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Direct Support Professionals Jobs in Santa Maria, CA

Devereux

Direct Support Professional II

Lompoc, CA · On-site

$28/hr

Being a Direct Support Professional II has its Advantages! We offer : * A fun, fast-paced and supportive environment that allows you to participate in the treatment planning process * Quality Low ...

Devereux

Direct Support Professional II

Lompoc, CA · On-site

$28/hr

Being a Direct Support Professional II has its Advantages! We offer : * A fun, fast-paced and supportive environment that allows you to participate in the treatment planning process * Quality Low ...

Devereux

Direct Support Professional II

Lompoc, CA · On-site

$28/hr

Being a Direct Support Professional II has its Advantages! We offer : * A fun, fast-paced and supportive environment that allows you to participate in the treatment planning process * Quality Low ...

Devereux

Direct Support Professional II

Lompoc, CA

$28/hr

Being a Direct Support Professional II has its Advantages! We offer : * A fun, fast-paced and supportive environment that allows you to participate in the treatment planning process * Quality Low ...

Devereux

Direct Support Professional II

Lompoc, CA · On-site

$28/hr

Being a Direct Support Professional II has its Advantages! We offer : * A fun, fast-paced and supportive environment that allows you to participate in the treatment planning process * Quality Low ...

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Direct Support Professionals information

See Santa Maria, CA 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 Santa Maria, CA is $16.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.81 and $17.98 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 job categories do people searching Direct Support Professionals jobs in Santa Maria, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professionals jobs in Santa Maria, CA are:

What cities near Santa Maria, CA are hiring for Direct Support Professionals jobs?

Cities near Santa Maria, CA with the most Direct Support Professionals job openings:

Direct Support Professionals jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professionals job openings in Santa Maria, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,719 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Instructor - Direct Support Professional Associate DS20260825

VTCSM

Santa Maria, CA • On-site

$17.40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

DETAILS OF POSITION
Location: Santa Maria, CA / Full Time Position / Work Days: Monday - Friday / Hours: 8:45 am - 2:45 pm / Hourly Rate: $17.40
Position Summary
Beacon, formerly VTC Enterprises/LOVARC has been supporting people with developmental disabilities since 1962. Part of fulfilling our mission includes providing individuals with community experiences to develop and promote their independence.
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) Associate position serves as the entry point into the Direct Support Professional career path. Under the guidance of experienced staff and supervisors, the DSP Associate assists individuals served in participating in meaningful activities, developing skills, achieving personal goals, and engaging in community life.
Essential Functions To perform this job successfully, a person must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned.
Participant Support & Engagement
  • Build positive and respectful relationships with individuals served.
  • Assist individuals in participating in daily activities, recreational opportunities, classes, community outings, and skill-development programs.
  • Promote independence, self-determination, dignity, and choice in all interactions.
  • Support individuals in achieving goals identified in their Individual Service Plans.
  • Encourage participation and engagement while respecting personal preferences and communication styles.

Learning & Professional Development
  • Complete assigned onboarding, training, and orientation requirements.
  • Demonstrate increasing knowledge of person-centered practices, participant rights, and community inclusion principles.
  • Observe and learn effective support strategies from experienced Direct Support Professionals.
  • Actively seek feedback and coaching to improve performance and professional skills.
  • Participate in competency assessments and validation activities.

Community & Program Support
  • Assist with community-based activities, volunteer opportunities, recreational programs, and site-based services.
  • Support individuals during transportation and community outings while following organizational safety procedures.
  • Help prepare materials and supplies needed for activities and programming.
  • Maintain awareness of participant locations, safety needs, and support requirements.

Documentation & Communication
  • Complete assigned documentation accurately and timely.
  • Report participant concerns, incidents, health changes, behavioral concerns, or safety issues to supervisory staff.
  • Maintain confidentiality of participant information in accordance with HIPAA and organizational requirements.
  • Communicate effectively and professionally with participants, coworkers, families, vendors, and community members.

Safety & Compliance
  • Follow all agency policies, procedures, and safety protocols.
  • Utilize approved de-escalation and behavior support strategies as trained.
  • Recognize and report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or unusual incidents in accordance with mandated reporting laws and organizational policy.
  • Respond appropriately to emergencies and seek assistance when necessary.
  • Maintain certification requirements as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES None.
QUALIFICATIONS include the following. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required for this position.
Education/Experience: High school diploma or equivalent required. No prior direct support experience required. Experience volunteering, caregiving, customer service, education, recreation, human services, or working with diverse populations is desirable but not required.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written English. Establish and maintain professional working relationships with individuals served, coworkers, supervisors, and members of the public.
Technical/Computer Skills: Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications including Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel. Ability to learn and effectively utilize agency software systems, electronic documentation platforms, email communication tools, and other technology used to support service delivery.
Professional Skills & Abilities:
  • Demonstrate reliability, professionalism, and accountability.
  • Adapt to changing priorities and participant needs.
  • Follow directions and exercise sound judgment.
  • Maintain professional boundaries.

Certificates, Licenses & Registrations: Maintain First Aid, CPR, and CPI certifications. Valid driver's license with an insurable driving record.
Other Skills & Abilities:
  • Meet Community Care Licensing criminal history requirements.
  • Maintain confidentiality in accordance with agency policy and HIPAA regulations.
  • Successfully complete required onboarding, training, and competency validation requirements.

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, Vacation, Sick and Holiday pay
Beacon is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status

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