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Direct Support Professionals Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Redding, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Redding, CA. If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health aide or always wanted to be one, this is the ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Chico, CA · On-site

$17.50/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Chico, CA. If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health aide or always wanted to be one, this is the ...

Nick's Community

Direct Support Professional

Torrance, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Under the direct supervision of the Program Director, the Direct Support Professionals, (DSP) provide individualized services in the facility, community, and vocational settings. DSPs collect data ...

Nick's Community

Direct Support Professional

Torrance, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Under the direct supervision of the Program Director, the Direct Support Professionals, (DSP) provide individualized services in the facility, community, and vocational settings. DSPs collect data ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Chico, CA · On-site

$17.50/hr

We are seeking Caregivers / Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our Chico, CA 95973 program. Whether you're an experienced Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health Aide, or you ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Chico, CA · On-site

$17.50/hr

We are seeking Caregivers / Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our Chico, CA 95973 program.Whether you're an experienced Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health Aide, or you ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Elk Grove, CA · On-site

$26/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our programs in Elk Grove, CA. Are you looking for an opportunity to advance your career while working with an extraordinary ...

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All JobsDirect Support Professionals JobsDirect Support Professionals Jobs in California

Direct Support Professionals information

See California salary details

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How much do direct support professionals jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professionals in California is $16.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Direct Support Professionals vs Personal Care Assistants?

AspectDirect Support ProfessionalsPersonal Care Assistants
CertificationsOften require certifications like CPR, First Aid, and sometimes specialized trainingMay require similar certifications, but less frequently mandated
Work EnvironmentAssist individuals with disabilities in community, residential, or healthcare settingsProvide personal care in private homes or healthcare facilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofit organizations, government agencies, healthcare providersHome healthcare agencies, private clients, assisted living facilities

Both roles involve providing personal care and support, but Direct Support Professionals typically work with individuals with disabilities in various settings and often require specific certifications. Personal Care Assistants mainly focus on assisting with daily living activities in private homes or healthcare environments. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What do you do as a direct support professional?

A direct support professional provides assistance to individuals with disabilities or special needs to help them live independently and participate in daily activities. Their duties include personal care, medication management, skill development, and ensuring safety, often working in clients' homes or community settings. They typically require good communication skills and may need certification or training relevant to caregiving and health support.

What qualifications do I need for a direct support professional job?

To become a direct support professional, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may be required to complete training or certification in areas such as first aid, CPR, or behavioral support. Some positions also require background checks and good communication skills to work effectively with individuals with disabilities or special 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 these roles. Additionally, certifications and experience can influence salary levels across different locations.

What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professionals jobs in California?

For Direct Support Professionals jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professionals jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professionals jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Direct Support Professionals jobs?

Cities in California with the most Direct Support Professionals job openings:

Direct Support Professionals jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professionals job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,428 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Building Independence

Escondido, CA • On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Bonus based on performance
  • Competitive salary

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL 

Job Title: Direct Support Professional
Hourly Rate: $19.00-24.00 (based on certification) 
Shifts Needed: AM/PM and Weekends Preferred
Job Status: Part-Time/Weekends 
Work Location: Escondido, CA 
Building Independence Inc. is hiring compassionate providers to support and care for adults with developmental disabilities.
 
Here's What You'll Do:

Direct Support Professionals support individuals with developmental disabilities, promote residents' health, safety,  well-being, and serve as advocates.
Essential Functions

  • Outline and prepare daily routine(s) for clients' (visual and active) as written in the Individual Program Plan.
  • Support the needs and goals of each resident by participating in developing IPP/ISP goals.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and healthy environment for the residents.
  • Assist clients with personal care, such as grooming and toileting needs.
  • Prepare daily meals and assist with clean-up.
  • Pick-up/drop off clients in company vehicles from/to their home/facility (if necessary).
  • Report any incidents or problems and communicate daily with administrators.
  • Perform other duties assigned.

Education and Experience:

  • Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Must have at least one year of professional or personal experience in care giving (Preferred experience in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities or mental illnesses with challenging behaviors)
  • Direct Support Professional Certificate Year 1 & Year 2 and CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention (Preferred or willing to obtain within the first six months of hire)
  • First Aid / CPR (Preferred or willing to obtain within 30 days of employment)
  • Must be at least 21 years of age
  • Must have a California Driver's License
  • Candidates must successfully pass all pre-employment requirements, including but not limited to a background check.
 
Physical Requirements

  • Able to work both indoors and outdoors.