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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Sandy, OR (NOW HIRING)

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Direct Support Professional information

See Sandy, OR salary details

$10

$17

$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 Sandy, OR is $17.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.46 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 Sandy, OR? For Direct Support Professional jobs in Sandy, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Sandy, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Sandy, OR are:
What cities near Sandy, OR are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Sandy, OR with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Sandy, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,595 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Direct Support Professional (Youth)

ALBERTINA KERR CENTERS

Gresham, OR • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Albertina Kerr rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

At Albertina Kerr, we believe that all people thrive in nurturing and inclusive communities. Our mission is to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health challenges to lead self-determined lives in their communities.
As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in our youth group homes, you'll work alongside a collaborative, multidisciplinary team - including DSPs, Behavior Specialists, Therapists, Skills Trainers, and Psychiatrists, to support youth ages 10-17 with both developmental and mental health needs (dual diagnosis). Each home supports up to four youth, each with unique backgrounds, strengths, and goals.
You'll help youth:
  • Build social, emotional regulation, and advocacy skills
  • Develop independence in daily living
  • Strengthen relationships and community connections

Daily responsibilities vary but often include supporting morning and bedtime routines, school preparation, after-school activities, meals, and household tasks. You'll also collaborate with families and care teams to ensure consistent, high-quality support.
At times, you may support youth who are dysregulated due to trauma or skill gaps. In these moments, you'll model emotional regulation, use approved strategies to maintain safety, and focus on relationship-building and repair. We believe all people do well if they can, and your role is to support youth in building the skills they need to succeed.
We're looking for people who:
  • Center youth and meet them where they are-on both good and challenging days
  • Provide consistency and positive adult support
  • Are open to learning strategies for supporting dual diagnoses
  • Understand the impact of trauma on behavior

In this role, you will:
  • Build safe, trusting relationships with youth
  • Support daily living needs, including personal care
  • Help youth develop skills for independence and adulthood
  • Follow behavior support plans and ensure safety
  • Collaborate with families, medical professionals, and team members
  • Monitor health and well-being
  • Support youth in the community and across program needs
  • Although assigned to a primary group home, support may be needed at other group homes.
  • Other duties as assigned or needed.
  • Position covered under SEIU Local 503 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Benefits
  • Paid 2-week training program to teach you the skills you need
  • 100% paid medical/dental/vision plans
  • Paid holidays and generous paid time off

Qualifications
  • At least 18 years old
  • Great social skills
  • Ability to pass a background check
  • Ability to lift, push and pull 50 pounds
  • Knows basic cooking skills and willing to learn new recipes
  • Knows basic cleaning skills
  • Willing to be flexible and learn new skills
  • Licensed driver with at least two years' driving experience required for day and swing shifts
  • Preference for applicants who can work at least one weekend day.

What Albertina Kerr employees say

Hours and flexibility

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