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HEALTHCARE

Direct Support Professional

Support individuals with disabilities or special needs and provide care to make sure these individuals can live their best lives.

Ready to have your work change the landscape?

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About

Direct Support Professionals

Direct Support Professionals support people with disabilities or special needs and provide care to make sure these individuals can live their best lives. This job can include assisting with daily activities like getting dressed, eating, or going to the doctor. Direct Support Professionals are kind and caring people who make a big difference in the lives of those they help. They work in places like group homes or with people in their own homes to make sure everyone has the help they need to be happy and healthy.

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Direct Support Professionals are shaping the future of compassionate care.

Being a Direct Support Professional, is more than just a job – it's a deeply fulfilling calling. You not only learn foundational healthcare skills but also build connections, offer emotional support, and make a real impact. This role isn't just about emotional connection to the work; it also offers many different career paths, from helping patients to working in an office or doing research. Your options are wide, and the career grows with your goals!

Ready to turn compassion into a career?

Current Opportunities

EXPLORE

FIND YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS

Get an idea of what your career path could look like for a Direct Support Professional (DSP).

PATHWAYS

Direct Care Worker (DCW)

Provide essential compassionate care and support to individuals in need, including bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and mobility assistance,fostering independence and well-being.

Entry Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, entry level training.

Peer Support Specialist

Assisting individuals in maintaining recovery and preventing relapse.

Entry Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, entry-level training.

Certified Caregiver

Support assisted living residents with daily activities, including bathing, dressing, eating, medication administration, and group activities, with a specialization in memory care services.

Entry Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, entry level training.

Behavioral Health Technician

Support individuals with mental health or substance abuse issues, providing essential assistance and monitoring behaviors as part of treatment plans under licensed professional supervision.

Entry Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, entry-level training.

Billing and Posting Clerks

Compile, compute, and record billing, accounting, statistical, and other numerical data for billing purposes. Prepare billing invoices for services rendered or for delivery or shipment of goods.

Entry Requirements

Some college, no degree.

Community Health Worker

Promote community health by encouraging healthy behaviors, advocating for health needs, facilitating communication with healthcare providers and social services, and implementing programs to enhance overall well-being.

Entry Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, entry-level training.

Medical Assistant

Support physicians with administrative tasks and perform clinical duties including vital signs, medical history, patient preparation, blood drawing, and medication administration.

Entry Requirements

Certificate

Certified Nursing Assistant

Assist with basic care under nursing staff supervision, including health monitoring, feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, ambulation, and potential medication administration.

Entry Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent

Current Openings

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Core Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) are things that people need to be good at their jobs. They include what you know, what you can do, and how you can do it well. KSAs are important because they help you be successful in the job you do.

Active Listening

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Cultural Awareness and Responsiveness

Empathy

Establishing Trust

Health Systems

Health, Wellness, and Safety

Individual Life Plan Development

Infection Control

Meal Planning and Preparation

Observation and Documentation and Reporting

Preventing, Recognizing, and Reporting Abuse

Problem-Solving

Professionalism

Relationship Building

Servant Leadership

Social Determinants of Health

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTING PROGRAMS

DEGREES, CERTIFICATIONS, COURSES

PROGRAMS

Caregiving

Sun Valley High School - Mesa

Mesa, AZ 85204

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DCW Level 1 Fundamentals

Omnean - Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ 85029

View Program

DCW Level 1 Fundamentals

Omnean - Tucson

Tucson, AZ 85711

View Program

DCW Level 1 Fundamentals

Omnean - Chandler

Chandler, AZ 85225

View Program

DCW Level 1 Fundamentals

Omnean - Yuma

Yuma, AZ 85364

View Program

DCW Level 1 Fundamentals

Omnean - Sierra Vista

Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

View Program

TALK TO A COACH

Are you interested in training?

Get in touch with a coach to learn how to begin your journey in this profession.

HEALTHCARE

PARTNERS

Participating Businesses & Programs

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Direct Support Professional

Support individuals with disabilities or special needs and provide care to make sure these individuals can live their best lives.

Environment

Direct Support Professionals specialize in assisting individuals with disabilities in various settings. They work in Day Programs, Group Homes, and private home settings. On the Employment side, DSPs serve as job coaches, providing training at home and in the community to help individuals excel in their daily lives and workplaces.

Also Known As

Attendant Care Provider
Community Support Specialist
Direct Support Professional
In Home Care Provider
Mentor
Professional Caregiver
Respite Care Provider
Vocational Support Specialist

Care Technician
Companion Caregiver
Home Attendant
Life Skills Coach
Personal Care Aide
Rehabilitation Specialist
Support Worker

Caregiver
Direct Care Worker
Home Care Worker
Live In Caregiver
Personal Care Assistant
Residential Aide
Supported Living Assistant