Direct Support Professional Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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Your job description is the first contact between your company and your new recruit. With millions of people searching for jobs on Indeed each month, a great job description can help you attract the most qualified candidates to your open position. To get you started, here are some tips for creating an effective job description.

Direct Support Professional job title

An effective job title wiil typically include a general term, the level of experience and any special requirements. The general term will optimize your job title to show up in a general search for jobs of the same nature. The level of experience will help you attract the most qualified applicants by outlining the amount of responsibility and prior knowledge required. And if your position is specialized, consider including the specialization in the job title as well. But avoid using internal titles, abbreviations or acronyms to make sure people understand what your job posting is before clicking.

  • Direct Support Professional
  • Direct Support Professional (Entry-Level)
  • Direct Support Professional (First Aid/CPR certified)
  • Direct Support Professional (Part-Time)
  • Direct Care Professional

Hire your next Direct Support Professional today.

Post a job

Hire your next Direct Support Professional today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

Direct Support Professional job summary

A good job description starts with an attention-grabbing summary of the position and its role within your company. Your summary should provide an overview of your company and expectations for the position. Outline the types of activities and responsibilities required for the job so job seekers can determine if they are qualified, or if the job is suitable for them.

Example of a Direct Support Professional job summary

Our organization strongly believes that every individual deserves the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential. At the present time, we are looking for an experienced individual to fill the role of Direct Support Professional. The right candidate will be responsible for providing compassionate care and assistance to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. If you have prior experience working with developmentally disabled adults in a direct care role, we encourage you to apply for this position.

Direct Support Professional responsibilities and duties

The responsibilities and duties section is the most important part of the job description. Here you should outline the functions this position will perform on a regular basis, how the job functions within the organization and the title of the manager the person will report to.

  • Provide supervision and guidance for residents during skills building activities
  • Develop and implement individual treatment plans for residents
  • Assist with daily living activities, including preparing meals and assisting with personal hygiene
  • Develop a rapport with residents and cultivate a safe and supportive relationship
  • Update resident case notes on a daily basis
  • Ensure an appropriate staff-to-client ratio at all times

Direct Support Professional qualifications and skills

Next, outline the required and preferred skills for your position. This may include education, previous job experience, certifications and technical skills. You may also include soft skills and personality traits that you expect from a successful candidate. While it may be tempting to include a long list of skills and requirements, including too many could dissuade qualified candidates from applying. Keep your list of qualifications concise, but provide enough detail with relevant keywords and terms.

  • Diploma required
  • 2+ years’ experience providing direct care to patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities
  • Valid driving license
  • Current First Aid and CPR certification
  • Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills
  • Compassionate about the care and well-being of others

Hire your next Direct Support Professional today.

Post a job

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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