Benefits:
Competitive salary
Paid time off
401(k)
401(k) matching
Company parties
Flexible schedule
Opportunity for advancement
Training & development
Tuition assistance
Transform Lives. Build a Career. Make a Lasting Impact.
Pearl's Cove, a premier Level 7 adult residential care facility in San Diego, is seeking exceptional Direct Support Professionals (DSP 1 & 2) who are called to make a profound difference in the lives of adults with complex behavioral, mental health, and physical care needs.
As one of the highest-level care facilities in California, we serve residents with behavioral disorders, mental health conditions, and progressive medical needs including Parkinson's disease. This is not just a job—it's a career where your compassion, dedication, and expertise directly improve quality of life every single day.
💼 Position Overview
Location: San Diego, CA 92114 (candidates within 25-mile radius encouraged to apply) Employment Type: Full-Time, Part-Time, On-Call Starting Pay: $17.25 - $23.00/hour (based on experience and certifications) Shift Options: AM (6am-2pm), PM (2pm-10pm), Overnight (10pm-6am)
🌟 Why Top Talent Chooses Pearl's Cove
Professional Development Investment:
Zero hiring costs to you - We cover fingerprinting, CPR certification, pre-employment physical, TB testing, and all training expenses
Comprehensive onboarding and continuous professional development at all career levels
Clear advancement pathways in a growing organization with over a decade of excellence
Experienced, supportive management providing regular supervision and mentorship
Recognition & Rewards:
Competitive compensation: $17.25-$23.00/hour (significantly above San Diego County minimum wage of $17.25/hour)
Sign-on bonuses for qualified DSP-certified candidates
Employee Recognition Program with gift cards and performance-based incentives
Paid sick time and voluntary overtime opportunities
Comprehensive benefits package (varies by employment status)
Meaningful Work Environment:
Work alongside dedicated professionals in a Level 7 facility setting the standard for complex care
Consistent caseload allowing you to build deep, meaningful relationships with residents
State-of-the-art training in behavioral management, Parkinson's care, and specialized support techniques
Collaborative team culture where every voice matters
🎯 Your Impact as a DSP
You will provide compassionate, person-centered care that empowers residents to achieve their highest potential. Your daily responsibilities include:
Personal Care & Health Support:
Assist with activities of daily living: bathing, showering, toileting, grooming, and hygiene maintenance
Provide specialized care for residents with Parkinson's disease and mobility challenges
Support medication management and health monitoring under nursing supervision
Ensure dignity, privacy, and respect in all personal care interactions
Community Integration & Enrichment:
Facilitate community outings, therapeutic activities, and social engagement opportunities
Support residents in building and maintaining meaningful relationships
Encourage independence while providing necessary assistance
Implement individualized care plans and behavioral support strategies
Household & Daily Living:
Assist with meal preparation and nutritious cooking
Support residents in developing life skills and household management
Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming home environment
Document care activities and communicate effectively with interdisciplinary team
Behavioral & Mental Health Support:
Implement evidence-based behavioral interventions with professional oversight
De-escalate challenging situations with patience and specialized training
Recognize and respond to mental health needs with empathy and professionalism
Maintain consistent routines that promote stability and wellbeing
✅ Qualifications for Excellence
Required:
Age 18 or older
High school diploma or GED equivalent
Direct Support Professional Certificates (DSP 1 & DSP 2) - Must possess or obtain within 21 days of hire
Training available at: https://www.dsptrain.org
Valid California Driver's License with clean driving record
Willing to use PERSONAL vehicle for outings (mileage reimbursed)
MUST HAVE Reliable auto insurance
Minimum 24 months of driving experience (strongly preferred)
Ability to pass background check, TB test, and pre-employment physical
Physical capability to assist with transfers, mobility support, and personal care
Preferred:
Previous experience in residential care, behavioral health, or disability services
CPR/First Aid certification (we provide if not current)
Experience supporting individuals with Parkinson's disease or mobility impairments
Bilingual skills (Spanish/English)
Demonstrated commitment to person-centered care philosophy
Essential Personal Attributes:
Genuine compassion and respect for individuals with disabilities
Patience, flexibility, and emotional resilience
Strong communication and teamwork skills
Professional maturity and sound judgment
Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries
Positive attitude and problem-solving mindset
📅 Available Schedules
Morning Shift: 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM Afternoon Shift: 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM or 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM Overnight Shift: 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM (+$1.50/hr shift differential)
Full-time, part-time, and on-call positions available. Flexible scheduling considerations for the right candidates.
🏆 About Pearl's Cove
For over a decade, Pearl's Cove has been a beacon of excellence in residential care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our Level 7 facility designation reflects our specialized capacity to serve residents with the most complex needs—behavioral challenges, mental health conditions, and progressive medical requirements.
Our Mission: To empower every resident to live with dignity, purpose, and joy while receiving the highest quality of professional care.
Our Success: We have successfully integrated hundreds of individuals and their families within the San Diego community, creating pathways to fuller, more meaningful lives.
Our Commitment: Every team member at Pearl's Cove is valued, supported, and recognized for their vital contributions to our residents' wellbeing.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Base Pay Range: $17.25 - $23.00 per hour (San Diego County Minimum Wage: $17.25/hour as of January 1, 2025)
Pay Structure:
Entry Level (No DSP certification): $17.25 - $18.50/hour
DSP 1 Certified: $19.00 - $20.50/hour
DSP 1 & 2 Certified: $21.00 - $23.00/hour
Additional Financial Incentives:
Referral bonus: $300 for each qualified hire you refer
Annual merit increases based on performance reviews
Quarterly performance bonuses for exceptional care delivery
Benefits Package (varies by employment status):
Paid sick time (accrual begins immediately)
Voluntary overtime opportunities at time-and-a-half
Comprehensive training and professional development
Employee recognition incentives and rewards
Career advancement opportunities with pay increases
Supportive work environment with experienced leadership
Free CPR/First Aid certification and renewal
Paid DSP training time
🚀 How to Apply
Ready to join California's premier Level 7 residential care team?
We are actively interviewing qualified candidates. Early applicants will receive priority consideration.
Submit your application including:
Current resume highlighting relevant experience
Cover letter expressing your passion for this meaningful work
Copy of current DSP certifications (if applicable)
Valid California Driver's License information
📋 Equal Opportunity Employer
Pearl's Cove is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression), age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every team member and resident is valued and respected.
✨ Join Us in Making a Difference
At Pearl's Cove, you're not just clocking in—you're changing lives. Every day, you'll witness the incredible resilience of the human spirit and play a direct role in helping adults with complex needs achieve dignity, independence, and joy.
This is where compassion meets career. Apply today.
Pearl's Cove conducts background checks and drug screening as part of our commitment to resident safety and quality care.
Compensation and benefits effective January 2025. Subject to change based on legislative updates and organizational policies.