Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Direct support professional duties and responsibilities

A direct support professional helps individuals with disabilities live as independently as possible. They provide one-on-one support with medication management, personal hygiene and other daily activities. Direct support professionals also promote community integration by escorting clients to appointments, social gatherings and special events.

Common duties include:

• Assisting clients with daily personal tasks, including bathing and dressing
• Performing housekeeping tasks, such as vacuuming, washing dishes and doing laundry
• Organizing transportation to appointments
• Shopping for groceries and preparing meals that meet clients’ dietary needs
• Encouraging client engagement in social activities
• Administering medications and monitoring chronic health conditions
• Teaching budgeting, cooking and other life skills
• Documenting each client’s activities and behavior

Direct support professional skills and qualifications Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to adapt to the changing needs of clients
• Proficiency in monitoring client behavior and health
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Skill in empowering clients to make independent decisions
• Experience collaborating with caregivers and healthcare professionals
• Ability to remain patient and calm when addressing stressful situations
• Direct support professional education and training requirements

Direct support professionals typically don’t need formal education, making this role a potential match for organizations with skills-first hiring strategies. Consider prioritizing practical abilities like client advocacy, interpersonal communication and team collaboration over formal degrees.

Familiarity with software used for scheduling, case management and other tasks can often be learned on the job. Government agencies, such as state health departments, may also offer free training for direct support professionals.

Pay: $18.00 - $23.00 per hour

Physical Setting:

• Nursing home

Work Location: In person