others? Join our mission. Based in community settings, within a program, and working ...

tmn

Direct Support Professional

Ontario, CA · On-site

$18/hr

Pay Rate: $18 Direct Support Professional Mobile Would you like to make a positive difference in the lives of others? Join our mission. Based in community settings, within a program, and working ...

tmn

Direct Support Professional

Montclair, CA

$20.75/hr

Pay Rate: $20.75 Direct Support Professional Mobile Would you like to make a positive difference in the lives of others? Join our mission. Based in community settings, within a program, and working ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

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

Direct Support Professional information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$10

$16

$21

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Riverside, CA is $16.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $18.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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 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.

More about Direct Support Professional jobs
What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professional jobs in Riverside, CA? For Direct Support Professional jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Riverside, CA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,337 per year, or $17 per hour.
DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

ablelight

Mission Viejo, CA • On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

AbleLight rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Direct Support Professional

Work as a DSP with a Non-Profit that cares! Provide Support, Build Relationships, Make a Difference!  
At AbleLight, people are the heart of everything we do. Our mission, vision and values reflect a commitment to people. As an organization, we are aligned, inspired and driven toward a common goal - believing that together, the best life is possible!

Requirements: 

  • High school graduate or equivalent
  • Must be 18 years of age, or older. 
  • Must possess a valid driver's license that is currently in good standing with a good record 
  • Ability to pass background check

Benefits (for those scheduled 30 hours per week or more): Pay Range between $18.25-20.75.

We support the whole person and have designed our benefits with you and your family's total well-being in mind:

  • Health and Wellness: Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits starting the first of the month following 30 days of employment and access to Teledoc 
  • Financial Wellness: 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with 3.5% matching contributions, Health Savings Account, Flexible Savings Account, and Basic Life, AD&D, STD, and LTD insurance
  • Work/Life Balance: Paid Time Off (PTO), Tuition Reimbursements
  • Training program will allow you to become CPR certified
  • Ongoing training to support Career Development

Responsibilities: 

The Direct Support Professional / DSP / Caregiver is responsible for providing direct support, positive direction, and assistance to the individuals we support of all ages, allowing them to be more effective in their everyday life. 

  • Helping residents with dining, mobility, health and hygiene activities 
  • Accompanying individuals while running errands
  • Attending special community occasions and fun activities like outdoor walks, games and social events 
  • Assisting our individuals in achieving their personal goals and desires 

Be a Direct Support Professional - DSP for a team who enhances the lives of our individuals in every way possible. Apply today to be a caregiver and make a difference in your community! 

BLC123 

What AbleLight employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply