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Full Time Direct Support Professional Jobs in Virginia

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Aylett, VA · On-site

$16.50/hr

Direct Support Professional Are you looking for an opportunity to advance your career while working with an extraordinary team? At Merakey, we put heart and soul into everything we do. We are seeking ...

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Chimes

Direct Support Professional

Fairfax, VA

$21.53/hr

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - $21.53/hour Make a Difference. Build a Career. Change Lives. Join Chimes , a mission-driven nonprofit where compassion meets purpose. As a Direct Support ...

Merakey

Direct Support Professional

Aylett, VA · On-site

$16.50/hr

Direct Support Professional Are you looking for an opportunity to advance your career while working with an extraordinary team? At Merakey, we put heart and soul into everything we do. We are seeking ...

New

HCAOA

Direct Support Professional

Sterling, VA · On-site

$19/hr

We are looking for Direct Support Professionals or caregivers that are interested in learning and growing their skills within the senior and disability care industry. Our Direct Support Professional ...

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

Full Time Direct Support Professional information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$15

$18

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

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time direct support professional in Virginia is $15.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.80 and $16.39 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Direct Support Professional jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Full Time Direct Support Professional jobs in Virginia? For Full Time Direct Support Professional jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Direct Support Professional jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Direct Support Professional jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Full Time Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities in Virginia 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 Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,365 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Direct Support Professional Harrisonburg

Cornerstone Support Services, Inc.

Harrisonburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Salary: $18.00

Job Summary

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) ensures the health and safety of our residents. DSPs are responsible for providing support as identified in the Individual Support Plan, and for collecting data and documenting the provision of those supports. We are looking for driven, dependable, and compassionate individuals who want to make a difference in peoples lives. You will assist adults with developmental disabilities with daily life activities in both routine and dynamic environments. This job can offer great experience for anyone interested in human services and the fulfillment of being a part of Cornerstones mission.


Who We Are
Cornerstone Support Services is a Non-Profit, 501(c)3 Provider of Support Services for Adults with Developmental Disabilities, licensed by Virginia's Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. We believe that every person has the potential for growth, learning, and development. The choices we make, no matter how large or small, define who we become, and the freedom to make those choices is invaluable to all of us. By providing a safe and healthy support structure we know that our service recipients will be empowered to live self-directed lives.


Examples of Direct Support Professional responsibilities

  • Provide supervision and guidance for residents during skill building activities
  • Implement individual support plans for residents
  • Assist with daily living activities, including preparing meals and assisting with personal hygiene
  • Develop a rapport with residents and cultivate a safe and supportive relationship
  • Update resident case notes on a daily basis
  • Ensure an appropriate staff-to-client ratio at all times


Examples of Direct Support Professional skills

  • High school diploma/GED required
  • Valid drivers license
  • Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills
  • Compassionate about the care and well-being of others


Benefits

  • Medical, Vision, & Dental Insurance (Full Time)
  • Paid Time Off (Full TIme)
  • On-the-Job Training
  • Employee Referral Bonuses
  • Annual Pay Increases
  • Career Track Program for Career Advancement Opportunities