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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Riverside, CA

Ablelight

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $20.75/hr

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Change Lives. Build Relationships. Make an Impact. Are You a People Person Who Loves Helping Others Succeed? If you can build trust, create meaningful connections ...

ACES MANAGEMENT

Direct Support Professional

Hemet, CA · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

A Direct Support Professional (DSP) is under the direct supervision and guidance of the Residential Home Administrator or current Lead Staff of their designated facility. A Direct Support ...

ablelight

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Change Lives. Build Relationships. Make an Impact. Are You a People Person Who Loves Helping Others Succeed? If you can build trust, create meaningful connections ...

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 ...

ACES MANAGEMENT

Direct Support Professional

Hemet, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Position Summary The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides direct care, behavioral support, and supervision to adults with developmental disabilities and significant behavioral support needs ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Pomona, CA · On-site

$18.47/hr

Since 1974, we've supported individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

San Dimas, CA · On-site

$17.11/hr

Since 1974, we've supported individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

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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 Aug 5, 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) 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 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.

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.

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 cities 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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,337 per year, or $17 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

WTC Support Services

Riverside, CA • On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

About the Role:
Join We Three Care Adult Residential Facility as a Direct Support Professional  and make a meaningful impact in the lives of our residents. We are dedicated to providing compassionate care and support in a nurturing environment in Riverside, CA.

Responsibilities:
  • Provide daily living assistance to residents, including personal hygiene and meal preparation.
  • Support residents in social and recreational activities to enhance their quality of life.
  • Administer medications and monitor health conditions as directed by healthcare professionals.
  • Maintain a clean and safe living environment for all residents.
  • Document daily activities and report any changes in residents' conditions.
  • Collaborate with team members to develop personalized care plans.
  • Assist with transportation and errands as needed.
  • Foster a positive and respectful atmosphere for residents and their families.
Requirements:
  • High school diploma or equivalent; additional certifications in caregiving preferred.
  • Experience in direct support or caregiving roles is highly desirable.
  • Valid CPR and First Aid certifications.
  • Strong communication skills and a compassionate demeanor.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.
  • Background check clearance required.
  • Patience and empathy in dealing with individuals with diverse needs.
  • Team player with a positive attitude towards caregiving.
  • DSP 1 with in 6 months of hire.  DSP 2 with in 1 year of hire. 
About Us:
We Three Care Adult Residential Facility is dedicated to providing compassionate, person-centered care and support to adults with developmental disabilities in a safe and nurturing home environment. Since becoming licensed in 2021, our team has remained committed to promoting independence, dignity, quality of life, and meaningful community involvement for every resident we serve. We pride ourselves on creating a supportive atmosphere for both our residents and staff, where compassion, teamwork, and excellence in care are at the center of everything we do.