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Direct Support Professional Dsp Jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO

FRIENDS of Broomfield

Residential DSP

Broomfield, CO

$18 - $20/hr

General Description The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides meaningful and individually tailored services to meet the goals, desires and needs of adults with intellectual and developmental ...

FRIENDS of Broomfield

Residential DSP

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

General Description The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides meaningful and individually tailored services to meet the goals, desires and needs of adults with intellectual and developmental ...

FRIENDS of Broomfield

Residential DSP

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

General Description The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides meaningful and individually tailored services to meet the goals, desires and needs of adults with intellectual and developmental ...

Support, Inc.

Direct Support Professional

Littleton, CO · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Provide Personalized Support : Assist individuals with hygiene care, meal preparation, and household tasks tailored to their specific needs and preferences. * Transportation and Accompaniment:

Support, Inc.

Direct Support Professional

Littleton, CO · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Provide Personalized Support : Assist individuals with hygiene care, meal preparation, and household tasks tailored to their specific needs and preferences. * Transportation and Accompaniment:

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Direct Support Professional Dsp information

See Wheat Ridge, CO salary details

$10

$17

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How much do direct support professional dsp jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional dsp in Wheat Ridge, CO is $17.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $18.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a direct support professional (DSP)?

A Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a caregiver who assists individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their daily lives. DSPs help with personal care, skill development, community involvement, and fostering independence. Their work may include assisting with bathing, meal preparation, transportation, and providing emotional support. DSPs play a vital role in ensuring the safety, well-being, and quality of life for those they support.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a direct support professional (DSP), and why are they important?

To thrive as a Direct Support Professional, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic caregiving knowledge, and an understanding of developmental disabilities. Familiarity with documentation systems, medication administration, and CPR/First Aid certifications are often required. Compassion, patience, strong communication, and problem-solving abilities distinguish exceptional DSPs. These skills ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of individuals receiving support, fostering a positive and empowering environment.

What are some common challenges faced by direct support professionals (DSPs) and how can they be managed?

Direct Support Professionals often encounter challenges such as managing unpredictable behaviors, balancing the needs of multiple clients, and maintaining clear communication with both clients and their families. Building strong relationships, utilizing de-escalation techniques, and participating in ongoing training can help DSPs navigate these situations effectively. Team collaboration and regular support from supervisors also play a vital role in overcoming daily hurdles and ensuring high-quality care.

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

AspectDirect Support Professional DspPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsOften requires CPR, First Aid, and state-specific trainingMay require similar certifications, but less frequently mandated
Work EnvironmentSupports individuals with disabilities in community or residential settingsProvides personal care in private homes or healthcare facilities
Employer & IndustryHuman services agencies, non-profits, government programsHome healthcare agencies, private clients

Both roles involve assisting individuals with daily activities, but Direct Support Professionals typically work with people with disabilities in community or residential settings, requiring specific certifications. Personal Care Assistants often work in private homes, focusing on personal hygiene and daily living tasks, with slightly different certification requirements. Understanding these differences helps clarify job expectations and career paths in the caregiving industry.

Is being a direct support professional a stressful job?

Being a direct support professional can be stressful due to the physical and emotional demands of assisting individuals with disabilities or mental health needs. The job often requires patience, strong communication skills, and the ability to handle challenging behaviors, which can contribute to stress levels. However, some find it rewarding and develop coping strategies to manage stress effectively.

What jobs can I get with a direct support professional certification?

A direct support professional (DSP) certification qualifies individuals for roles providing assistance to people with disabilities, such as direct support worker, behavioral technician, residential care aide, or personal care assistant. These jobs typically involve helping clients with daily activities, implementing care plans, and supporting independence in community or residential settings. Certification often enhances employment prospects and may be required by employers or state regulations.

Where do direct support professionals get paid the most?

Direct Support Professionals tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare and social services, such as certain metropolitan areas. Factors like experience, certifications, and the specific employer also influence salary levels, with some states or cities offering premium pay for specialized skills or longer tenure.

What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional Dsp jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional Dsp jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO are:

What cities near Wheat Ridge, CO are hiring for Direct Support Professional Dsp jobs?

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

Direct Support Professional Dsp jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional Dsp job openings in Wheat Ridge, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,996 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Caregiver Substitute

Continuum of Colorado Inc

Castle Rock, CO

$19/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Description


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


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

As a Substitute DSP, you will support individuals in our residential settings, 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. 


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 / hourly - 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

Apply