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Direct Service Professional Jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO

Day Services Position Status : Full/Part Time Pay Range: Up to $22 to start and based on experience City: Littleton Bring your energy, creativity, and passion for people to a career that makes a real ...

Day Services Position Status : Full/Part Time Pay Range: Up to $22 to start and based on experience City: Littleton Bring your energy, creativity, and passion for people to a career that makes a real ...

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Direct Service Professional information

See Wheat Ridge, CO 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 Wheat Ridge, CO is $17.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $19.66 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 cities near Wheat Ridge, CO are hiring for Direct Service Professional jobs?

Cities near Wheat Ridge, CO with the most Direct Service Professional job openings:

Infographic showing various Direct Service Professional job openings in Wheat Ridge, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,049 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Direct Support Professional - Lafayette

Imagine!

Lafayette, CO

$20/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Purpose of Position- Promotes the heath and welfare of participants/clients.  Engages in skilled interaction with participants who require therapeutic supports, thus enabling them to access and utilize their community and build on skills.  Acts in accordance with Community Services mission and guidelines as well as Person Centered Service Plans.  Monitors and reports on data to ensure compliance with all applicable regulating agencies.  Maintains professional relationships with participants as well as members of treatment teams.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

           

Promotes the health, safety, and welfare of the participants.  

  • Ensures health and safety requirements set forth by Community Services guidelines as well as all regulating agencies.  This includes appropriate services and supports, such as positive instruction, assistance with personal hygiene, toileting, meals, etc.
  • Engages in skilled interaction with participants who require therapeutic supports to replace aggressive or socially inappropriate behavior.
  • Supports individuals with skill building to accomplish their identified goals.
  • Provides a wide range of support to participants in daily living activities such as assisting with lunch, toileting, and hygiene.
  • Assists participants in accessing and utilizing their community by transporting them safely to community-based sites for activities, utilizing company cars, buses, walking, etc.
  • Learns and consistently practices effective teaching, working with Therapeutic and Coordinating team as necessary.

Acts in accordance with Community Services policies, mission, and the Person Centered Support Plans.

  • Supports and implements activities according to Community Services guidelines, in the context of activity protocols and plans, and in the context of a nurturing, stable environment.
  • Implements, monitors, and reports on Person Centered Support Plans. 
  • Completes documentation and tracking timely and accurately.
  • Communicates effectively with participants, guardians and family members, staff, and all other members of consumers' treatment team. This includes checking email, voicemail, and managing phone calls regularly before and during each shift.  

Monitors and reports on data to ensure compliance with all applicable guidelines and regulations, including Imagine! Policies and Procedures.

  • Ensures quality service delivery, meeting the guidelines set forth in Community Services quality standards, as well as follows schedules, information sheets, and plans.
  • Completes all required training, including annual refreshers, in the appropriate timeframe.
  • Reports all behavioral incidents, medical emergencies, and/or significant changes in medical condition to supervisor, and completes all related paperwork in accordance with State regulations and Imagine! policy.  

Maintains respectful and professional relationships with participants, staff, guardians and family members, and all other members of treatment teams. 

Implement Individual Treatment/Behavior Plans developed by Behavior Therapists and/or BCBAs

  • Respond appropriately to client's challenging behaviors and implements behavior intervention strategies as directed by the Behavior Therapist or BCBA
  • Collect data when working with some individuals
  • Proactively communicate any questions or concerns to the Behavior Therapist or BCBA

Other Duties/Responsibilities

  • Supports Community Services mission in the context of both individual and collaborative work.
  • Actively participates in staff meetings, workshops, in-services, discussions, etc.
  • Maintains and cares for Imagine!'s property, including supplies, vehicles, etc., being mindful of safety and cleanliness.
  • Represents Community Services in meetings and committees, as well as in promoting and marketing, as requested.
  • Promotes team morale by being positive and professional.

 

Job Qualifications

 

Knowledge, Skill, and Ability:

  • Demonstrated skill in working with people with developmental disabilities, preferably in a community-based setting.
  • Demonstrated ability to engage in skilled interaction with people who require therapeutic supports. 
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills with individuals and groups at all professional levels.
  • Effective and creative negotiator and problem solver.
  • Ability to work independently- traveling and working in the community.
  • Ability to work effectively with various technology including word processing software, internet based databases, assistive technology, etc.
  • Possession of a valid driver's license and ability to meet Imagine! driving requirements.
  • This position requires regular use of a personal mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet.

            Training/Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • 2 years of college preferred.
  • Ability and willingness to successfully complete required training curriculum.  This includes developing an understanding of Community Services structure, services, philosophy, as well as community resources, etc.

            Experience:

  • 2 years of experience working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) preferred.

            Working Environment/Physical Activities

  • Evening and weekend work may be required.
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds.
  • Ability to drive a van with a lift.
  • Ability to push wheelchairs and to lift and transfer patients as related to toileting, diaper changing, and other health and activity related needs.
  • Effective with shifting roles, responsibilities, and expectations in a changing environment.
  • Ability to respond to emergency situations.
  • Work is performed in a variety of settings including office, community, and outside.

Note: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job. 

Employment at Imagine! is at-will, meaning that either the employee or Imagine! may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.

Imagine! is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.