What is a Direct Support Professional?

Become a DSP

Becoming a Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a rewarding and impactful career choice that involves providing essential assistance to people supported. As a DSP, you play a vital role in supporting these people to lead fulfilling lives within their communities.

What is a Direct Support Professional?

A Direct Support Professional (DSP) is someone who works directly with a person that requires supports and services. A DSP does not make decisions for someone, they support them in their decisions within their guidelines. DSP’s take part in professional development opportunities to advance their knowledge, skills and values.

What is the DSP Network?

Person Centered Care Services is a member of the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). NADSP Membership encompasses a national movement to elevate the status of Direct Support Professionals by establishing an interconnected network of DSPs, Frontline Supervisors, self-advocates, family members, human service organizations, healthcare professionals, social workers, statewide groups, national associations, and more.

What are DSP’s responsible for?

A Direct Support Professional is responsible for assisting a person to meet their goals. It is their responsibility to follow the “methods” in the Staff Action Plan, and then clearly document how the person responded during each session and complete a summary at the end of the month. Without a DSP and their documentation, the team cannot help the person live the fulfilling life that they want and deserve.

What is a DSP Career Ladder?

Our Direct Support Professionals Career Ladder training program is designed to recognize the skills, education, experience, and contributions of DSP’s.

DSPs and LSCs are required to attend this training before participating in the program. Participation in the program is required to receive the $0.50 quarterly addition to your base rate, up to $2.

Plenty of opportunities to increase pay:

  1. Potential to earn up $4/hour more

  1. Sign on bonuses up to $300

  2. Shift Differentials

  3. Stipends

  4. Paid Trainings

  5. Seniority Recognition

  6. Education Recognition

Person Centered Care Services (PCCS) is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, or current employment status. PCCS values diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background and justice system involvement. Justice impacted folks who embrace our values of suPPort, eQuity and aCCeptance are encouraged to apply, PCCS prides ourselves in leading the way on implementing fair Chance forward hiring. We depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.