A Direct Support Professional (DSP) is someone who works directly with people who have intellectual or developmental disabilities. DSPs aim to assist people in realizing their full potential and help them become integrated and engaged in their community. They provide individual support to patients or clients, depending on their developmental or behavioral needs. DSPs perform some of the functions of clinicians, service coordinators, administrators, managers, maintenance, and clerical personnel. They are trained in a variety of methods and are held to a high, nationally validated Code of Ethics and set of Core Competencies.
Some of the tasks that DSPs perform include assisting with daily living, including personal care, feeding, cooking, and cleaning, keeping individuals safe from hazards, administering medication, and accompanying individuals to and from appointments and activities. They are observant and intuitive and are often the frontline of support for individuals. DSPs are distinct from caregivers in that they are trained in a variety of methods and are held to a high, nationally validated Code of Ethics and set of Core Competencies.
A well-trained, fairly compensated, and respected DSP workforce is essential to providing the necessary supports and services to people with disabilities. There are different levels of certification for DSPs, including DSP-Registered, DSP-Certified, and DSP-Specialist. Most employers require a minimum of a high school diploma or GED for direct support professionals, and a driver’s license is important for this position since the job often involves transporting patients to appointments and activities.
