About the Role
A Direct Support Professional, or DSP, supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in living the most independent, integrated and fulfilling life possible. DSPs serve as advocates and support staff to empower people with disabilities to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. A career as a DSP provides a strong sense of purpose by making a meaningful and positive impact on the lives of others, and a offers good work/life balance through flexible day, evening, and/or weekend work schedules, We provide training to prepare you with the specific skills you’ll need to as a DSP. If you’re compassionate, contentious, and looking to make a difference, we encourage you to apply for a job in your community.
Different Work Environments
Specific supports for people with disabilities are tailored to the individual, which means the role of a DSP varies depending on the specific needs and wants of each person being supported. This important work can include supporting recreation and enrichment opportunities, education, home care, basic health and hygiene, transportation, vocational training, rehabilitation, or simply helping people be integrated and involved in their local community. A DSP may work in a shared home, a day habilitation center, or recreation or employment program. Wherever they work, these essential frontline heroes build rich relationships and better lives for people with disabilities.
Hear from DSPs about the job they love
Variety of Work Activities
DSPs can expect to do some or all of the following as part of their involvement in the daily lives of the individuals they serve:
Residential
- Engage residents in conversation
- Help prepare and serve meals
- Facilitate activities (crafts, games, movies, salon days, etc.)
- Accompany residents on recreational and community activities (shopping, dining, volunteering, etc.)
- Help with morning and bedtime routines (dressing, bathing, etc.)
- Support individual healthcare needs
- Be a source of encouragement and support
- Help individuals advocate for themselves and achieve their goals
Day Programs
- Prepare activities that participants can do, with assistance if needed
- Take participants on recreational and outings in the community activities (volunteering, visiting  to parks and museums, etc.)
- Provide physical support or mobility assistance as needed
- Coordinate group activities and events (parties, concerts, etc.)
- Provide support while preserving individuals’ autonomy
- Encourage and honor their efforts and achievements
- Help individuals advocate for themselves and achieve their goals
Flexibility in Scheduling
DSPs working in Day Programs work more traditional daytime hours. Residential DSPs have opportunities for flexible shifts, as the individuals we serve need support 24/7/365.
Job & Financial Stability
Individuals with disabilities do not go out of business. These critical services are always needed, and work is always available. DSPs are essential workers! And these valuable staff members are compensated as generously as possible: beyond the base salary, there are frequent opportunities to earn extra pay, a valuable benefits package, paid training and in many cases, financial support for continuing your education.
Opportunities for Advancement
DSPs can take advantage of further education and training – to learn more and excel in their direct care position or to pursue other opportunities within the organization. Here are just a few examples:
- DSP1
- DSP2
- Program Director
- Assistant Residence Manager
- Residence Manager
These opportunities for career growth are supported through management and mentoring programs, certification options, tuition assistance, and more.
Former DSPs talk about their career path with The Arc
About the Organization
The Arc New York is a family-led, private, nonprofit organization that advocates for and provides support and services to people with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities. The Arc New York, formerly known as NYSARC, was started in 1949 as a support group and day nursery for families coping with disabilities. Today The Arc New York has over 100,000 members and serves more than 60,000 individuals throughout the state.
Many Names, One Mission
The Arc New York provides services in every county in New York state through the efforts and operations of 36 community chapters. Because every community and every facility is unique, these agencies go by many names, but we all share one mission: to provide people with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities the ordinary and extraordinary opportunities of life.
Direct support careers often run in the family
Find a job near me
State Office
The Arc New York
29 British American Blvd. 2nd Floor
Latham, NY 12110
(518) 439-8311
[email protected]
