Overview
The demand for Direct Support Professionals is growing, and so is the opportunity to build a career that matters. If you're exploring the IDD field for the first time, becoming a DSP is one of the most rewarding ways to make a difference in someone’s daily life. It’s a hands-on, relationship-driven role focused on helping individuals with disabilities live with independence, dignity, and choice.
In this blog, we’ll walk through what DSPs do, where they work, what training they need, and how to take the first step into the field.
Whats a DSPs role?
A DSP supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their daily routines. This can include assisting with meals, personal care, transportation, or social activities. It can also involve helping someone reach their goals, whether that’s learning a new skill, joining a community program, or getting a job.
Each day may look a little different depending on the setting and the individual. But at its core, DSP work is about building trust, supporting independence, and showing up consistently for the person you support.
Where DSPs work
You’ll find DSPs in a variety of settings: group homes, supported living programs, day programs, and in-home care environments. Some support individuals in vocational or job coaching roles, while others work in transition programs or educational settings.
The work can be full-time or part-time and may involve evening or weekend hours, depending on the individual’s needs. Regardless of setting, the role is all about relationship-based support.
What training is needed?
Requirements vary by state and by agency. In most cases, you do not need a college degree to become a DSP. Many agencies provide paid training after hire, but some roles require certifications like CPR, First Aid, or medication administration.
You’ll also likely go through background checks and state-specific onboarding. Some states have standardized DSP credentialing programs, while others allow agencies to handle training in-house. The key is a willingness to learn and a commitment to providing respectful, consistent care.
What makes a strong DSP?
While training helps, some of the most important qualities you can bring to the role are personal. Good DSPs are reliable, patient, and adaptable. They know how to stay calm under pressure, listen closely, and treat individuals with dignity.
You don’t need to be an expert in disabilities or healthcare. What matters most is your ability to show up with empathy and follow through on the support someone needs.
How to get started
Start by looking for local agencies that support individuals with IDD. Many post jobs on general sites like Indeed or state-level job boards. You can also check with your state’s Department of Developmental Disabilities or local nonprofit organizations for leads.
Once hired, you’ll be part of a team that includes other DSPs, supervisors, and often clinicians or case managers. Many DSPs go on to build long-term careers in IDD care, taking on lead roles or advancing into management or specialized support areas.
How Giv supports DSPs
DSPs juggle a lot: direct care, documentation, communication, and scheduling. Giv helps lighten that load by providing tools designed for how DSPs actually work. Our mobile-friendly platform allows staff to document services in real time, review ISP goals, and stay connected with supervisors, without needing paper logs or extra steps.
Agencies that use Giv give their DSPs a better day-to-day experience, more clarity on expectations, and systems that support quality care. Because when DSPs are supported, the individuals they care for benefit too. Explore Giv's mobile app for DSPs here.
