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Direct Support Professionals Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$16/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals to join our team in our Virginia Beach, Virginia location. If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health Aide this is the opportunity for you.

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$18/hr

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals to join our team in our Virginia Beach, Virginia location. If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health Aide this is the opportunity for you.

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How much do direct support professionals jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 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 is the work of a direct support professional?

A direct support professional provides assistance to individuals with disabilities or special needs, helping them with daily activities such as personal care, household tasks, and community participation. They often work in clients' homes or care facilities and may require training or certification in first aid or CPR.

Is DSP a good career?

A career as a Direct Support Professional involves assisting individuals with disabilities in daily activities, often requiring patience, communication skills, and certification. It can be a rewarding job with opportunities for growth and flexible schedules, but it also involves physically and emotionally demanding work. Job satisfaction often depends on personal interests in caregiving and support roles.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

Direct Support Professionals typically do not earn $10,000 a month without advanced experience or specialized certifications. High-paying roles that can reach this level without a degree often include sales, real estate, or skilled trades like plumbing or electrical work, which rely on experience, licensing, and skills rather than formal education.

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.

How much do DSP workers make?

Direct Support Professionals typically earn an average hourly wage of around $15 to $20, depending on experience, certifications, and the employer. In some areas, wages may be higher for those with specialized skills or additional certifications, and they often work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

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
Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional

Merakey

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$16/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago

Merakey rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

106th of 228 rated social care providers

Job description

Are you looking for an opportunity to advance your career while working with an extraordinary team? At Merakey, we put heart and soul into everything we do. We are seeking Direct Support Professionals to join our team in our Virginia Beach, Virginia location. If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health Aide this is the opportunity for you.
Position Details
Our Direct Support Professionals are responsible for supporting individuals through teaching, coaching, modeling, and accompanying individuals with disabilities so that they are involved in family, neighborhood, civic, cultural, and religious activities and events. In a variety of settings, the DSP will work with individuals with varying degrees of medical and mental health diagnoses and abilities. DSP uphold dignity and respect of individual(s) served by promoting person-centered care while documenting and assisting activities of daily living in a safe and sanitary environment.
No experience required - we provide PAID training.
Earn up $16.00/hour.
Benefits
Merakey offers benefits tailored to support your unique work arrangements.
  • DailyPay -- access your pay when you need it!
  • Retirement plan -- both pre-tax and Roth (after-tax) options available for employee contributions.
  • Voluntary limited benefits offered through the American Worker. Offerings include limited* medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance. (*not a substitute for major medical insurance)
  • Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Enjoy our On the Goga well-being platform, featuring self-care tools and resources.
  • Employee discounts and savings programs on entertainment, travel, and lifestyle.
  • Access to Pryor Online Learning for free online personal development classes.

About Merakey
Merakey is a non-profit provider of developmental, behavioral health, and education services. More than 8,000 employees provide support to nearly 40,000 individuals and families throughout 12 states across the country each year. Click here to watch a video about Merakey.
Merakey strictly follows a zero-tolerance policy for abuse.
Merakey is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer! We deeply value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ethnic background, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or disability status. Moreover, we are committed to creating teams that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and encourage applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Merakey welcomes all Veterans to apply!
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
  • HS Diploma or GED
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Ability to operate a vehicle and possess a valid driver's license
  • Preferred 1+ year experience in a home health aide setting or school setting working with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.

What Merakey employees say

Pay

Benefits

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About Merakey

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Merakey is a leading developmental, behavioral health, and education non-profit provider with a fifty-year history. We offer a breadth of integrated services to individuals and communities across the country. Our belief that every individual has the right to achieve growth, dignity, and fulfillment guides all of our decisions. At Merakey, we care about each other and are committed to providing the very best care to those we serve. Merakey strictly follows a zero-tolerance policy for abuse.

Industry

Non-profits

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Lafayette Hill, PA, US

Year founded

1960

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