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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

Inn From The Cold

Family Support Worker

Calgary, AB

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • PTO

The Shelter Family Support Worker (FSW) offer direct support to families experiencing or at risk of ... Develop rapport and model dignified, respectful and professional behaviour with families. * Engage ...

Inn From The Cold

Family Support Worker

Calgary, AB · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • PTO

The Shelter Family Support Worker (FSW) offer direct support to families experiencing or at risk of ... Develop rapport and model dignified, respectful and professional behaviour with families. * Engage ...

destinationone Consulting

Various locations across Alberta As a Clerical/Administrative Support professional, you will ... Answer and direct phone calls, take messages, and handle correspondence and inquiries. Schedule and ...

KPMG

Manager, Canadian Resource Centre

Calgary, AB

CRC professionals work alongside onshore teams to enhance efficiency, support quality delivery, and ... Provide direct support to audit engagement teams so they can effectively leverage the Audit CRC on ...

KPMG

Manager, Canadian Resource Centre

Edmonton, AB · On-site

CRC professionals work alongside onshore teams to enhance efficiency, support quality delivery, and ... Provide direct support to audit engagement teams so they can effectively leverage the Audit CRC on ...

YWCA Calgary

Program Support Worker

Calgary, AB

A supportive team environment and opportunities for professional development * Comprehensive ... Privacy inquiries can be directed to the attention of the Privacy Officer at reply@mindfulworkplace ...

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All JobsDirect Support Professional JobsDirect Support Professional Jobs in Alberta

Direct Support Professional information

See Alberta salary details

$8

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Alberta is $13.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.06 and $15.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a direct support professional?

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are caregivers who assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their daily lives. They help with personal care, medication management, meal preparation, and transportation, while also supporting clients in achieving personal goals and participating in community activities. DSPs play a vital role in promoting independence, dignity, and quality of life for those they support.

What are some common challenges direct support professionals face when supporting individuals with disabilities, and how can they effectively handle them?

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) often encounter challenges such as managing behavioral outbursts, ensuring effective communication with nonverbal individuals, and balancing the need for independence with safety. Handling these situations requires patience, empathy, and strong problem-solving skills. Many DSPs find it helpful to use individualized behavior support plans, maintain clear communication with team members, and participate in ongoing training. Building trust and understanding the unique needs of each individual also play a key role in overcoming daily challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a direct support professional, 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, incident reporting tools, and sometimes CPR/First Aid certification is typically required. Patience, strong interpersonal skills, and empathy are crucial soft skills for effectively supporting individuals and building trust. These skills are vital for ensuring client safety, promoting independence, and delivering compassionate care tailored to each individual's needs.

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

AspectDirect Support ProfessionalPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, sometimes specialized trainingCPR, First Aid often required
Work EnvironmentAssisting individuals with disabilities in community or residential settingsProviding personal care in private homes or facilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, healthcare providersHome care agencies, private clients

Both roles involve assisting individuals with daily activities, often requiring similar certifications like CPR and First Aid. However, Direct Support Professionals typically work in community or residential settings supporting people with disabilities, while Personal Care Assistants mainly provide personal care services in private homes. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the role that best matches their skills and career goals.

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. States or areas with a strong focus on healthcare, social services, or specialized care often offer higher pay rates for this role. Factors like experience, certifications, and the specific employer also influence salary levels.
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For Direct Support Professional jobs in Alberta, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Alberta look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Alberta are:

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Cities in Alberta with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:

Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Alberta as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $27,707 per year, or $13.3 per hour.

FT Support Coordinator - Community Opportunities - 37.5 hrs/wk (2 Positons)

Winnifred Stewart

Edmonton, AB • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

***PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO INTERNAL CANDIDATES UNTIL AUG 7, 2026***

POSITION SUMMARY

The Support Coordinator role combines direct support to individuals with disabilities and provides general support in the day-to-day operations of their assigned residence and in the community. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Help the individual and their circle of support develop, and document individualized, person-centered plans to guide services related to individual development, community participation, behavior management and/or personal care.
  • Assist with support plans in more complex situations.
  • Encourage individuals to use their rights and take responsibility to make life choices.
  • Provide direct care to individuals with high needs and/or medically fragile individuals, as required.
  • Monitor and support the health and well-being of individuals in care. This includes identifying changes in conditions related to individual's behavior, physical and emotional well-being, and takes all necessary steps to address.
  • Strictly adhere to medical protocols and standing orders for medication and other remedies.
  • Find and develop recreational and other social interaction opportunities for individuals, in order to create a wider range of options and natural supports within the community.
  • Be a social and/or recreational role model and coach to help the individual participate and contribute effectively within the community.  
  • Create clear, objective records and complete required reports and other documentation as required by the position.
  • Communicate in a professional, timely, accurate and respectful way with individuals, families, guardians, staff and community members.
  • Work effectively in a team-oriented environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

    • Preferably a Diploma or equivalent post-secondary education in a relevant discipline; and additional specialized training and progressively more responsible experience in a relevant discipline/setting.
    • A positive attitude and belief that persons with disabilities have the right and responsibility to define and pursue their life choices and pursue active participation in the community.
    • An understanding of the opportunities and options available to persons with disabilities plus demonstrated cultural and ethnic sensitivity.
    • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
    • Well-developed coaching and mentoring and coordinating skills. 
    • Effective time-management and priority-setting skills, and the ability to balance competing demands/priorities and deal with competing opinions. 
    • Relevant knowledge and the ability to model and support the development of basic living, personal and social skills.
    • Relevant knowledge and the ability to contribute to effective person-centered programming plans around skill acquisition and/or behaviors of concern.
    • A minimum of 2 years' experience with diabetes, epilepsy, dementia, lifts and transfers
    • Knowledge of the broader range of community resources available to support an individual's participation and inclusion. 
    • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team.  This includes the ability to function effectively within an individual's circle of support.
    • The ability to extend shift and capable of handling physically challenging situations, as required.
    • Previous experience with Behaviours of Concern.
    LOCATION: Main Building (Centre for Community Inclusion)
    HOURS OF WORK: Monday - Friday        8:00am - 3:30pm  (37.5 hrs/wk.)

    Our Commitment to Equity and Inclusion - Winnifred Stewart is committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals; persons with disabilities; members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community; newcomers; and individuals from other equity-deserving groups.
    We recognize that systemic barriers may have impacted career pathways and value lived experience alongside professional credentials. Accommodation is available throughout the recruitment and selection process upon request.

    Employment Type: FULL_TIME

    Apply