What is a Direct Support Professional?
A Direct Support Professional partners with individuals with disabilities throughout their day, providing support with daily activities while fostering independence, choice, and meaningful community engagement.

Where does a Direct support professional work?
A Direct Support Professional (DSP) works wherever the person receiving services lives, works, or participates in the community. This may include:

• In the person’s home

• At work to support employment goals

• In the community during shopping, recreation, medical appointments, volunteering, education, or social activities

 

What does a Direct Support Professional do?
If you are good at building relationships, remembering the little details that matter to people, encouraging others to be independent, and staying calm when situations change, you may be a great fit as a Direct Support Professional (DSP).

As a DSP, you'll support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their homes and communities. One day you might be helping someone learn a new skill, attend a community event, prepare a meal, get to work, or achieve a personal goal. Every day, you'll have the opportunity to support people with their hygiene, assist with their medications and make ensure they are eating safe and nutritious meals.

We're looking for people who are dependable, patient, observant, and respectful. Successful DSPs notice when something seems different, communicate effectively, follow through on commitments, protect each person's dignity, and focus on what people can do rather than what they cannot.

If you're passionate about helping others live full, independent, and meaningful lives, we'd love to hear from you.

What makes an excellent Direct Support Professional?

• Learns and remembers personal preferences (favorite foods, routines, hobbies, communication styles, triggers, etc.).

• Arrives prepared and on time and follows through on commitments.

• Encourages independence by coaching rather than doing tasks for the person whenever possible.

• Uses respectful, person-first communication and speaks directly to the person rather than about them.

• Pays attention to changes in mood, health, behavior, or routine and reports concerns promptly.

• Maintains accurate documentation and completes required notes in a timely manner.

• Promotes community involvement by helping people build relationships and participate in activities they enjoy.

• Respects personal choices even when those choices differ from the DSP's own preferences.

• Stays calm during challenging situations and responds with patience and professionalism.

• Protects dignity and privacy during personal care and other sensitive activities.

• Looks for opportunities to teach new skills rather than simply completing tasks.

• Builds trust through consistency, honesty, and reliability.

• Collaborates effectively with families, coworkers, and other support team members.

• Advocates for the person’s rights and goals when interacting with others.

• Focuses on the person's strengths and abilities rather than limitations.

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