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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 ...

Inunison

Direct Support Professional DSP

Riverside, CA · On-site

$3.10K - $3.80K/yr

DSP (Direct Support Professional), Caregiver Job post summary Date posted: April 9, 2024 Pay: $18 - $19 hour Direct Support Professional (DSP) / caregiver's offer support and supervision to adults ...

Sevita

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 ...

Sevita

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 ...

Sevita

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 ...

Sevita

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 ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Ontario, CA · On-site

$18/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 ...

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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.
DSP / Direct Support Professional

DSP / Direct Support Professional

Ablelight

Mission Viejo, CA • On-site

$18.25 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 hours ago

AbleLight rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Schedule Available: Wednesday-Friday 2 pm- 10 pm
Location Hiring: 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 the best care of the people we support, who happen to be individuals with developmental disabilities.
Direct Support Professionals empower individuals with developmental disabilities to live their most independent lives possible by:
  • 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

Minimum Requirements:
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Must possess an active driver's license that is in good standing with a good driving record.
  • Willing and able to pass a background check.
  • Willing to complete an Adult CPR and First Aid course (if you have this already, even better).
  • Embody patience, kindness, and possess a servant's heart and hands.
  • Be able to lift, push, and pull at least 50 pounds.

The Benefits of Working at AbleLight for those scheduled 30+ hours per week:
  • Medical (with access to Teledoc), dental and vision benefits starting the first of the month, following 30 days of employment.
  • 403(b) Retirement savings plan with up to 3.5% employer matching.
  • Paid time off
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • No cap on employee referral bonuses.
  • Any-Day-Pay via "DayForce Wallet" which allows you to access your pay as soon as you've earned it at zero cost to you!

What AbleLight employees say

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Hours and flexibility

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