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State Dsp information

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$11

$18

$23

How much do state dsp jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for state dsp 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 is a State DSP?

State DSPs, or State Direct Support Professionals, are individuals who provide support and assistance to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities within state-run facilities or programs. Their responsibilities include helping clients with daily living activities, fostering independence, ensuring safety, and supporting participation in community or recreational activities. State DSPs play a vital role in advocating for their clients’ well-being and promoting their integration into society. They also assist with medication management, personal care, and implementing individualized support plans under the supervision of healthcare or social service professionals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a State DSP?

To thrive as a State Direct Support Professional (DSP), you need a high school diploma or equivalent, a solid understanding of developmental disabilities, and basic caregiving skills. Familiarity with documentation systems, medication administration, and first aid/CPR certification is often required. Patience, strong interpersonal communication, and problem-solving abilities are essential soft skills for supporting clients’ independence and well-being. These skills ensure the safety, dignity, and personal growth of individuals with disabilities while maintaining compliance with state regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by State DSPs when coordinating services across multiple agencies?

State DSPs (Direct Support Professionals) often work closely with various state agencies and community organizations to ensure individuals receive comprehensive care. A common challenge in this role is effectively managing communication and collaboration across different service providers, which may have varying protocols and priorities. Navigating complex case loads, maintaining timely documentation, and advocating for clients’ needs while adhering to state regulations can also be demanding. Building strong relationships and staying organized are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring high-quality support for individuals.

What is the difference between State Dsp vs Direct Support Professional?

AspectState DspDirect Support Professional
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification may be requiredHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentState facilities, community homes, or client homesCommunity-based settings, group homes, or individual client homes
Employer & Industry UsageState government agencies, public health departmentsPrivate agencies, non-profits, government programs
Common Search & ComparisonState Dsp vs Direct Support Professional

Both roles involve supporting individuals with disabilities, but State Dsp positions are often within government-run facilities or programs, while Direct Support Professionals work across various private and community settings. The credentials and work environments are similar, but the employer types differ, influencing job responsibilities and career paths.

Is being a State Dsp a stressful job?

Being a State DSP (Direct Support Professional) can be stressful due to the responsibility of providing care and support to individuals with disabilities, often requiring patience and emotional resilience. The job involves managing challenging behaviors, adhering to safety protocols, and working in a demanding environment, which can contribute to stress levels. However, some find the work rewarding and develop coping strategies to handle the pressures involved.

What are popular job titles related to State Dsp jobs in Seattle, WA?

For State Dsp jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching State Dsp jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for State Dsp jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for State Dsp jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most State Dsp job openings:

State Dsp jobs near you
Infographic showing various State Dsp job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,546 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - General Application

Seatac, WA

ARC - KING COUNTY
See more jobs at ARC - KING COUNTYexternal

$21.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

THE ARC OF KING COUNTYS MISSION

The Arc of King County promotes and protects the human and civil rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), actively supporting their full inclusion so that they can live, learn, work and play in their community making the world a better place for us all.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a non supervisory position with the primary function of supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in their homes and communities throughout King County. The DSP is responsible for daily implementation of client service plans including required documentation.

ORGANIZATIONAL REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Department: Supported Living Program

Supervisor: Supported Living Program Coordinator

Other key relationships: Senior Lead DSP, Lead DSP

JOB SUMMARY

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides one to one support to participants within our Supported Living Program (SLP) that fosters inclusion and independence. The DSP is responsible for daily notations and other required documentation. The support that they provide should be reflective of The Arc of King County’s mission, the Residential Guidelines, and the Washington Administrative Codes (WAC). The DSP will meaningfully advocate on behalf of participants on various levels.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Assist participants with community inclusion and social integration.
  •  Attend appointments with participants (medial, housing, Individual Service Plans [ISPs]).
  • Complete quarterly safety logs. • Assist participant in setting and meeting goals and meeting ISP objectives.
  • Assist participant with housing reviews and finding housing.
  • Complete required documentation and daily narratives.
  •  Assist participants in managing their finances as directed by their Independent Financial Plan (IFP).
  • Assists participant with home support (cleaning, cooking, shopping, etc.).
  • Assists participant with goals and approaches as directed by medical professionals.
  • Performs Delegated Medication administration as needed.
  •  Assist participant with personal care tasks as needed.
  •  Provide the Human Resources (HR) Department with state required documentation of training and certifications to maintain employment as a DSP.
  • Accurately document participant appointments in Therap. 
  • Strategize and collaborate with SLP Leads in meeting participant support needs.
  •  Assist with orientation of new staff by being an exemplary example and providing information relevant to participant supports to new staff during the shadowing phase.

The above is not a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the position. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time as deemed necessary.

PHYSICAL AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

  • Driver license or ability to navigate public transportation.
  • Ability and willingness to work at locations throughout the King County region.
  • Ability to work flexible hours and days is required.
  • Must pass a criminal background check.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

This is an hourly non exempt position with the opportunity to work fulltime or parttime. Benefits available to employees per the rules of each benefit.

Qualifications

Education

  • High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Effective communication skills to provide feedback to all levels of management.
  • Experience and basic understanding of MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and Therap.
  • Ability to effectively work both independently and with the Coordinator Team and the Health Advocate Professional.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to analyze data and provide recommendations.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse economic, ethnic and social backgrounds.
  • Ability to prioritize work and or to ask for support in doing so from Supervisors and Coordinator.

OR a combination of education, experience and measurable performance which demonstrates the capability to perform the duties of this position.

Apply