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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO

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Direct Support Professional information

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$10

$17

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Highlands Ranch, CO is $17.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.41 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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What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO are:

What cities near Highlands Ranch, CO are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities near Highlands Ranch, CO with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:

Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Highlands Ranch, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,552 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Caregiver Substitute

Continuum of Colorado Inc.

Denver, CO • On-site

$19/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Part-time
Description
Direct Support Professional (DSP) Caregiver Substitute
Denver, Colorado
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

Salary Description
$19 / hourly

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