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Full Time Direct Support Professional Jobs in California

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Direct Support Professional

Culver City, CA · On-site

$18 - $19.50/hr

  • Retirement

We are seeking a Direct Support Professional to join our team! You will assist in the daily care of elderly or disabled individuals. Responsibilities: * Assist clients with daily living activities

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Direct Support Professional

Culver City, CA · On-site

$18 - $19.50/hr

  • Retirement

We are seeking a Direct Support Professional to join our team! You will assist in the daily care of elderly or disabled individuals. Responsibilities: * Assist clients with daily living activities

Direct Support Professional

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$21.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are currently accepting applications for full-time Direct Support Professionals to join our Independent Living Services team in Santa Maria, CA. We offer a competitive benefits package to ...

ETTA (non-profit)Supporting Adults with Intellectual and Developmental DisabilitiesETTA's Supported Living Services (SLS) Department is SeekingOn-Call Direct Support Professional (DSP)for Young Adult ...

Direct Support Professional

Chico, CA · On-site

$17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Shift: Full-Time 2nd Shift with weekend hours, 1:00 PM-9:00 PM; Sunday-Monday, 3:00 PM-11:00 PM Hourly Rate: $17.50/hr Position Details: Our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) interact and support ...

Direct Support Professional

Chico, CA · On-site

$17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Shift: Full-time, second shift with weekend coverage, Tuesday through Saturday, 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM Hourly Rate: $17.50/hr Position Details: Our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) interact and ...

Direct Support Professional

Redding, CA · On-site

$17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

Direct Support Professional Location: Redding Pay Rate: Earn $17.50/hour Shifts available: First Shift no weekends Merakey is Hiring Direct Support Professionals! Merakey, a leading non-profit ...

Direct Support Professional

Chico, CA

$17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Shift: Full-Time 2nd Shift with weekend hours, 1:00 PM-9:00 PM; Sunday-Monday, 3:00 PM-11:00 PM Hourly Rate: $17.50/hr Position Details: Our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) interact and support ...

Direct Support Professional

Chico, CA · On-site

$17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team at our program in Chico, CA. If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health aide or always wanted to be one, this is the ...

Showing results 21-40

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 13, 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:

What are popular job titles related to Full Time Direct Support Professional jobs in California?

For Full Time Direct Support Professional jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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:

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, 73% Full Time, 20% 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.

Direct Support Professional

PINNACLE SUPPORT SERVICES LLC

Culver City, CA • On-site

$18 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted yesterday

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Job description

We are seeking a Direct Support Professional to join our team! You will assist in the daily care of elderly or disabled individuals.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist clients with daily living activities
  • Communicate ongoing care results and updates to relevant parties
  • Collaborate with clients and families for best care opportunities
  • Maintain a healthy and comfortable living environment

Qualifications:

  • Previous experience in personal care or other related fields
  • Compassionate and caring demeanor
  • Ability to build rapport with clients
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Company Description

Pinnacle Support Services empowers adults with developmental disabilities to live independently with dignity and inclusion. As a mission-driven service provider, we offer person-centered in-home and community-based support throughout the Westside Regional Center area. Our team values professionalism, compassion, and integrity while providing staff with competitive pay, mileage reimbursement, retirement benefits, and ongoing training. At Pinnacle, you’ll find meaningful work, growth opportunities, and the chance to make a lasting impact in people’s lives.