Direct Support Professional job description.
A Direct Support Professional assists individuals with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities in daily living and community activities. They provide hands-on support, promote independence, and help clients achieve personal goals within residential, community, or day-program settings.
The Direct Support Professional job description · $29
The full editable .docx — role summary, 8 worked responsibilities, qualifications, and skills, formatted for your letterhead. Delivered to your inbox within 24 hours — usually instantly.
Role: Direct Support Professional Reports to: Program Manager or House Supervisor
A Direct Support Professional assists individuals with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities in daily living and community activities. They provide hands-on support, promote independence, and help clients achieve personal goals within residential, community, or day-program settings.
- Assist clients with daily living activities including hygiene, meals, and mobility
- Support clients in achieving goals outlined in individualized service plans
- Facilitate participation in community, recreational, and social activities
What's inside the document.
One-paragraph plain-English explanation of the role's outcome and scope.
8 responsibilities phrased the way the work is actually done.
4 qualifications a candidate must have to perform on day 30.
2 qualifications that would make a candidate excellent in year two.
5 skill chips you can copy directly into your ATS.
Program Manager or House Supervisor
A complete document set.
- Word document (.docx) — fully editable
- PDF — signature-ready
- Google Docs — one-click copy to your Drive
- 12 months of updates to this document
- Commercial-use licence for internal and client work
The work, not the title.
- Assist clients with daily living activities including hygiene, meals, and mobility
- Support clients in achieving goals outlined in individualized service plans
- Facilitate participation in community, recreational, and social activities
- Administer or assist with medications as trained and permitted
- Monitor client health, safety, and behavior, reporting concerns promptly
- Provide transportation to appointments, work, or activities as needed
- Maintain accurate documentation of care and progress notes
- Promote client independence, dignity, and self-advocacy
Required — and what would make a candidate excellent.
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Completion of direct support training as required by state or employer
- Valid driver's license where transportation duties are required
- Patience, reliability, and strong interpersonal skills
- Experience supporting individuals with disabilities
- CPR/First Aid and medication administration certification
Eight steps from download to publish.
- 01Open the Direct Support Professional job description in Word or your one-click Google Docs copy.
- 02Replace placeholders for company name, reporting line, and location with your specifics.
- 03Tighten the summary to one paragraph that names the team's outcome, not just the role.
- 04Edit the responsibilities to match the actual scope of the seat — aim for 6 to 8 items, not 12.
- 05Separate required qualifications from preferred. Required is what a candidate must have to do the work on day 30; preferred is what would make them excellent in year two.
- 06Add salary range guidance using BLS, Payscale, or your own band data — do not copy generic figures.
- 07Have the hiring manager and one peer read it. Cut anything that wouldn't survive a candidate question.
- 08Publish to your ATS, intranet, and external careers page.
The right document at the right moment.
Use this Direct Support Professional job description any time you are opening or reopening a seat at this level. The entry band sets the calibration — copy the document, tighten it to your specific scope, and circulate to the hiring panel before the first interview.
The reporting line (Program Manager or House Supervisor) and skills list are starting points. Override either if your org structure or stack differs from the norm — the template is a draft, not a contract.
Honest answers before you download.
- What settings employ direct support professionals?
- Group homes, day programs, and in-home support services for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities are common employers.
- What training do direct support professionals need?
- Requirements vary by state and employer but typically include orientation training, medication administration training, and CPR/First Aid certification.
Other documents in this neighbourhood.
Caregiver
A Caregiver supports individuals who need help with daily activities due to age, illness, or disability, typically in a home or residential setting.
Social Worker
A Social Worker helps individuals and families navigate personal, social, or health-related challenges by connecting them to resources and support services.
Case Manager
A Case Manager coordinates services and resources on behalf of clients or patients to ensure continuity and quality of care.
This Direct Support Professional job description is a professionally drafted starting point for your hiring process and is not legal advice. Hiring practice varies by jurisdiction (e.g. pay-transparency laws differ across US states and AU jurisdictions). Adapt this document for your specific location and have employment counsel review any clauses you add before publishing. Salary varies by region, employer type, and experience. Reference BLS or current industry surveys for ranges. Full disclaimer.