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Direct Service Professional Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Ascendigo

Direct Service Provider

Carbondale, CO · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Flexibility to travel for occasional professional development and resident activities * Personal ... health services. Headquartered in Carbondale, CO, Ascendigo employs more than 40 full- and ...

Ascendigo

Direct Service Provider

Carbondale, CO · On-site

Flexibility to travel for occasional professional development and resident activities * Personal ... health services. Headquartered in Carbondale, CO, Ascendigo employs more than 40 full- and ...

Ascendigo

Direct Service Provider

Carbondale, CO · On-site

Flexibility to travel for occasional professional development and resident activities * Personal ... health services. Headquartered in Carbondale, CO, Ascendigo employs more than 40 full- and ...

Ascendigo

Direct Service Provider

Carbondale, CO · On-site

Flexibility to travel for occasional professional development and resident activities * Personal ... health services. Headquartered in Carbondale, CO, Ascendigo employs more than 40 full- and ...

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Direct Service Professional information

See Colorado salary details

$8

$17

$23

How much do direct service professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct service professional in Colorado is $17.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a direct service professional?

A direct support professional works to assist people with disabilities. In this career, your job duties include helping people in a residential assisted living community; however, most direct support professionals work offsite in the homes or schools of support program participants. You need strong organizational and communication skills to deal with clients, their other caretakers, and their family members. Most employers expect you to document your experience with each client and note changes in behavior and progress toward developmental goals. Educational qualifications include a high school diploma and previous experience or on-the-job training.

What are some common challenges faced by direct service professionals and how can they be addressed?

Direct Service Professionals often encounter challenges such as managing clients with complex behavioral needs, maintaining clear communication among team members, and balancing documentation requirements with hands-on support. To address these challenges, it's important to participate in regular training sessions, collaborate closely with supervisors and colleagues, and utilize available support resources. Building strong relationships with clients and fostering a positive, team-oriented environment also help make the role more rewarding and manageable.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a direct service professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Direct Service Professional, you need a foundational understanding of client care, basic health and safety, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with electronic documentation systems and CPR/First Aid certification are often required. Patience, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work collaboratively are crucial soft skills for building trust with clients and supporting their daily needs. These abilities are essential for providing quality care, ensuring client well-being, and fostering a supportive environment.

What is the difference between Direct Service Professional vs Personal Care Assistant?

AspectDirect Service ProfessionalPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsOften requires CPR, First Aid, and sometimes specialized trainingMay require basic certifications like CPR, First Aid, but less specialized training
Work EnvironmentCommunity settings, group homes, residential facilitiesPrivate homes, individual client settings
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare, social services, non-profitsHome care agencies, private clients
Job FocusSupporting individuals with disabilities, mental health, or developmental needsAssisting with daily living activities for elderly or disabled clients

While both roles involve providing care and support, a Direct Service Professional typically works in community or facility settings with a focus on individuals with disabilities or mental health needs, often requiring specialized training. A Personal Care Assistant usually works in private homes, assisting with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and mobility, often with fewer certifications required.

Is a direct service professional a good career?

A direct service professional (DSP) provides support to individuals with disabilities or mental health needs, often working in community or residential settings. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in helping others, with opportunities for certification, skill development, and advancement, though it may involve physically demanding work and variable schedules.
More about Direct Service Professional jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Direct Service jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Direct Service jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Direct Service Professional jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Direct Service Professional job openings:

Direct Service Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Service Professional job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,659 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Direct Service Provider

Ascendigo

Carbondale, CO • On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:
The primary responsibility of our Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is to bring joyful learning opportunities to Ascendigo's clients to achieve their goals and see their best selves. RBT may work across adult and child populations with neurodivergent learners across the clinic, community, outdoor, and home settings. Registered Behavior Technicians will be provided with internal training to further support their growth and expertise in the field.
TASKS:
  • Work with other members of the Life Enrichment and Outreach teams (including but not limited to Residential, ACE, resident families, clinical or behavioral consultants, therapists, other staff, friends, and community partners) to coordinate care, facilitate care transitions, and implement goals and objectives.
  • Build reciprocal relationships with learners through mutual respect, play, activities, and learning opportunities.
  • Implement individualized behavior plans and programs for clients, through the implementation of Treatment Plans under supervisor of our Board-Certified Behavior Analysts to treat challenging behavior (such as aggression, self-injury, and property destruction).
  • Collect daily data and notes on learner behavior, learning, progress, and activities.
  • Opportunity to complete a 40-hour course to obtain Registered Behavior Technician status, if needed, provided by Ascendigo (full time, year-round staff only).
  • Help clients achieve any educational goals in plan i.e.: typing, reading, writing, coding, etc.
  • Support and accompany clients in recreational outings weekly i.e.: skiing, wake boarding, rafting, hiking, paddle boarding, etc.
  • Support client(s) in workplace settings, collaborate with workplace staff and finish any job duties client is not able to do.
  • Provide onsite instruction and offsite training for all work-related skills needed for independent employment.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Knowledge of the field of autism.
  • Understanding and ability to learn behavioral approaches as practiced by Ascendigo, including the ability to allay maladaptive behaviors while remaining calm and maintaining composure.
  • Knowledge of healthy nutrition and basic cooking skills.
  • Basic knowledge of physical fitness and exercise regimens and willingness to engage in physical activities including outdoor activities with residents.
  • Possess effective skills in active listening, coaching, and communication.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and extended hours for meetings and events may be required.
  • CPR/First Aide Certification (prior to start date)
  • QMAP Certification (prior to start date)
  • RBT Certification (training available prior to start date)

IN ADDITION:
  • Must be 21 or over and have legal working status
  • Valid driver's license with no major violations in the past 5 years
  • Clean background check with no felonies or flags
  • High school diploma required
  • Flexibility to travel for occasional professional development and resident activities
  • Personal smartphone with texting capacity

DESTINATION ASCENDIGO: Ascendigo's mission is to elevate the spectrum by empowering individuals, inspiring lives, and shattering expectations. We apply this mission equally to those we serve, including our participants and clients, and those alongside whom we serve, including our colleagues and broader stakeholder community.
Ascendigo is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and adults living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We deliver this commitment through therapeutic recreation, employment support, community integration, education, and a comprehensive suite of behavioral health services. Headquartered in Carbondale, CO, Ascendigo employs more than 40 full- and part-time year-round staff members, along with approximately 40 additional team members during our seasonal summer camp programming.
The Ascendigo Promise to our employees is to provide meaningful, purpose-driven work within a culture rooted in R.E.S.P.E.C.T. We champion high performance through thoughtful onboarding, ongoing professional development, and an unwavering commitment to integrity.
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: should be committed and passionate about the Ascendigo mission of holistic, active, community-based, independent, and person-centered life. Belief in the dignity and potential of our clients. Ascendigo is committed to a culture of R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
  • R-Recognize the inherent worth of your coworkers.
  • E- Eliminate derogatory words and phrases.
  • S- Speak with people- not at them- or about them.
  • P-Protect the culture of your organization- report and support!
  • E- Empathize- consider what it is like in others' situations.
  • C-Consider your impact on others before speaking and apologize when you make a mistake.
  • T- Treat everyone with integrity, dignity, and respect.

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