What is a Direct Support Professional (DSP)?

A direct support professional (DSP) assists individuals who live with an intellectual or developmental disability. The work can be deeply satisfying.

A DSP may support individuals in their home, at work or in the community. It’s an important role, supporting each person to live the life they choose and be as independent as possible.

A DSP might:

• Teach daily living skills – such as decorating, cooking or budgeting
• Provide physical support – when a person may need assistance
• Foster social skills – to support friendships and connections
• Assist to pursue hobbies & interests – such as gardening, exercising or creating
• Support home life – staying in and enjoying your deck or yard, cooking, crafting and home-making
• Help individuals to navigate & engage in their community - from shopping to movies, to volunteering, to taking a class, however the person prefers to connect and have fun

Training & Advancement as a Direct Support Professional:

DSPs enjoy the support of a team and receive training to be successful in their work. Most DSPs start in an entry-level position with room to grow into specialty areas, such as job coaching, crisis intervention and community inclusion specialists.

DSPs can also move on to leadership positions, such as assistant manager, manager or service coordinators and other supervisory roles. 

Where Do Direct Support Professionals Work?

They can choose to work in a variety of settings, including:

• in an individual’s home
• out and about in the community
• in the person’s workplace
• assisting to develop talents such as art, music, cooking and more