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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Elwyn

Direct Support Professional

Santa Rosa, CA

$24.26/hr

Direct Support Professional staff provide assistance and supervise residents in activities of daily living. * Responsible for adhering to and documenting an individual's program as directed by the ...

Elwyn

Direct Support Professional

Sonoma, CA

$24.26/hr

Direct Support Professional staff provide assistance and supervise residents in activities of daily living. * Responsible for adhering to and documenting an individual's program as directed by the ...

Elwyn

Direct Support Professional

Sonoma, CA

$24.26/hr

Direct Support Professional staff provide assistance and supervise residents in activities of daily living. * Responsible for adhering to and documenting an individual's program as directed by the ...

Elwyn

Direct Support Professional

Santa Rosa, CA

$24.26/hr

Direct Support Professional staff provide assistance and supervise residents in activities of daily living. * Responsible for adhering to and documenting an individual's program as directed by the ...

Elwyn

Direct Support Professional

Santa Rosa, CA

$24.26/hr

Direct Support Professional staff provide assistance and supervise residents in activities of daily living. * Responsible for adhering to and documenting an individual's program as directed by the ...

Elwyn

Direct Support Professional

Sonoma, CA

$24.26/hr

Direct Support Professional staff provide assistance and supervise residents in activities of daily living. * Responsible for adhering to and documenting an individual's program as directed by the ...

Elwyn

Direct Support Professional

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$27/hr

Elwyn seeks Direct Support Professionals to work with our team in residential group homes. Primary Function * Direct Support Professional staff provide assistance and supervise residents in ...

Elwyn

Direct Support Professional

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$27/hr

Elwyn seeks Direct Support Professionals to work with our team in residential group homes. Primary Function * Direct Support Professional staff provide assistance and supervise residents in ...

Sevita

Direct Support Professional

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$22.50/hr

Direct Support Professional for Day Program Pay - $22.50 per hour Would you like to make a positive difference in the lives of others? Join our mission. Based in community settings, within a program ...

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Direct Support Professional information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$10

$17

$22

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Santa Rosa, CA is $17.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $19.18 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?

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 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 Santa Rosa, CA? For Direct Support Professional jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,032 per year, or $17.8 per hour.
Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional

Elwyn

Santa Rosa, CA

$24.26/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 29 days ago

Elwyn rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

127th of 231 rated social care providers

Job description

Overview

Pay Rate: $27/hour

Multiple FT & PT Schedules Available

Join a Team That Changes Lives

For more than 170 years, Elwyn has been leading the way in supporting children, teens, and adults with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and behavioral health challenges. As a mission-driven nonprofit, we’re here to create real change – helping people lead meaningful, fulfilling lives.

Now, we’re looking for passionate team members to join us. Here, your work will change lives – including your own. You’ll make an impact every day, find purpose in what you do, and grow in a career that truly matters.

At Elwyn, we take care of you while you care for others. We offer:

  • Generous Paid Time Off
  • Comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision Benefit Packages
  • Earned Wage Access/On-Demand Pay
  • Paid On-the-Job Training
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Career Advancement Opportunities and Growth
  • Flexible Schedules
  • Retirement Savings Plan

Join us and be a part of something bigger. Apply today.


Responsibilities

Elwyn seeks Direct Support Professionalsto work with our team in residential group homes.

Primary Function

  • Direct Support Professional staff provide assistance and supervise residents in activities of daily living.
  • Responsible for adhering to and documenting an individual's program as directed by the Program Administrator, RN House Manager or licensed staff in charge.
  • Responsible for providing active programming at all times.
  • Responsible for adherence to standards, procedures and schedules established by their supervisor.
  • Functions are consistent with certified nurse's aide regulations.
  • Responsible for ensuring that any suspicion of or knowledge of suspected abuse is reported in accordance with the law and program policies "Mandated Reporter" (SOC 341).

Requirements

  • Valid California driver's license and acceptable driving history
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Valid C.N.A certification (only required if working in medical group homes)
  • Successful completion of all trainings as required by applicable regulations
  • One year experience working in a program serving persons with developmental disabilities preferred

2026-4453

#ZR

#NIC123

What Elwyn employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Elwyn

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are the leader in education, treatment, and support services to children and adults with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and related behavioral health challenges. Click below to learn about our Vision, Mission & Values; Our Approach; Our History; and Our Leadership Team. Continue reading for more on our unified commitment and national reach.

Industry

Individual, family and community social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Media, PA, US

Year founded

1852

Social media

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