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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Direct Support Professional

Napa, CA ยท On-site

$16.90 - $25/hr

Preferred 1-year direct support experience with people with developmental, physical or psychiatric disabilities- or transferable skills * Driver's license and reliable transportation Certifications:

Preferred 1-year direct support experience with people with developmental, physical or psychiatric disabilities- or transferable skills * Driver's license and reliable transportation Certifications:

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Rohnert Park, CA ยท On-site

$23.50 - $26.20/hr

Company Description Dungarvin is seeking experienced Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our Day Program. If you've worked in caregiving, education, behavioral health, or another human ...

New

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Santa Rosa, CA ยท On-site

$23.50 - $26.20/hr

Company Description Dungarvin is seeking experienced Direct Support Professionals (DSP) to join our Day Program . As a DSP you would coach and foster engagement by leading workshops designed to ...

New

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Rohnert Park, CA ยท On-site

$23.50 - $26.20/hr

Company Description Dungarvin is seeking experienced Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our Day Program. If you've worked in caregiving, education, behavioral health, or another human ...

New

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Santa Rosa, CA ยท On-site

$23.50 - $26.20/hr

Company Description Dungarvin is seeking experienced Direct Support Professionals (DSP) to join our Day Program . As a DSP you would coach and foster engagement by leading workshops designed to ...

New

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 9, 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 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.
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:
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, and 35% 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

Lynn & Darla, LLC

Napa, CA โ€ข On-site

$16.90 - $25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Description:

DEFINITION: Under the supervision of the Community Integration Coordinator, providing direct support services to the people with developmental and physical disabilities in their homes. Lynn and Darla works with customers who require a varying level of need. We offer Supported Living Services and Independent Living Services. 


Pay Rate : $16.90 - $25.00

Location: Solano County/ Napa County

Hours : Varied to meet customer needs


QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred: 

  • Preferred 1-year direct support experience with people with developmental, physical or psychiatric disabilities- or transferable skills 
  • Driver's license and reliable transportation 

Certifications: 

  • Must have and maintain current CPR/First Aid Certification and present upon hire.
  • Crisis Prevention Intervention (as applicable)- Paid training 
  • Person Centered Training- Paid Training 

Benefits (after 90 days of working 30+ hours a week)

  • Medical Insurance (100% paid by employer first tier) 
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance 
  • Dental Insurance 
  • 401k Plans 
  • Discount Programs (discounted community activity tickets)
  • Free physician help line
  • Paid sick leave
  • Cell phone stipend ($30/ month for mobile clock in/out)

Must be able to pass a DOJ and Drug Screening 

Requirements:

PRIMARY DUTIES:

  • Assure that individual served are provide with assistance in all aspects of their daily living and that they receive supports in all areas needed to live a full active life of their choice.
  • In conjunction with the individual, assure implementation and follow through on all aspects of the IIP (Individual Program Plan) for people served.
  • Provide advice, guidance, and support to individuals regarding personal issue and life choices
  • Act as an advocate for people served.
  • Act as liaison/consultant to individualโ€™s team.
  • Attend Individual Program Plan (annual) and interim meetings.
  • Attend as weekly team meetings.
  • Assure all data collection and daily documentation is completed.
  • Assure that individuals served have access to nutritional food that they enjoy.
  • Assure that all symptoms of illness reported by individuals are promptly reported to the physician of their choice. 
  • Assure that persons served have access to transportation when they need it to go into their communities.
  • Accompany people as necessary to the activities of their choice daily.
  • Assist people to budget and manage their finances as indicated. 
  • Assure that the human and civil rights of people served are being respected at all times. 
  • Assist individuals to maintain the exterior of their home and lawn in accordance with the standards maintained at other residences in the area.
  • Assist individuals to maintain the interior of their home through accessing landlords, repair services or other services as needed, reporting all problems and solutions to the landlord and report results to Coordinator.
  • Communicate with day program services as necessary in a polite friendly manner
  • Prompt and encourage people to prepare or directly prepare meals and snacks as desired by the individuals on a time schedule determined by the individual. 
  • Prepare administrative reports and documents as necessary.
  • Responsible to obtain required training and assure that training is kept current (as specified in Training Attachment) to assure to continue employment.
  • Attend all Regional Center audits as requested to assure that auditors understand implementation of programs.
  • Adhere to Injury & Illness Prevention Program.
  • Assume responsibly for all other duties as assigned by Coordinator and/or Director

Compensation details: 16.9-25 Hourly Wage


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