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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Riverside, CA

ablelight

DSP / Direct Support Professional

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Mission Viejo, CA Direct Support Professionals, DSP's, Caregivers are all terms that can be used synonymously. These are the talented individuals that we are always keeping an eye out for, who take ...

ablelight

DSP / Direct Support Professional

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Mission Viejo, CA Direct Support Professionals, DSP's, Caregivers are all terms that can be used synonymously. These are the talented individuals that we are always keeping an eye out for, who take ...

ablelight

DSP / Direct Support Professional

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Mission Viejo, CA Direct Support Professionals, DSP's, Caregivers are all terms that can be used synonymously. These are the talented individuals that we are always keeping an eye out for, who take ...

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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

Exceptionally Me Inc

Hemet, CA

$21 - $23/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Training & development
  • Health insurance

Position: Direct Support Professional
Location: Winchester, CA
Salary Range: $21.00 - $23.00 (Based on experience)
Shift(s) available: 12a-8a (NOC)
An Exceptional Opportunity Awaits!
Are you prepared to unleash your passion for making a difference and embark on a rewarding career journey? Step into our dynamic team and become a vital part of a community committed to empowering adults with intellectual disabilities and Autism. We're on the lookout for driven individuals who are eager to create a lasting impact while advancing both personally and professionally.
Job Description:
Join us in making genuine transformations by providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to our clients, implementing tailored, evidence-based interventions under the guidance of our esteemed BCBA. Your attention to detail is crucial as you adhere meticulously to behavior plans crafted by our expert team, tracking client progress diligently through meticulous data collection and insightful notes. Embrace a culture of continuous growth and learning by attending scheduled trainings, and demonstrate empathy and confidence in navigating challenging situations with finesse. Ensure the safe and effective management of medications while completing RBT tracking paperwork accurately and promptly to uphold compliance with industry standards. Foster open, professional communication with clients, team members, supervisors, and peers, while upholding the integrity and effectiveness of our program design at all times. Join our vibrant team and be a catalyst for meaningful change!
Required Qualifications:
  • Must be 18 years or older and eligible to work in the US
  • High school diploma
  • Ability to pass a DOJ Live Scan
  • Minimum 5 months experience working with adults with intellectual disabilities/Autism
  • Flexibility to work weekends and holidays
  • Reliable transportation, valid drivers license, and insurance are essential
Nice To Have:
  • Basic Life Support Certification
  • Current CPI card
  • Bachelors degree in psychology or related field
  • College enrollment or coursework preferred
  • RBT Certification

Ready to embark on a rewarding journey of growth and impact? Don't let this remarkable opportunity pass you by! Apply now and become an integral part of something truly special!