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Direct Support Professionals Jobs in Seattle, WA

PARKVIEW SERVICES

Direct Support Professional

Seattle, WA · On-site

$22.50 - $23.05/hr

We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Direct Support Professional to provide compassionate care and support for clients with developmental disabilities residing in a home in North Seattle.

ARC - KING COUNTY

Direct Support Professional

Seattle, WA · On-site

$21.50/hr

Supported Living Program Supervisor: Supported Living Program Coordinator Other key relationships ... Assists participant with goals and approaches as directed by medical professionals. * Performs ...

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All JobsDirect Support Professionals JobsDirect Support Professionals Jobs in Seattle, WA

Direct Support Professionals information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$11

$18

$23

How much do direct support professionals jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professionals in Seattle, WA is $18.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.39 and $19.95 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 Seattle, WA? For Direct Support Professionals jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professionals jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professionals jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Direct Support Professionals jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professionals job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,546 per year, or $18.5 per hour.
Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Alpha Supported Living Services

Bothell, WA • On-site

$21.50 - $26.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Who we are
We are Alpha Supported Living Services, a non-profit organization, we provide residential and community-based services to adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Our primary objective at Alpha is to enhance the quality of life for each of our clients by aiding them in learning, personal development, and fostering increased independence. Since 1974, we've been dedicated to offering supported living, group home, community inclusion, and representative payee services, expanding our reach across King, Snohomish, and Spokane counties in Washington State. At Alpha, our commitment lies in treating every client with utmost dignity and respect while also valuing and nurturing the abilities of our employees to foster their professional growth.
Job Summary
Under the supervision of the Program Supervisor, Direct Support Professionals are responsible for providing support to program participants that meets their needs, provides opportunities for community integration and creates a nurturing, safe and healthful living environment. At all times, Direct Support Professionals will seek to act in accord with the principles and values expressed in the guidelines and uphold the agency mission "to serve individuals with developmental disabilities by providing accessible residential and other support services that will maximize each person's quality of life." Direct Support Professionals will work the shift assigned by the Program Supervisor or the Site Supervisor.
Day-to-Day
  • Interact with clients and provide informal counseling; support client in problem solving challenges
  • Support day-to-day needs including; personal hygiene, food preparation, house keeping, shopping, monitor health needs, and supervision of medication
  • Assist participants with accessing community outings of client's choosing
    • Operate agency vehicle to transport clients or assist with transportation needed
  • Complete required written and digital documentation of each shift
    • Medication records
    • Behavior tracking
    • Incident reports
    • Financial records
  • Assist with medical needs
    • Vital signs
    • Transferring, turning, and positioning
    • Tube feeding
  • Operate necessary equipment including but not limited to hoyer lift, shower chairs, suction machines, medicine crusher
  • Provide positive behavior support to clients

Who we are looking for
  • A DSP who treats participants with dignity and consideration, promoting and safeguarding clients' ability to make decisions and freely exercise their rights
  • Knowledge of personal care, emotional support, and medical administrations practices
  • Physically able to support clients with personal care such as showering, toileting, feeding, dressing, and transferring client
  • Ability to motivate, develop, and provide instructional support to clients
  • Basic ability to use laptops, desktop, or tablet to complete computer tasks

Job Requirements
  • At least 18 years of age
  • A High School Diploma or GED
  • Have a Washington State Driver's license able to be covered on Alpha Supported Living Services' automobile insurance plan based upon driving record
  • Background inquiry clearance from an authorized state agency

Starting Wage: (Please note that all new hires start at this rate, with limited flexibility, regardless of prior experience)
$21.50-$23.00 per hour depending on location and program.
Wage Scale/Step Schedule: (The step schedule offers regular pay increases based on time in the role and good performance)
$21.50-$26.50 per hour
Benefits:
Benefits for Full-Time Employees (30 hours or more a week) include Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(b) (non-profit version of a 401(k)) with company match, Life Insurance, Tuition Savings Program, and Tuition Reimbursement. Employees working 34 or more hours a week are eligible for PTO accrual.
Please note: As of 10-18-21 all workers in Long-Term Care are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 per WA state mandate.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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