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Direct Support Professionals Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

HCAOA

Direct Support Professional

Sterling, VA ยท On-site

$19/hr

We are looking for Direct Support Professionals or caregivers that are interested in learning and growing their skills within the senior and disability care industry. Our Direct Support Professional ...

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Direct Support Professionals information

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How much do direct support professionals jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professionals in Washington is $18.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.86 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 Washington? For Direct Support Professionals jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professionals jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professionals jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Direct Support Professionals jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Direct Support Professionals job openings:
Direct Support Professionals jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professionals job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,362 per year, or $18.4 per hour.
Direct Support Professional- Evenings

Direct Support Professional- Evenings

Bello Machre

Glen Burnie, MD โ€ข On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Job Description

Bello Machre is seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) for our Residential and Community Services Programs in Anne Arundel. Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are essential staff and provide loving care for adults with developmental disabilities in their homes and/or in a community setting throughout Anne Arundel County. The title of Direct Support Professional covers the full scope of positions and roles in our residential program and can be full or part-time. In addition to providing direct support and loving care, our Direct Support Professionals teach the people we support independent living skills, plan community-based activities, and implement individual program plans.

We are currently looking for FULL-TIME and PART-TIME DSPs to work in the Anne Arundel area.

Qualifications

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • A high school diploma or GED required
  • Must have a current driverโ€™s license with no more than 5 points
  • Must display a genuine interest in the well-being of adults with developmental disabilities
  • Must be able to communicate effectively with supervisor, peers, individuals, and families
  • Must demonstrate the ability to resolve problems and conflict effectively
  • Must display a positive attitude when interacting with others
  • Must be able to teach skills, provide support, and build on each individual's strengths and capabilities

Responsibilities

  • Provide outstanding support and services for people with developmental disabilities, enabling them to participate as fully as they wish in all aspects of community life
  • Assist individuals in the development of friendships and other relationships.
  • Assist individuals to become an active participant in their community and to build natural support networks
  • Support and promote people with developmental disabilities by providing choice in obtaining employment, educational, social, and recreational services
  • Be knowledgeable of the person-centered plan for each person and provide support to them according to their plan
  • Fully understand all aspects of fundamental rights
Company Description

Bello Machre โ€“ We provide a lifetime commitment of loving care, opportunity, and guidance to people with developmental disabilities in Maryland. Our name is pronounced Bฤ•llล Mah-cree and means Home Of My Heart.
Working for Bello Machre is more than a job. We value our employeesโ€™ time and training experience. All required training for employees is provided free of charge, and time spent in training is paid.

Benefits
  • Meaningful and purpose-driven work
  • Working for one of Baltimore's 2022 Top Workplaces
  • Supportive company culture
  • Paid Sick Time
  • 403B Retirement Plan With Company Contribution
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Paid Training
  • Long-term Disability Insurance
  • Short-term Disability Insurance
Vaccination

Bello Machre takes the health and safety of our employees, the people we support, and the greater community very seriously. It is our expectation that all employees who are able to get vaccinated and boosted, do so.