Use this Direct Support Professional (DSP) job description template to attract qualified caregivers who can support individuals with disabilities in their daily living activities.
A Direct Support Professional (DSP) assists individuals with developmental, intellectual, or physical disabilities in performing daily tasks, fostering independence, and improving their quality of life. DSPs work in homes, community settings, group homes, and care facilities.
A DSP provides hands-on assistance, emotional support, and skill development to individuals with disabilities. Their key responsibilities include:
- Supporting clients with daily living activities, such as bathing, eating, and grooming.
- Assisting with mobility and physical support needs.
- Implementing behavior support or care plans.
- Encouraging independence and social skill development.
- Transporting clients to appointments, programs, or recreational activities.
Direct Support Professional (DSP) Job Description Template
We are looking for a compassionate and dependable Direct Support Professional (DSP) to support individuals with disabilities in their daily lives. The ideal candidate will be patient, empathetic, and dedicated to helping clients build independence and confidence. If you are passionate about caregiving and making a difference, we’d love to meet you!
Roles & Responsibilities
- Provide assistance with daily living tasks such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
- Support clients with meal preparation, feeding, and dietary needs.
- Assist with medication reminders and follow care plans as directed.
- Help clients develop life skills, including communication, social skills, and household tasks.
- Transport individuals to medical appointments, community activities, or work programs.
- Maintain a safe, clean, and supportive living environment.
- Document daily activities, progress notes, and behavioral observations.
- Support clients with mobility, exercise routines, and physical therapy tasks.
- Respond to emergencies and follow safety protocols.
- Build positive, trusting relationships with clients and their families.
Requirements & Skills
- High school diploma or equivalent (required).
- Previous experience in caregiving, healthcare, or disability support (preferred).
- CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
- Ability to lift, transfer, and physically support clients as needed.
- Strong communication, patience, and interpersonal skills.
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record (if transportation is required).
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow care protocols.
- Compassionate, reliable, and committed to client well-being.
Who do DSPs report to?
Direct Support Professionals typically report to:
- Program Supervisor
- Residential Manager
- Care Coordinator
- Director of Support Services
Post this on job boards and career pages to hire candidates skilled in personal care, behavioral support, and community integration. Feel free to customize this template based on your organization’s needs. Similar job titles include Caregiver, Support Worker, and Direct Care Professional.
How to Assess Direct Support Professional (DSP) Skills Effectively
Candidates may list caregiving or support experience on their resumes, but assessing their actual ability to assist individuals with developmental disabilities, support daily living activities, and ensure client safety before the interview is crucial. A structured DSP assessment ensures you hire professionals who can provide compassionate, person-centered care and promote independence.
Here’s how you can assess DSP proficiency effectively with WeCP:
- Compassion & Interpersonal Skills – Test candidates on their ability to build trust, show empathy, and communicate respectfully with individuals receiving care.
- Daily Living Support & Assistance – Evaluate their capability to assist with personal hygiene, meal preparation, mobility, transportation, and household tasks.
- Behavioral Support & Crisis Management – Assess their understanding of behavioral intervention techniques, de-escalation methods, and safety procedures.
- Documentation & Reporting – Check their skills in maintaining accurate progress notes, incident reports, and care documentation.
- Ethics, Boundaries & Confidentiality – Ensure they understand client rights, professional boundaries, and confidentiality requirements (HIPAA).
With WeCP’s DSP assessments, you can efficiently filter out underqualified candidates, streamline the hiring process, and ensure high-quality hires who can provide compassionate support, promote independence, and maintain a safe, respectful care environment.
