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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Whitby, ON (NOW HIRING)

Home Instead

Overnight PSW

Lindsay, ON · On-site

CA$20 - CA$22/hr

For over 30 years, Home Instead has led the way in personalized senior care, empowering older adults to live independently while supporting families with peace of mind. Our Care Professionals are ...

ParaMed

PSW/CCA/HCA

Markham, ON

At ParaMed, our skilled and compassionate team members are supported to succeed. At every step of the way, supportive leaders, paid training and skills upgrade opportunities will help achieve your ...

Ataccama

Director of Professional Services

Toronto, ON · On-site

Build and maintain executive-level relationships with Ataccama customers, supporting engagements ... Oversee all aspects of Professional Services operations, including project scoping and delivery ...

Norton Rose Fulbright

Director, IT Support

Toronto, ON

... Director, IT Support to work within the Information Technology group across the Canadian offices ... This individual will lead a team of IT professionals responsible for being the front line and "face ...

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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 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.
More about Direct Support Professional jobs

What cities near Whitby, ON are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities near Whitby, ON with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:

Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Whitby, ON 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.

Direct Support Professional - Part Time

Reena

Vaughan, ON

Part-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Description
Job Summary:
A Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible to support individuals with developmental disabilities to live in a state of dignity, to share in all elements of living in the community and to provide the opportunity to participate fully. These supports shall be provided in a manner that promotes the care, welfare, safety and security of the supported individuals. The position will represent Reena in a manner that conveys the nature and philosophy of the organization, and promotes the concept of inclusive communities. This roll is in line with Reena’s philosophy of community integration, mandate, mission and living within a Judaic framework, and will adhere to the Reena’s policies and procedures at all times.
This posting is for an existing vacancy currently open.
Additional Information 
We use AI-supported technology to help sort applications according to role-specific criteria, but all decisions throughout the hiring process are made by human reviewers. 

Key Responsibilities
  • Provides support and education to individuals in all areas of faith, health, safety, activities of daily living, personal hygiene, mobility, medical needs including arranging and attending medical appointments
  • Advocating for individuals with complex medical, health and physical needs
  • Assists the individual to attain the goals as stated in their Individual Support Plan (ISP)
  • Provides assistance to individuals during the night and early morning routines
  • Acts as a custodian for the household as required or assigned
  • Maintains ongoing communication between individuals’ day, recreational, respite and/or vocational programs, employers and residential staff members
  • Works as part of a team, collaborates with team members to meet collective goals, and recognizes contributions of others
  • Maintains, organizes and ensures the upkeep of the location to which assigned
  • Carries out all administrative responsibilities as assigned including completion of all the required charting, documentation and reporting
  • Aims to increase individual independence through the performance of life skills
  • Transports individuals as needed
Shifts Available*
  • Day Shifts / Afternoon Shifts / Evening Shifts / Weekday and/or Weekend Shifts
*shifts are subject to change due to operational needs

Qualifications
  • Certified as one of the following: Disability Support Worker (DSW), Personal Support Worker (PSW), Social Services Worker (SSW), Social Worker (SW), Child and Youth Worker (CYW) or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Prior experience working with individuals with high medical and behavioral needs
  • A valid Standard First Aid CPR/AED Level C certificate required
  • A valid G driver’s license (optional) 
  • Ability to work with individuals with a developmental disability with complex mental health issues, and responsive behaviors
  • Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary team including health care practitioners i.e. behavior therapist, occupational therapist, social worker, nutritionist
  • Excellent organizational skills, ability to take initiative, plan ahead, find creative solutions to individual needs and manage caseload
  • Excellent listening and communication skills, written and verbal, as well as problem solving and interpersonal skills
  • Excellent computer skills, and ability to complete online charting

Reena is committed to providing accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (‘AODA’). If you require accommodation for disability during any stage of the recruitment process, please notify Human Resources.