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Live In Direct Support Professional Jobs in Suffolk, VA

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP ), you'll play a critical role in carrying out that mission ... You will provide care in the home of the individual and the community they live in. * Assist with ...

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP ), you'll play a critical role in carrying out that mission ... You will provide care in the home of the individual and the community they live in. * Assist with ...

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP ), you'll play a critical role in carrying out that mission ... You will provide care in the home of the individual and the community they live in. * Assist with ...

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Live In Direct Support Professional information

See Suffolk, VA salary details

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How much do live in direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for live in direct support professional in Suffolk, VA is $15.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $16.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a live in direct support professional?

Live In Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are caregivers who reside in the homes of individuals with disabilities or special needs to provide daily support and assistance. They help with activities of daily living, such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication management, and transportation. In addition to ensuring safety and comfort, live-in DSPs may also assist with social, educational, or vocational activities, helping clients achieve greater independence and quality of life. Their ongoing presence allows for continuous care and support tailored to each individual's needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a live in direct support professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Live In Direct Support Professional, you need a solid understanding of personal care, daily living assistance, and behavior management, often supported by a high school diploma and relevant experience or certifications like CPR/First Aid. Familiarity with electronic documentation systems and assistive care technologies is typically required. Patience, strong interpersonal communication, and problem-solving abilities are vital soft skills for building trust and supporting clients’ independence. These skills are crucial for ensuring the safety, well-being, and quality of life of individuals with developmental or physical disabilities in a residential setting.

What are some common challenges faced by live in direct support professionals, and how can they be addressed?

Live In Direct Support Professionals often face challenges such as maintaining a healthy work-life balance, managing emotional stress, and adapting to the unique needs of each individual they support. Since the role involves residing in the client's home, clear boundaries and communication with both the individual and their family are essential. Utilizing self-care strategies, seeking support from supervisors or peer networks, and participating in ongoing training can help address these challenges and ensure long-term success in the role.

What is the difference between Live In Direct Support Professional vs Residential Support Worker?

AspectLive In Direct Support ProfessionalResidential Support Worker
CredentialsCPR/First Aid, background check, sometimes certification in disability supportCPR/First Aid, background check, relevant certifications often required
Work EnvironmentProvides 24/7 support in a live-in setting, often in clients' homes or group homesWorks in residential facilities or community homes, may involve shift work
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed by disability agencies, nonprofits, or government programsEmployed by residential care facilities, community agencies, or nonprofits

Both roles involve supporting individuals with disabilities, but Live In Direct Support Professionals provide continuous, live-in assistance, while Residential Support Workers typically work scheduled shifts in residential settings. The choice depends on the level of involvement and work schedule preferred.

Is being a live in direct support professional worth it?

A live-in direct support professional provides around-the-clock assistance to individuals with disabilities, offering stability and a close working relationship. The role often involves shift work, requires patience and communication skills, and can include benefits such as housing and flexible schedules, making it a rewarding but demanding position.

Where do live in direct support professionals get paid the most?

Live-in 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 or states with robust funding for disability services. Salaries can also vary based on experience, certifications, and the complexity of care required, with some states offering additional stipends or benefits for live-in roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Direct Support Professional jobs in Suffolk, VA?

The most popular types of Direct Support Professional jobs in Suffolk, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Live In Direct Support Professional jobs in Suffolk, VA?

For Live In Direct Support Professional jobs in Suffolk, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Live In Direct Support Professional jobs in Suffolk, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Live In Direct Support Professional jobs in Suffolk, VA are:

What cities near Suffolk, VA are hiring for Live In Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities near Suffolk, VA with the most Live In Direct Support Professional job openings:

Direct Support Professional

Hampton Roads Residential Services

Newport News, VA • On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Hampton Roads Residential Services, Inc. provides quality residential services to individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Residents receive housing accommodations and staffing access at all times to provide them with support in their daily routines and activities. Residents are provided with transportation and assistance as needed for community integration activities, bathing needs, meal preparation, monitoring personal safety, medication administration and all outcomes outlined in their individualized service plan (ISP). Support services are intended to train and assist each resident in attaining the communication and functional skills necessary to live in their community and reach their maximum potential.

Job Description

General Summary: Under direct/indirect supervision, Direct Support Professionals provide medically necessary and appropriate personal care and community living support to persons with developmental disabilities, persons with severe mental disabilities, and/or individuals with co-occurring diagnosis.  Direct Support Professionals seek to deliver a person-centered service and provide support based on each individuals' Individualized Support Plan.  The Direct Support Professional provides suitable services with dignity and respect to all persons served. The Direct Support Professional has a high degree of personal integrity, generates positive energy and makes a difference every day.

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of Direct Support Professional. Some duties described herein may not be assigned to every Direct Support Professional.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Provide community living supports to include but not limited to: meal preparation, laundry, routine household care, and maintenance, activities of daily living such as dressing, shopping, money management, socialization and relationship building, leisure and community activities, and attendance at medical appointments, etc.
  2. Provide, as appropriate, personal care services to include but not limited to: eating/feeding, toileting, transferring, bathing, personal hygiene, etc.
  3. Dispense, administer and monitor medication as indicated via professional order. Document dispensing and/or administration of medication immediately after the event.
  4. Engage persons-served and monitor their well-being.
  5. Engage persons-served in problem solving, skill training and side-by-side activities.
  6. Document on the progress, or the lack of progress of outcomes outlined in the persons-served Individual Service Plan at the end of each shift daily.
  7. Provide excellent customer services, always being courteous, responsive, professional, and helpful to the organization's internal and external customers.
  8. Know the contract requirements for your program/service.
  9. Participate in Person-Centered Planning meetings as required. Make recommendations concerning treatment planning, as appropriate. Assist with the implementation of the person-centered Individual Service Plan and make recommendations concerning treatment planning to direct supervisor, as needed.
  10. Build a friendly and open communication network with parents, guardians and friends of persons served and encourage natural support every day.
  11. Create in others an awareness of their powers and self-worth.
  12. Assist with facility and vehicle maintenance, which may include indoors and out of doors tasks.
  13. Provide and/or assist with transportation related to personal care, community living supports, employment and/or planned activities.
  14. Adhere to a high level of health and safety practices in the facility and corporate vehicles.
  15. Make certain that 100% of the training requirements are renewed prior to the expiration date, as specified by job.
  16. Work toward personal and professional goals and objectives. Attend job related in-services and trainings when offered and actively seek to further develop competencies.
  17. Attend and actively participate in all mandatory staff meetings.
  18. Adhere to applicable licensing rules, accreditation standards and Hampton Roads Residential Services' Policies and Procedures
  19. Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned by the supervisor or program directors.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  1. Personable, positive, and enthusiastic attitude, with capability to deal effectively with people (internal and external).
  2. Knowledge of characteristics and conditions experienced by persons-served.
  3. An ability to see the individual value of persons-served and staff peers rather than viewing them only through their organizational role.
  4. Knowledge of, or ability to learn, the use of technological advances that include, but not limited to: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet, fax/copy machines, cell phones, etc.
  5. Able to respond in emergency situations.
  6. Ability to answer a business telephone using knowledge of business procedures and etiquette.
  7. Ability to schedule/plan work in advance, and set effective and realistic timeliness and meet goals.
  8. Knowledge of negotiation and mediation techniques.
  9. Basic knowledge and skills in simple arithmetic, operating household appliances, basic nutrition, cooking, cleaning performing routine household tasks and routine household maintenance.
  10. Leadership skills.
Qualifications

Required Minimal Qualifications

  1. High School Diploma or equivalent.
  2. One year of related experience in field (Human Services, Psychology, Social work or Sociology).

Preferred Qualifications

  1. Two or four year degree in related field (Human Services, Psychology, Social work or Sociology).
  2. Two years or more experience in related field.

Essential Requirements

  1. Maintain a valid motor vehicle operator license.
  2. Complete and maintain all required trainings, certifications, and credentials.
  3. Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
  4. Ability to write and/or manipulate a computer keyboard.
  5. Ability to hear and speak clearly.
  6. Ability to see both near and far.
  7. Ability to stoop, kneel, bend and reach.
  8. Ability to work independently and within a team.
  9. Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively in both oral and written communications.
  10. Able to demonstrate good moral character and even temperament necessary to gain and maintain credibility and trust of persons served and co-workers.
  11. Ability to work under challenging conditions.
  12. Assure reliable transportation.
Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.