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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

STAND BY ME PROGRAM

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Direct Support Professional or Para Professional

Rohnert Park, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Looking for a fun loving, dependable individual to work with Adults with Intellectual Disabilities. Stand By Me Program is an adult day program offering individuals a fun creative environment to do ...

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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 Jul 17, 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.

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.

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.

More about Direct Support Professional jobs
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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
Direct Support Professional I

Direct Support Professional I

Becoming Independent

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

$21.25 - $22.75/hr

Other

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description


BECOMING INDEPENDENT JOB DESCRIPTION

 

POSITION: Direct Support Professional I (DSP I) 

PROGRAM: Living Services 

POSITION DESCRIPTION:  A DSP I serves as a personal attendant for individuals who choose to or are working towards living independently. A DSP I is expected to assist and supervise individuals with personal care needs as well as help them to achieve their personal goals through learning skills and participating in activities of their choice that the individuals, by virtue of their condition, cannot personally perform on an independent basis. 

SALARY: $21.25-$21.75/hour 

STATUS: Non-exempt; no employee supervision

 

CRITICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

 

While working with individuals, DSP I’s are expected to provide instruction, assistance, and supervision in skills essential for individuals striving for independent living as described below.
 

PROVIDE SUPPORTS & TRAINING

  • Works 1:1 with individuals in home/community environment (direct supervision & support).
  • Supervise and assist with personal health and hygiene, including personal grooming, bathing, toileting, the use of adaptive equipment, and appropriate attire. 
  • Provide assistance, supervision, and support to individuals with a variety of personal care needs, including those related to health and hygiene, maintenance of their household, healthy eating, health-related appointments, and instructions, including medication, financial systems, and shopping.
  • Attend, actively engage, and participate in team meetings & trainings.
  • Completes monthly trainings on schedule within the provided timeframe.
 

IMPLEMENT SERVICE PLANS

  • Ensure individual's personal choice is at the forefront of service plan delivery.
  • Understanding and adherence to any individualized service plans, including medical or behavioral.
  • Participate in meetings with the interdisciplinary team/circle of support as requested.
 

KEEP RECORDS AND WRITE REPORTS 

  • Records data relative to tasks (BI information platforms; Therap/EVV/ISP data, ADP, TripLog, etc).
  • Time and Attendance records (ADP) - Responsible for daily punches for all shifts/applicable breaks and daily review of timecards/corrections/edits (notes).
  • Therap - Daily notes must be submitted for all 1:1 services within 24 hours of service.
  • Company email must be checked during each shift. Email responses are expected within 24 hours or at your next scheduled shift (for emails where you are the only recipient). Text message correspondence must be replied to during your shift.
  • Google Calendars/Daily Schedule - All staff must ensure either their Google Calendar or their daily schedule is reflective of all activities during working hours.
 

DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN EFFECTIVE RELATIONSHIPS

  • Assist individuals in establishing and maintaining social connections with persons of their choosing, with a focus on reducing relationships with paid supports.
  • Support and participate alongside individuals in community events and activities.
  • Develop and maintain effective relationships with persons served (including their family and friends), peers, supervisors, and other staff, affiliated agency staff, and members of the community.
  • Participate in meetings with the interdisciplinary team/circle of support.
  • Plans and coordinates Community Access activities per shift based on individual's interests.
  • Encourages and schedules engagement in HQ classes/utilization and HQ/BI Community events.
 

TRANSPORTATION OF PERSONS SERVED

  • Transport persons served as needed to and from community activities/appointments/errands, etc. This may be in a personal vehicle, BI vehicle, or riding public/para transportation services. 
  • Ensure safe entry and exit protocols, as well as ensure the safety of individuals while in a moving vehicle (i.e., tie-downs, seatbelts).
  • Ensure inspection and cleanliness of the vehicle before/after each use.
  • Triplog application (with Magic Trip enabled) must be used for all personal and fleet mileage driven during your scheduled work day. Trips must be reviewed, corrected, and submitted daily or at the start of the next shift. 
  • Applicable inspections performed via Fleetio application prior to usage of any BI vehicle at any time.
 

OTHER

  • Provide support as a Direct Support Professional working in any BI program, including but not limited to providing in-home care, transportation, in-community services and direct supervision for individuals served.
  • All BI working hours should be performed at a BI location, in the individual’s home, or at a community site with the individual.. Exceptions need to be pre-approved by your supervisor. 
  • Availability and flexibility to accommodate changing individual support needs.
  • Executes position-specific job duties and other duties as assigned at the discretion of BI.


CANDIDATE SHOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING SKILLS

ORGANIZED:  Ability to set priorities, perform job duties in an orderly fashion, and complete job duties with efficiency and accuracy. Detail-oriented.

DEPENDABLE:  Capable of being relied upon, responsible, trustworthy, and punctual.

GOOD JUDGEMENT:  Consistently evaluates information and circumstances to make informed decisions that lead to positive outcomes for both the program and its participants.

POSITIVE ATTITUDE:  Ability to demonstrate a mental disposition and overall outlook that is positive, open, and supportive of others.

INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS:  Ability to relate well with others and establish positive working relations; cooperative; "team player."

COMMUNICATION:  Excellent verbal/written communication skills in English, is able to comprehend and follow directions, as well as be an effective listener.

INITIATIVE:  Ability to "self-start" without close supervision; self-reliance, energy, and resourcefulness.

PHILOSOPHICAL COMMITMENT:  Demonstrates through words and actions an understanding of, and commitment to, the organization's beliefs and goals; advocates on behalf of persons served.

 

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:  High School diploma or equivalent preferred. 

EXPERIENCE:  Previous experience working with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities is desirable. Good customer service skills and an interest in helping others pursue and achieve their goals are required. Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand the primary language used in the workplace (English).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • A physical condition that will permit frequent bending, squatting, turning, and lifting without injury.
  • Ability to operate a vehicle for a portion of your shift.
  • Ability to walk and stand for prolonged periods of time.
  • Ability to assist individuals in wheelchairs.
  • Provide personal care to individuals, including assistance in the restroom and feeding.
  • Lift at least 40 pounds.
  • Clearance of pre-employment Functional Capacity Evaluation with no restrictions that cannot be reasonably accommodated without undue hardship.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

  • Valid California driver’s license
  • Insured, dependable vehicle that can successfully pass BI’s vehicle inspection
  • Proof of current auto insurance
  • On-Duty Meal Period Waiver
  • First Aid and CPR certification (training will be provided) 
  • Criminal Record Clearance

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