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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Kitchener, ON

TheKey

Weekend Caregiver/ PSW - Dundas, ON.

Dundas, ON · On-site

TheKey is actively seeking reliable, compassionate, and empathetic professionals to join our team ... Personal Support Workers (PSWs) primary responsibilities will be managing activities of daily ...

Key Metrix

Part Time Community PSW

Kitchener, ON · On-site

... professional, and supportive presence. Duties and Responsibilities: * Assist with personal hygiene, grooming, bathing, oral hygiene, and toileting. * Administer medication as directed. * Support ...

Key Metrix

Part Time Community PSW

Kitchener, ON · On-site

... professional, and supportive presence. Duties and Responsibilities: * Assist with personal hygiene, grooming, bathing, oral hygiene, and toileting. * Administer medication as directed. * Support ...

Right at Home Canada

PSW Homecare P/T

Burlington, ON · On-site

They are responsible and hold themselves to the highest professional standards. * Our Care Team members have a strong desire to work with a local employer who views them as family, and are committed ...

Right at Home Canada

PSW Homecare P/T

Burlington, ON

They are responsible and hold themselves to the highest professional standards. * Our Care Team members have a strong desire to work with a local employer who views them as family, and are committed ...

Perseus Group

Director, Support

Waterloo, ON · On-site +1

CA$85K - CA$104K/yr

For decades, our solutions have been the go-to for healthcare professionals who value precision ... Support and maintain GoldCare's MultiValue database environment used in production by customers.

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Direct Support Professional information

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 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.

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.

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 cities 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.
More about Direct Support Professional jobs
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Kitchener, ON look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Kitchener, ON are:
What cities near Kitchener, ON are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Kitchener, ON with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Kitchener, ON as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Direct Support Professional

Choices Association

Dundas, ON • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Are you ready to make a real difference?
Choices is a Not-for-Profit organization that is committed to actively pursue a continuum of service that will enhance the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities, promote social inclusion, and the worth and self-worth of the people we support.
We're looking for six (6) passionate and motivated Part-time Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team.
Rate of Pay: $28.99 per hour
Schedule: 8 hours shifts on rotation of 7:30am -3:30pm and 3:30pm - 11:30pm. Every other weekend and 1 to 2 scheduled shifts through the week.
                      
Successful candidates will be responsible for ensuring the well-being, safety and personal growth of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This role involves implementing person-centered plans, promoting independence, engaging in community inclusion and maintaining accurate documentation. DSPs are expected to adhere to Choices policies, Ministry guidelines, participate in team meetings and always maintain professional conduct.  
Position Summary (not limited to);
  • Commit to and demonstrate the Mission and Vision of Choices Association in all manners.
  • Finding valued roles for people supported within their home and community life through active and respectful participation.
  • Advocate for individuals’ medical, communication, and support needs, ensuring that they receive appropriate services and support.
  • Administer medications as needed, including completing related documentation and adhering to the Medication Administration guidelines.
  • Assist clients with activities of daily living such as personal care, assistance with household tasks, medication administration.
  • Adhere to and implement Behavior Support Plans and strategies.
  • Participate in all aspects of running a household/program.
  • Ensure compliance with Ministry guidelines and organizational policies and procedures.
  • Complete all administrative duties and other tasks as required.
What are we looking for?
  • Post-secondary education in Social Sciences such as DSW, CYW, SSW, CSW, MSW or related fields.
  • Knowledge of behavior interventions and the ability to apply behavior support plans effectively.
  • Strong advocacy skills and a positive attitude towards developing and implementing Person-Centered Plans.
  • Exceptional working knowledge with people living with developmental disabilities, dual diagnosis, and concurrent disorders.
  • Understanding of working with people who are impacted by barriers accessing resources in the community.
  • Effective communication skills and the ability to engage with community programs.
  • Excellent organizational skills and the ability to take initiative and work independently to set goals and priorities outlined by the supported member and their circle.
  • Understanding of behavioral support plans and escalation Continuums
  • Ability to effectively use a computer and Microsoft Office independently
  • Fluency in French is an asset.
Bona Fide Requirements:
  • Proficiency in English for reading, writing, and communication.
  • Certification in CPR & First Aid and the ability to pass mandatory Safe Management and Medication Administration training.
  • Must meet physical demands, including assisting with behavioral interventions as required based on policies, procedures and Choices Service Principles
  • A valid G Driver’s License, clean driving record, reliable vehicle and insurable under the Agency Policies
Ready to Join?
If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact and take your career to the next level, we’d love to hear from you! Please apply with your resume and a brief cover letter describing why you’re an ideal fit for this role.
Choices is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC). Choices will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection process to applicants with disabilities. During any stage of the recruitment process, please notify Human Resources of the nature of any accommodation(s) you may require. Any information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.
Choices advertises only on legitimate, approved job opportunities and is committed to fair, transparent, and lawful recruitment practices in Ontario.
We do not post false or misleading job advertisements, collect personal information without a genuine hiring purpose, or misrepresent job terms, wages or working conditions. All recruitment activities comply with the Employment Standards Act, 2000, the Ontario Human Rights Code, and applicable privacy legislation.
Official job postings from Choices Association Inc appear only on our authorized recruitment platforms. If you encounter a posting that appears fraudulent or misrepresents our organization, please report it to:
hr@choicesgroup.org
 

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