DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL
$16.25 - $19.75/hr
... 85% Direct Care & Support * Provides daily support, care and companionship aligned with the individual Support Plan (ISP) with dignity and respect. * * Provides personal care such as bathing ...
DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL
$16.25 - $19.75/hr
... 85% Direct Care & Support * Provides daily support, care and companionship aligned with the individual Support Plan (ISP) with dignity and respect. * * Provides personal care such as bathing ...
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL
$16.25 - $19.75/hr
... 85% Direct Care & Support * Provides daily support, care and companionship aligned with the individual Support Plan (ISP) with dignity and respect. * * Provides personal care such as bathing ...
DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL
$16.25 - $19.75/hr
... 85% Direct Care & Support * Provides daily support, care and companionship aligned with the individual Support Plan (ISP) with dignity and respect. * * Provides personal care such as bathing ...
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
Direct Support Professional
$15.75 - $19/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:
Direct Support Professional
$15.75 - $19/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:
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:
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:
Direct Support Professional information
See Riverside, CA salary details
$10.28 - $11.31
1% of jobs
$11.31 - $12.33
1% of jobs
$12.33 - $13.36
3% of jobs
$13.36 - $14.39
6% of jobs
$14.39 - $15.41
11% of jobs
$15.54 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$15.41 - $16.44
19% of jobs
The median wage is $16.87 / hr.
$16.44 - $17.46
19% of jobs
$18.23 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$17.46 - $18.49
18% of jobs
$18.49 - $19.52
11% of jobs
$19.52 - $20.54
6% of jobs
$20.54 - $21.57
3% of jobs
$10
$16
$21
How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?
As of Jun 23, 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 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 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.
How much do DSP workers make?
Direct Support Professionals typically earn between $15 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, certifications, and the employer. In some cases, wages may be higher with specialized skills or in certain regions, and many DSPs work part-time or full-time schedules with benefits varying by employer.
What is the difference between Direct Support Professional vs Personal Care Assistant?
| Aspect | Direct Support Professional | Personal Care Assistant |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | CPR, First Aid, sometimes specialized training | CPR, First Aid often required |
| Work Environment | Assisting individuals with disabilities in community or residential settings | Providing personal care in private homes or facilities |
| Employer & Industry | Nonprofits, government agencies, healthcare providers | Home 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 is the work of a Direct Support Professional?
A Direct Support Professional provides assistance to individuals with disabilities or special needs, helping them with daily activities such as personal care, household tasks, and community integration. They often work in clients' homes or care facilities, requiring good communication skills and sometimes certification in CPR or first aid.
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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?
A Direct Support Professional typically earns less than $10,000 a month; however, high-paying roles in sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship can reach that level without a degree. These jobs often require strong interpersonal skills, self-motivation, and sometimes licensing or certifications, but they do not necessarily require a college degree.
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 is an example of a Direct Support Professional?
A Direct Support Professional is a trained caregiver who provides assistance to individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions, helping them with daily activities such as personal care, medication management, and community integration. They often work in settings like homes, group homes, or community centers and may require certifications like CPR or first aid.
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:
AbleLight rating
5.6
Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
Job description
Job Summary
Provides care and support in residential setting to the people we serve by assisting in the development and implementation of individual Support Plans, including spiritual life supports, assisting people in achieving their personal goals and desires, providing interaction and choices for activities that support a meaningful day, supporting people to be independent in activities of daily living and personal care as needed
Essential Duties
85% Direct Care & Support
- Provides daily support, care and companionship aligned with the individual Support Plan (ISP) with dignity and respect.
- Provides personal care such as bathing, dressing, bathroom assistance or housekeeping.
- Prepare and serve meals in accordance with individual diet plans.
- Administers medication, prescriptions as documented under the direction (supervision) of a nurse.
- Schedule as requested and take individuals to medical appointments, outings, or errands.
- Support engaging activities to maximize and enhance the quality of daily living and support individuals’ personal goals and quality of life.
- Ensures general event reporting (GER), record keeping is maintained that is aligned with medical orders, state compliance requirements, abuse reporting, court orders and AbleLight quality and internal procedures and guidelines.
15% Other Program Support
- Participate by providing insight into daily activities and interest of an individual in the development and updating of individual support plans.
- Purchase food and supplies when instructed.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and healthy environment always in the residence.
- Ensures care and residence is fully compliance with safety protocols.
- Attending staff meetings and participating in continuing education.
The above reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position.
Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities for Success in the Role
Knowledge: Theoretical or practical understanding of a subject acquired and increases through experience. Skills:
Proficiencies developed through training, practice, or experience. Abilities: The level and quality of being able to do something improved with training and experience
- Excellent Teamwork and Communication Skills
- Passion and motivation to our mission and the people we serve.
- Willingness to learn and grow
Our Values – The “Way” We Work
Mission First
We are called to support others to flourish and that deserves our full energy, commitment, and focus.
One AbleLight
We are ONE TEAM working together to advance quality. We value collaboration, accountability, transparency, and courage.
Christian Love
We are guided by our Christian Faith because all people have infinite value. We welcome and love every person, we act with empathy, grace, dignity, and patience.
Minimum Job Qualifications
Education:
High School diploma or equivalent preferred, but not required unless directed by state regulations.
Experience:
0 Years
Lic or Cert
Program specific based on state requirements: may or may not need a Driver's License with no negative Motor Vehicle Record findings.
About AbleLight
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Health care and social assistance
Company size
1,001 - 5,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Watertown, WI, US
Year founded
1904