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Direct Service Professional Jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO

PCA Direct Support

Thornton, CO ยท On-site

$24.46/hr

About the Role: We are seeking a dedicated PCA Direct Care professional to use independent judgment and discretion in providing direct service and case management services to persons with ...

Showing results 41-60

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 (DSP) Caregiver Substitute

Continuum of Colorado Inc

Aurora, CO โ€ข On-site

$19/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Description

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Caregiver Substitute

Aurora, Colorado


Continuum of Colorado is seeking flexible, on-call Substitute Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)ย to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our residential programs throughout Aurora, Denver, and Castle Rock.ย 

This role is ideal for caregivers who want maximum flexibility-the ability to choose when they work, pick up shifts as needed, and work as many or as few hours as they want. Substitute DSPs provide coverage when regular staff are out and are scheduled based on their availability. Shifts may vary and can include examples such as:

  • Day shifts:ย 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Overnight shifts:ย 8:00 PM - 8:00 AM

As a Substitute DSP, you will support individuals in our residential settings,ย by implementing care plans, assisting with daily living activities, and helping individuals engage in their communities-all while working a schedule that fits your life.ย 


Requirements of Caregivers:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • One (1) year experience in an area directly related to the job, preferred (i.e., developmental disabilities, elderly care)
  • Ability to pass and maintain certification in all agency-required training
  • Ability to perform personal care/medical procedures and consistently lift up to 50 lbs
  • Ability to read, write, and converse in English and perform simple math calculations
  • Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel); ability to use Outlook for email communication
  • Personal vehicle in good operating condition for use during work
  • Valid Colorado driver's license; proof of insurance; three (3) years of current, consecutive driving history
  • Must meet driving requirements: no suspensions/revocations in the past three (3) years and no more than two (2) tickets in the past three (3) years

We are committed to racial equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our organization and our partnership with the IDD community. Our work is rooted in the firm belief that all people deserve respect and dignity, where we embrace and celebrate varied identities, preferences, and perspectives. These values are essential to our organization's excellence and to achieving our objective of a more equitable and inclusive community for all. We ensure our systems, policies, practices, actions, and communications are equitable, including how we attract, hire, engage, develop, promote, retain, and retire BIPOC and other underrepresented or marginalized talent. We intentionally engage in ongoing learning and growth to foster a culture of shared purpose and belonging.

Requirements

Starting Salary & Benefits

$19.00 / hourlyย - varies depending on shifts and locations

  • Flexible hours and locations across the Denver Metro Area
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program
  • Same-day pay available with Tapcheck
  • Certified Employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Employer-paid training with a supportive team
  • Employee Assistance Program

Note: This substitute position is not eligible for health, dental, or other full-time benefits due to hours worked below part-time status.


More about what you'll get to do as our Caregiver

  • Support and assist individuals with daily living activities (cleaning, toileting, meal preparation, cooking, budgeting, hygiene, etc.)
  • Meet individuals' transportation needs (may include driving or assisting with access to transportation)
  • Implement and document individuals' ISSPs, care plans, and protocols
  • Carry out scheduled community activities (transportation and supervision)
  • Assist with medications (administration, pill packing, monitoring) as certified, and document as required
  • Monitor health needs and assist individuals in obtaining healthcare when needed
  • Provide medical care in accordance with established protocols, including First Aid/CPR when necessary
  • Accurately document program, incident, medical, and financial information
  • Use web-based systems to document medication administration