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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO

State of Montana

Direct Support Professional

Boulder, CO

$15.50 - $19/hr

Direct Support Professionals (DSP) provide assistance and support to clients in maintaining a therapeutic environment. Responsibilities include: * Providing clients with routine emotional and ...

State of Montana

Direct Support Professional

Boulder, CO · On-site

$15.50 - $19/hr

Direct Support Professionals (DSP) provide assistance and support to clients in maintaining a therapeutic environment. Responsibilities include: * Providing clients with routine emotional and ...

State of Montana

Direct Support Professional

Boulder, CO · On-site

$15.50 - $19/hr

Direct Support Professionals (DSP) provide assistance and support to clients in maintaining a therapeutic environment. Responsibilities include: * Providing clients with routine emotional and ...

Montana

Direct Support Professional

Boulder, CO

$15.50 - $19/hr

Direct Support Professionals (DSP) provide assistance and support to clients in maintaining a therapeutic environment. Responsibilities include: * Providing clients with routine emotional and ...

Support, Inc.

Direct Support Professional

Aurora, 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

Arvada, 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

Aurora, 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

Arvada, 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 information

See Wheat Ridge, CO salary details

$10

$17

$21

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional 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 are Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)?

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.

What Is a Direct Support Professional?

Direct support professionals (DSPs) provide non-medical care and services to intellectually or physically disabled persons. These services may be in the patient's home, at assisted living facilities, or in government institutions. The primary duties of DSPs are to help the patient with everyday tasks, such as taking medication, providing transportation to doctor's appointments, and running errands. DSPs also aim to teach patients life skills, including light housework and meal preparation, to enable them to be a little more independent.

More about Direct Support Professional jobs
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO are:
What cities near Wheat Ridge, CO are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Wheat Ridge, CO with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Wheat Ridge, CO as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,996 per year, or $17.3 per hour.
Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional

State of Montana

Boulder, CO

$15.50 - $19/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

State Of Montana rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 50 rated states

Job description

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity as a Direct Support Professional at the Intensive Behavior Center. 

The Intensive Behavior Center (IBC) is an intensive, short-term treatment facility in Boulder, Montana for individuals who have intellectual disabilities. This 12-bed facility provides an environment for building healthy, effective, and fulfilling lives so those receiving treatment can live successfully in the community after discharge.  

Direct Support Professionals (DSP) provide assistance and support to clients in maintaining a therapeutic environment.  Responsibilities include:

  • Providing clients with routine emotional and physical care.
  • Transporting clients to treatments, vocational, and recreational activities.

  • Documenting clients' interaction and participation with activities.

    This position is eligible for a hiring incentive up to $7,500. Find out more by visiting work4dphhs.com.

 Why Join DPHHS: 

Our mission at DPHHS is serving Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence. By joining our department, you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents.

The State of Montana's comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation (15 days per year), sick leave (12 days per year), and holidays (11 per year), work/life balance, and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. In addition, DPHHS is the largest state agency with a wide range of advancement opportunities whether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience.

Qualifications for this Career Opportunity:

  • Basic knowledge of developmental, behavioral, and psychiatric disorders.
  • Knowledge of practices and methods for providing care.
  • Ability to make observations and report information accurately.
  • Ability to handle with high stress situations.
  • Meet minimum qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Preferred one year of experience providing care to individuals with developmental, behavioral, or psychiatric disorders.
  • Experience/knowledge of techniques and responsibilities surrounding the use of physical restraint and methods to avoid such use.

How to Apply:

To be considered for a DPHHS position, submit your application on the State of Montana careers website.

Successful applicants will be subject to background checks relevant to the position and must pass reference checks before an offer will be extended. DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a copy of the full job description or if you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, contact DPHHS Human Resources listed below.

This Position is posted ongoing with frequent review of candidates. 

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