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Direct Service Professional Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Direct Support Professional

Falcon, CO

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

At Sunrise we pride ourselves in taking an individualized approach in addressing the unique needs of each person seeking or receiving services. As an employer, we seek to provide an environment of ...

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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 2, 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.

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:

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.

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Description


Join a team where your work matters, your ideas shine, and your success is celebrated.


Why You'll Love Working With Us

  • Fun, positive, team-first culture - where laughter and collaboration are part of the daily routine
  • Real recognition - from shout-outs to celebratory surprises
  • Clear growth paths - we invest in YOU
  • Awesome perks & rewards - because hard work should come with high-fives and bonuses
  • Flexibility & balance - we respect your life outside of work

What We're Looking For

  • Positive attitude and team spirit
  • Strong communication and problem-solving skills
  • Dependability and pride in your work
  • Ability to learn quickly and adapt
  • Someone who wants to grow, have fun, and WIN

Job Title: Direct Support Professional (DS Professional)

Employee Category: Non-Exempt, Full-time

Reports To: Assistant Director of Programsย 


SERVICE PHILOSOPHY

Pueblo Diversified Industries ("PDI") is a Colorado Nonprofit Corporation with a mission to create pathways of opportunity where people with diverse abilities thrive through informed choices, meaningful education and employment, premier residential services, and dynamic social experiences. Pueblo Diversified Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


SUMMARY

The DS Professional performs varied and diverse work and is responsible for person-centered service delivery to PDI individuals served. The DS Professional supervises and supports people served and documents and implements individual service and support plans/Provider Care Plans. The DS Professional works to ensure a safe and healthy environment for each assigned individual served and is held to quality standards of care. Per Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) regulations, DS Professionals must participate in onboarding and ongoing annual electronic and practical DS Professional and program specific training, including but not limited to, medical, behavioral and other protocols and Human Rights Committee (HRC) approved processes for people served. DS Professionals ensure continued compliance with all Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL) standards. DS Professionals ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone served and always presents self in a professional manner.



Primary Responsibilities:
  • Assigned to specific programs (per Program Assignment Fact Sheet).
  • Follow program goals and best practices in coordination with the Assistant Director.
  • Complete all required training (electronic and practical).
  • Submit performance evaluations on time.
    ย 
Time and Attendance
  • Track time daily via payroll system.
  • Clock in/out for work and lunch in real-time.
  • Enter PTO and unpaid time-off requests accurately.
  • Review and approve timesheet entries.
    ย 
Individual Care and Support
  • Assist individuals with:
    ย 
    • Basic ADLs: Mobility, bathing, dressing, feeding, hygiene, toileting.
    • Instrumental ADLs: Medication management.
  • Provide 1:1 support as needed (e.g., toileting, cleaning, wheelchair safety).
  • Ensure individuals are clean, dry, and properly supported.
    ย 
Individual & Group Management
  • Facilitate engaging activities tailored to individuals' needs.
  • Support adaptive equipment usage.
  • Maintain supervision and rotate duties as needed.
  • Document group activities and monitor individual goals.
    ย 
Service Billing & Tracking
  • Track attendance and service notes for each individual on a daily basis.
    ย 
Community Liaison
  • Represent the organization (PDI) professionally in the community.
  • Help individuals build community awareness and connections.
    ย 
Key Competencies Required:
  • Adaptability & Initiative: Flexible and proactive in changing environments.
  • Communication: Clear oral and written skills; active listening.
  • Customer Service: Responsive and respectful to all stakeholders.
  • Dependability & Professionalism: Reliable, ethical, and respectful behavior.
  • Problem-Solving & Judgment: Effective decision-making and conflict resolution.
  • Teamwork: Cooperative, constructive, and team-oriented.
  • Technical & Analytical Skills: Use of tools, data interpretation, and documentation.
  • Creativity & Innovation: Ability to develop and apply new ideas.
  • Safety & Compliance: Adhere to safety standards and procedures.
  • Diversity & Ethics: Culturally sensitive and aligned with organizational values.
    ย 

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL PDI POSITIONS

Basic Requirements
  • Minimum Age: Must be 21 or older.
  • Screenings: Must pass a pre-hire drug test, background check, and random drug screenings during employment.
  • Communication Skills: Strong oral and written communication required.
  • Computer Skills: Must be computer-literate and comfortable with Microsoft Office, internet tools, and specialized software; knowledge of assistive technology is a plus.
  • Training: Must complete and pass First Aid, CPR, and other required training.
    ย 
Driving Requirements (if applicable)
  • Company Vehicle Use: Must be 21+, have a valid driver's license, and consent to a motor vehicle record check to drive PDI vehicles.
  • Personal Vehicle Use: Must provide proof of insurance with required coverage levels.
    ย 
Education & Experience
  • Required: High school diploma or GED.
  • Preferred: Experience working with individuals with disabilities.
    ย 
Skills & Abilities
  • Language: Ability to read manuals, write reports, and speak clearly with individuals and teams.
  • Math: Able to perform basic math (add, subtract, multiply, divide).
  • Reasoning: Use common sense to follow instructions and solve problems with multiple variables.
    ย 
Work Environment
  • Work sites include PDI facilities, community locations, and client residences.
  • May be exposed to outdoor weather and moderate to high noise levels.
  • Reasonable accommodations are available for employees with disabilities.
    ย 
Work Schedule
  • Position Type: Full-time, non-exempt (hourly).
  • Standard Hours and Enhanced Hours (Day Program/Vocational):
    • Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. orย 
    • Tuesday - Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ย 
    • May include evenings, weekends, and holidays based on needs,
    • Schedules are subject to change based on individual service needs.
      ย 
  • Supported Community Connections/Living Services:
    • Hours vary based on individual service needs.ย 
Physical Demands
  • Must regularly lift/move up to 25 lbs, occasionally up to 50 lbs, and rarely up to 75 - 100 lbs (with assistive devices).
  • Requires good vision (close, distance, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment).
  • Frequent physical activity: standing, walking, sitting, reaching, handling objects, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling.
  • Must be able to talk, hear, and respond to unpredictable behavior from individuals served.
  • Reasonable accommodations are available for employees with disabilities.
    ย 
Travel
  • May involve travel to local and surrounding areas based on program assignment.
    ย 
Other Duties
  • Job responsibilities may change at any time without notice.
  • Not all duties are listed in the job description.


Background and Drug Screen

  • PDI is funded by Federal Contracts; therefore, we are required to adhere to federal regulations and guidelines on the Drug Screen and Background Check process.ย 
  • Each applicant must complete and pass both the Drug Screen and the Background check to be hired at PDI.

ย Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Employer-paid life and disability insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer match after one (1) year of employment.
  • Paid time off (PTO) including; leave of absence(s), and holidays
  • Paid parental leave, FMLA, and FAMLI
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Professional development and training opportunities
  • Tuition reimbursement or education assistance
  • Wellness programs and incentives (TGIF)
  • Employee recognition programs (Tommy Bucks)
  • Company-sponsored events and team-building activities


If you want a job where you're appreciated, challenged, and rewarded - this is it.
Apply now and let's build something amazing together!


Applicants: If selected for an interview, you may be contacted by either a hiring manager or a member of the front desk staff. They may leave a voicemail or send an email, so please monitor your messages closely. Be sure to respond promptly and take note of the name of the person who reached out to you.ย 
Assistance: Should anyone need assistance with the application process, don't hesitate to get in touch with HR at HR@pdipueblo.org. ย