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Full Time Direct Support Professional Jobs in California

Modern Support Services

$20 - $25/hr

Benefits for full-time positions, including health insurance, flexible schedules, and opportunities ... Direct Support Professional, please apply here with your resume and contact information.

Modern Support Services

$20 - $25/hr

Direct Support Professional - Granada Hills Company Overview We are a diverse, mission-driven human ... Benefits for full-time positions, including health insurance, flexible schedules, and opportunities ...

Modern Support Services

$20 - $25/hr

Benefits for full-time positions, including health insurance, flexible schedules, and opportunities ... Direct Support Professional, please apply here with your resume and contact information.

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All JobsDirect Support Professional JobsFull Time Direct Support Professional JobsFull Time Direct Support Professional Jobs in California

Full Time Direct Support Professional information

See California salary details

$9

$16

$19

How much do full time direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time direct support professional in California is $16.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $17.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a full time direct support professional?

Full Time Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are individuals who work directly with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, assisting them with daily living activities, personal care, and community involvement. DSPs help clients achieve greater independence and improve their quality of life by supporting them in areas such as communication, social skills, and personal growth. They often work in group homes, residential facilities, or clients' private residences, providing compassionate care and advocacy on a full-time basis.

What does a full time direct support professional do?

A typical day for a Full Time Direct Support Professional (DSP) involves providing hands-on support to individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities, assisting with daily living activities such as meal preparation, medication reminders, and personal care. DSPs often collaborate closely with other team members, including case managers, nurses, and therapists, to ensure coordinated care and support tailored to each client’s needs. Open communication and flexibility are essential since daily routines can change based on client schedules and needs. Building trusting relationships with clients and fostering a supportive environment are central to the role, making teamwork and empathy key to success.

Where do full time direct support professionals get paid the most?

Full time direct support professionals tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare and social services. States or areas with a strong presence of healthcare facilities, specialized care centers, or higher minimum wage laws often offer higher pay rates for this role. Experience, certifications, and working in urban or affluent areas can also influence salary levels.

Is being a full time direct support professional worth it?

Full time direct support professionals provide assistance to individuals with disabilities, often working in community or residential settings. The role offers stable employment, opportunities for skill development, and the chance to make a positive impact, though it may involve physically demanding tasks and irregular hours. Compensation varies by location and experience but generally includes benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a full time direct support professional?

To thrive as a Full Time Direct Support Professional, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong interpersonal skills, and experience in caregiving or working with individuals with disabilities. Familiarity with documentation systems, basic healthcare protocols, and optional certifications such as CPR/First Aid are valuable. Patience, empathy, reliability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills that enable positive relationships and support for clients. These skills ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of individuals receiving care, while also facilitating collaboration with families and colleagues.

What is the difference between Full Time Direct Support Professional vs Part Time Direct Support Professional?

AspectFull Time Direct Support ProfessionalPart Time Direct Support Professional
Work HoursTypically 30-40 hours per weekLess than 30 hours per week
CertificationsOften requires similar certifications (e.g., CPR, First Aid)Same certifications usually required
Work EnvironmentConsistent schedule, full-day shiftsFlexible, shorter shifts
Employer UsageCommon in full-service agencies and facilitiesUsed in part-time roles or supplemental positions

Full Time Direct Support Professionals work more hours per week, often with a consistent schedule, providing ongoing support. Part Time Direct Support Professionals work fewer hours, offering flexibility but less overall weekly support. Both roles typically require similar certifications and work in similar environments, but the commitment level differs.

How do you become a full time direct support professional?

To become a full-time direct support professional, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some roles may require certification in CPR and first aid. Relevant skills include communication, patience, and the ability to work flexible hours, often with on-the-job training provided by employers.
What are the most commonly searched types of Direct Support Professional jobs in California? The most popular types of Direct Support Professional jobs in California are:
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What job categories do people searching Full Time Direct Support Professional jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Direct Support Professional jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Full Time Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities in California with the most Full Time Direct Support Professional job openings:
Full Time Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Direct Support Professional job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,428 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Full-Time Direct Support Professional - Integrated Work Program

PathPoint

Thousand Oaks, CA

$21.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

If you have a caring heart and a desire to make a difference, PathPoint is the place for you! Join us in supporting adults with disabilities in living the life they choose.

PathPoint is currently hiring for full-time Direct Support Professionals to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Ventura's Integrated Work Program (IWK).  Direct Support Professionals help individuals strengthen workplace abilities, build life skills, and develop meaningful relationships. This is a great starting point if you are interested in a career in social work, special education, or occupational therapy.  No experience is required; just willingness to learn.  There are also plenty of opportunities to advance within PathPoint!

Why Work At PathPoint:

  • Culture of kindness, compassion and respect
  • Opportunity to make a difference in your community every day
  • Mental health day after 60 days and on 1st and 2nd anniversaries
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus flexible spending accounts*
  • Paid vacation and holidays*
  • Paid sick leave
  • 403(b) retirement savings plan with company match
  • Other perks like a wellness program, referral bonuses, and employee assistance program

*Benefits noted with an asterisk are for full-time employees regularly scheduled for 30+ hours per week.

What You'll Do:

The Integrated Work Program combines community integration with opportunities in various paid part-time employment contracts or volunteer sites within Ventura County.

  • Work with a small group of individuals (typically 3-4) in a community-based setting
  • Transport and accompany the group to job sites, volunteer placements, and community outings
  • Provide hands-on coaching as individuals build vocational life skills
  • Encourage independence, confidence, and positive social interactions
  • Facilitate structured activities focused on employment readiness and daily living skills
  • Complete end-of-day documentation and progress notes

What We're Looking For:

  • Patience, compassion, and positivity
  • Prior experience supporting individuals with disabilities, either professionally or personally, is preferred but not required; if you are interested in this opportunity but do not have directly relevant experience, we'd still love to hear from you!
  • High school diploma or GED is required
  • All positions require a criminal record clearance, TB screening, and basic health screening
  • Most positions require a valid driver's license, use of a vehicle with registration and insurance, and eligibility for coverage on PathPoint's auto insurance policy

Compensation: $21.75 per hour, plus additional pay for bilingual staff if that skill is needed. Some positions are eligible for quarterly team bonuses and we reimburse mileage at $0.70 per mile. Pay range is $20.66-$22.84.

About PathPoint: PathPoint, a non-profit organization based in Santa Barbara, supports people in living the life they choose. PathPoint partners with people with disabilities, people with mental health diagnoses, and young adults to pursue their hopes and dreams through strengthening workplace abilities, building life skills, and developing meaningful relationships. Founded in 1964, it offers services in five Central Coast and Southern California counties: Kern, Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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