Start a Career as a Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Pioneer Center provides on-site training for a career that is rewarding and important.

Watch our video to learn more about how you can help an individual realize their full potential.

Direct Support Professionals (DSP) are compassionate and caring individuals who assist with routine daily activities in a group home or day program setting.   A DSP works directly with people who have intellectual or developmental disabilities. DSPs aim to assist people in realizing their full potential. They help people become integrated and engaged in their community.

In the past, DSPs were trained as caregivers. But over the past few decades, the needs of those being served changed. Therefore, the roles of DSPs began to change. Now, DSPs take on different aspects and roles than caregiving. It is no longer about doing things for people. It is about helping them learn how to do things for themselves.

Some of the daily activities include:

• Food preparation and dining assistance
• Organize and take clients to community events and fun activities
• Sitting down to talk and connect with clients
• Helping clients with mobility and hygiene activities (bathing, grooming, toileting)
• Tracking goals, behaviors, and daily logs
• Housekeeping at homes – laundry, ensuring clients complete chores

To learn more about this rewarding career opportunity, contact Regina Thomas at 224-308-0319 today.