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Direct Support Professionals Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Direct Support Professional

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

... connects professionals with client opportunities within the special education, social service ... Our Client is seeking a motivated professional to work as a Direct Support Professional in ...

Direct Support Professional

Bowie, MD ยท On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

High School Diploma/GED Direct Support Professional are needed by our clients for residential care in Total Care and Group home setting in Bowie Area. Current available shifts: Morning and Evening ...

Direct Support Professional

Bowie, MD

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

High School Diploma/GED Direct Support Professional are needed by our clients for residential care in Total Care and Group home setting in Bowie Area. Current available shifts: Morning and Evening ...

Direct Support Professional

Vienna, VA ยท On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

... connects professionals with client opportunities within the special education, social service ... Direct Support Professional Class: Direct Care Support Type: INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR 1099 Ref. No ...

Direct Support Professional

Vienna, VA

$15 - $18.25/hr

... connects professionals with client opportunities within the special education, social service ... Direct Support Professional Class: Direct Care Support Type: INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR 1099 Ref. No ...

Salary: $21 Direct Support Professional (DSP) Location: Annapolis, MD 21401 Client Requirement: This position is for the support of a female client. Pay Rate: $21.00 per hour Schedule: Monday through ...

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Direct Support Professionals information

See Washington salary details

$11

$18

$23

How much do direct support professionals jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 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 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 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 Professional

R.A. Quarshie Healthcare LLC-

Sterling, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

Salary: $19- $20

Are you empathic, a good problem solver, someone who takes the initiative and wants to make a considerable impact, work with a great team, and follow your desire for a career that changes lives? At R.A. Quarshie Healthcare, we do this every day! We are a dynamic human service organization that provides a variety of innovative supports to meet the needs of individuals with a developmental disability. Build a career and make a difference! R.A. Quarshie Healthcare is looking for Direct Support Professionals who will help support persons with disabilities to find happiness in their homes and personal relationships and as contributing members of their community. This is an opportunity to begin or continue a career in the Human Service field.


Location: Sterling, VA

Hours: Monday Through Friday 8am -4pm

Salary $19 -$20 an hour

Preference: Male DSP