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Direct Support Professionals Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Platts Family Residential Services

Be Seen First

Direct Support Professional

Hampton, VA · On-site

$17.50/hr

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Job Title Direct Support Professional (DSP) Job Summary A Direct ... Communicate effectively with supervisors, families, and healthcare professionals * Complete ...

Platts Family Residential Services

Be Seen First

Direct Support Professional

Hampton, VA · On-site

$17.50/hr

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Job Title Direct Support Professional (DSP) Job Summary A Direct ... Communicate effectively with supervisors, families, and healthcare professionals * Complete ...

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All JobsDirect Support Professionals JobsDirect Support Professionals Jobs in Virginia

Direct Support Professionals information

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How much do direct support professionals jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professionals in Virginia is $16.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $17.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 solid understanding of client care, basic healthcare practices, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with documentation software, incident reporting systems, and sometimes CPR/First Aid certification is typically required. Patience, strong interpersonal communication, and problem-solving skills help build trust and provide effective support to individuals with disabilities. These skills are essential for ensuring client safety, promoting independence, and fostering a positive, supportive environment.

What are Direct Support Professionals?

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are caregivers who assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their daily lives. They provide support with personal care, medication management, and skill-building activities to promote independence and community involvement. DSPs work in various settings, including private homes, group homes, and day programs. Their role is crucial in helping individuals achieve their personal goals and live fulfilling lives.

What are some common challenges Direct Support Professionals face when supporting individuals with varying needs, and how can they effectively address them?

Direct Support Professionals often encounter challenges such as communicating with individuals who have diverse abilities, managing behavioral crises, and adapting support strategies to each person's unique needs. Building trust and using person-centered approaches are key to overcoming these challenges. Effective professionals rely on ongoing training, teamwork, and open communication with supervisors and other care team members to ensure the highest quality of care and safety for those they support.

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 are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professionals jobs in Virginia? For Direct Support Professionals jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professionals jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professionals jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Direct Support Professionals jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Direct Support Professionals job openings:
Direct Support Professionals jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professionals job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,581 per year, or $16.1 per hour.
Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Danville

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Danville

Support Services Of Virginia

Danville, VA • On-site

$13.50 - $14/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Support Services of Virginia is hiring Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in Danville to provide support services to individuals with developmental disabilities in both residential and community settings. We are seeking individuals who are dependable, positive, adaptable, community-focused, and passionate about helping others live fulfilling lives.

As a Direct Support Professional, you will work directly with individuals to promote independence, community participation, and personal growth. You will help ensure that each person receives support that reflects what is important to them while also addressing their health, safety, and overall well-being.

Support Services of Virginia is committed to investing in our employees through mentorship, training, and professional development opportunities. Our supportive workplace culture, comprehensive benefits package, and meaningful mission make SSVA a rewarding place to build a career in Virginia's human services field.

Schedule & Work Environment

SSVA provides services 24 hours a day and currently has openings for day, evening, overnight, and weekend shifts. Direct Support Professionals are expected to work a minimum of two weekend shifts per month as part of their regular schedule. Every shift provides an opportunity to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of the individuals we support.

Virtual interviews and training are available through Zoom.

Compensation

• Starting pay: $13.50 per hour
• Opportunity for an increase to $14.00 per hour upon completion of training and medication certification requirements
• All certifications must be verified

Team Member Benefits

• Competitive compensation with opportunities for wage growth after training
• Medical, dental, and life insurance coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and training time
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Professional development and advancement opportunities
• Employee appreciation and referral programs

Requirements

• Proof of highest level of education completed
• Ability to pass criminal background, registry, and tuberculosis screenings
• Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid/CPR/AED Certification, Medicaid Waiver Certification, and Direct Support Professional Core Competencies
• Strong communication, organizational, and time management skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Support Services of Virginia values diversity and inclusion and welcomes candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.