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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

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Direct Support Professional information

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$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.
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 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.

Day Services Program / Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Dungarvin

Rohnert Park, CA • On-site

$23.50 - $26.20/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Dungarvin rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

99th of 239 rated social care providers

Job description

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 services role, your experience is valuable here.
As a DSP, you will coach and foster engagement by leading workshops designed to support individuals with developmental disabilities. DSPs act as life coaches - mentoring and continuously engaging individuals while leading groups through activities like art, music, games, audio/visual, cooking, reading, and other life enrichment opportunities. You will also provide direct care support, behavioral interventions, and ensure timely and accurate documentation of daily progress.
If you're ready to create lasting positive impacts on the lives of others, we want YOU on our team.
Must be able to work the following shift:
  • Monday-Friday 32.5 hours per week, 8:30am-3:00pm or 9am-3:30pm

Why Join Dungarvin?
  • Personal Fulfillment: Be a part of something bigger by making a real difference in someone's life.
  • Growth Opportunities: Gain valuable human services experience and advance your career.
  • Dynamic Workdays: No two days are the same.
  • Inclusive Culture: Work in a supportive environment where diversity is celebrated.

Perks & Benefits
  • Competitive Pay: $23.50/hour
  • Full Range Scale: $23.50 - $26.20 per hour (the starting rate for this position is fixed at $23.50 per hour. Pay increases occur over time and are tied to tenure/length of employment with Dungarvin.)
  • Reliable 32.5 hour schedule
  • Monday - Friday work schedule with weekends off!
  • Medical, Vision and Dental Insurance for eligible employees
  • Supplemental Insurance
  • Flex Spending and HSA Accounts for eligible employees
  • Pet Insurance
  • Life Insurance for eligible employees
  • 401 K plan with up to 3% employer match for eligible employees
  • PAID TIME OFF (PTO) for eligible employees
  • Growth and Development Opportunities
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • National Brand Discounts
  • Tapcheck - early pay access
  • PAID training and orientation
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • National Brand Discounts
  • Tapcheck - early pay access
  • PAID training and orientation

Job Description
What You'll Do:
  • Coach and mentor individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD)
  • Engage individuals through workshop activities to enhance skills. Leading activities such as music, art, games, reading, audio/visual, and other life enrichment activities.
  • Teach and assist individuals with daily life skills such as cooking, money management, and community volunteering opportunities to foster independence.
  • Lead fun outings and workshops and continuously engage individuals in activities.
  • Assist individuals with personal care and provide behavioral interventions daily.
  • Perform housekeeping and laundry duties.
  • Provide compassionate, person-centered care tailored to individual needs.
  • Collaborate with your team to create a safe, supportive, and fun environment.
  • Report on daily outcomes within the electronic documentation system.

Why This Role is Rewarding:
  • You'll see the direct impact of your work every day as the people you support achieve their goals and increase their confidence.
  • This is more than a job - it's a chance to mentor, teach, and inspire.
  • The skills and relationships you build here are as rewarding as they are impactful.

Qualifications
  • 6-12 months experience working with individuals with disabilities.
  • Must be 21 years or older
  • Highschool Diploma or GED
  • Valid driver's license and ability to drive a company van
  • Comfortable providing personal care and behavioral support
  • Compassion, patience, professionalism
  • Adaptable with a positive attitude
  • The ability to take initiative and pivot
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Ability to thrive in a dynamic and active work environment
  • Proficient with basic computer skills and able to learn new systems
  • Good communication is key in this role. You'll rely on your reading, writing, and communication skills to document care, follow support plans, and collaborate with both internal and external team members
  • Ability to lift and transfer 50 lbs

Additional Information
We believe in supporting not only those we serve but also each other, ensuring a collaborative and supportive work environment for all. Dungarvin is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, national origin, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any legally protected status per federal and/or state law.
Ready to start your journey? Apply today! Your next meaningful career move starts here. Together, we can create a better tomorrow for the people we serve and the communities we live in.
#DCAJ
8/3

What Dungarvin employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About Dungarvin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Individual, family and community social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Mendota Heights, MN, US

Year founded

1976

Social media

Facebook

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