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If you’ve ever Googled “Direct Support Professional job description,” chances are you’ve come across the same tired format—long bullet lists, vague wording, and zero personality.
It might check the boxes…
But it doesn’t connect with the kind of people you actually want to hire.
And that’s a problem—because this role isn’t just another position to fill.
It’s a deeply human job that requires patience, empathy, and real commitment.
But most job descriptions?
They read like compliance checklists. They don’t inspire, they don’t clarify the mission, and they certainly don’t reflect the kind of care this work demands.
So in this guide, we’re going to show you how to write a job post that actually speaks to the kind of person you’re looking for—whether you’re hiring someone with experience, or someone with the heart to learn on the job.
And if you want a deep dive into writing great job descriptions in general, we also recommend checking out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ .
Don’t let bad hires slow you down.
WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
What Does a Direct Support Professional Actually Do?
A Direct Support Professional (DSP) helps people with disabilities live more independently and with dignity. This might include assisting with daily activities like meals, hygiene, mobility, or medication—but it’s also about building real human connection.
DSPs aren’t just caregivers—they’re coaches, advocates, and trusted companions. They help clients build confidence, navigate challenges, and enjoy fuller lives.
The best DSPs are patient, reliable, and emotionally intelligent. They know how to listen, when to support, and how to treat every person with the respect they deserve.
This is a role that requires more than just showing up. It requires heart.
Two Great Direct Support Professional Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
✅ Option 1: Job Description For Experienced Direct Support Professionals
📌 Job Title: Full-Time Direct Support Professional at CareBridge Living (Charlotte, NC)
💼 Type: Full-Time | In-Person | $17–$21/hour (based on experience)
🕒 Schedule: Mon–Fri | 8AM–4PM (some weekend flexibility)
🎥 Meet the Team
Before you apply, watch this quick video from our Program Director, Renee, sharing what it’s like to work with us and the kind of difference you’ll make:
[Insert Loom or YouTube link]
Who We Are
CareBridge Living is a Charlotte-based support agency that provides in-home and community-based care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For over 10 years, we’ve helped people build more independent, connected, and meaningful lives.
We believe this work is human work. That means we don’t just clock in—we show up with care, patience, and respect. We’re a small but mighty team that values consistency, communication, and treating people with dignity—both our clients and our staff.
Now we’re looking for another incredible Direct Support Professional to join our Charlotte team.
🛠️ What You’ll Do
You’ll support individuals in their daily lives by:
- Assisting with hygiene, dressing, and meal preparation
- Supporting community outings, errands, or appointments
- Administering medication and documenting care properly
- Helping clients build independent living skills
- Communicating updates to family and supervisors
- Responding with empathy, calm, and respect—no matter what the day brings
✅ What We’re Looking For
- 1+ years experience in a DSP or related caregiving role
- Valid driver’s license + reliable vehicle
- CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
- Experience with shift documentation or mobile care apps
- Calm under pressure and emotionally steady
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance (available after 90 days)
- 40 hours of PTO in your first year
- Mileage reimbursement
- Flexible schedule options after your first 90 days
- Monthly team appreciation lunches and peer recognition bonuses
💡 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
At CareBridge, you’re not just a number. We keep our caseloads small so that our DSPs can actually build trust with the people they support. You’ll be part of a team that backs each other up and celebrates progress—big or small. You’ll have autonomy in your role and room to grow.
If you believe in showing up with integrity, patience, and heart—you’ll fit right in.
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to ensure every candidate gets a fair shot. Click the link below to apply—it includes a short evaluation that helps us get to know you beyond the resume.
👉 Apply here: [Insert WorkScreen link]
✅ Option 2: Job Description For Entry-Level Direct Support Professional (Willing to Train)
📌 Job Title: Direct Support Professional – No Experience Needed (CareBridge Living, Charlotte, NC)
💼 Type: Full-Time | In-Person | $15–$18/hour
🕒 Schedule: 4-day workweek | 10-hour shifts | Flexible weekends
🎥 Meet the Team
Hear from Amanda, one of our entry-level DSPs, who joined us with no prior experience and now supports two clients independently:
[Insert Loom or YouTube link]
Who We Are
CareBridge Living is a locally owned support agency helping individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities lead fuller, more independent lives.
We believe that character matters more than credentials. That’s why we’re open to hiring people with the right attitude—even if you’ve never worked in care before. If you’re dependable, kind, and want to do meaningful work, we’ll teach you the rest.
🛠️ What You’ll Do
- Support clients with hygiene, dressing, and meals
- Help with errands, light cleaning, and outings
- Learn how to assist with medications and documentation
- Engage with clients through conversation, games, or simple routines
- Communicate progress with supervisors and families
✅ What We’re Looking For
- No prior DSP experience needed—we’ll train you
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
- Able to pass a background check and drug screening
- Willing to learn and stay consistent
- Calm, attentive, and emotionally grounded
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- Paid training and onboarding
- Health, dental, and vision insurance after 90 days
- 1-on-1 mentorship during your first 3 months
- Up to 40 hours paid time off per year
- Growth paths into lead DSP, scheduler, or team lead roles
💡 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
This is meaningful work for people who care. You won’t be stuck behind a desk. Every day looks a little different, but the mission is always the same: help someone feel seen, supported, and more independent.
If you’ve been looking for a job that feels like it matters—this is it.
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to make sure your personality and drive aren’t overlooked. Click below to apply and take a short evaluation that helps us learn who you are—experience or not.
👉 Apply here: [Insert WorkScreen link]
Hiring doesn’t have to be hard.
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
Why These Direct Support Professional Job Posts Work
Let’s break down what makes these two job descriptions effective—and why they’re so much more than checklists.
✅ 1. The Job Titles Are Clear, Human, and Targeted
- Instead of “DSP Needed,” you see:
- “Full-Time Direct Support Professional at CareBridge Living (Charlotte, NC)”
- “Direct Support Professional – No Experience Needed (CareBridge Living, Charlotte, NC)”
- “Full-Time Direct Support Professional at CareBridge Living (Charlotte, NC)”
- They include location, experience level, and employer name—which boosts relevance and searchability.
- For entry-level roles, the “No Experience Needed” phrase instantly opens the door to new talent who might otherwise scroll past.
✅ 2. The Video Element Builds Trust and Personality
- Including a short video from a team member or manager gives the post a human face.
- It breaks the wall between “company” and “candidate” and helps potential applicants imagine themselves in the role.
- Especially in support roles, people apply to people—not faceless orgs.
✅ 3. The “Who We Are” Section Tells a Real Story
- It doesn’t just list when the company was founded—it shows what they believe in and how they operate.
- You can feel the tone: mission-first, human-centered, and respectful.
- That emotional connection matters, especially in care-related fields where values drive motivation.
✅ 4. Responsibilities Are Described as Impact, Not Tasks
- Phrases like “Helping someone live with dignity and joy every day” frame the role as meaningful—not mechanical.
- That shift attracts mission-driven people who are looking for purpose, not just a paycheck.
- It also paints a more vivid picture of the day-to-day, helping candidates self-select more effectively.
✅ 5. The Requirements Don’t Discourage Potential
- The experienced role is clear and confident.
- The entry-level version is encouraging, not exclusive—with clear language like “we’ll train you” and “character matters more than credentials.”
- This opens up the talent pool without lowering your standards.
✅ 6. Benefits and Perks Are Transparent and Practical
- Candidates know upfront:
- When insurance kicks in
- How many PTO hours they get
- That there’s flexibility and growth potential
- When insurance kicks in
- Transparency builds trust and serious interest—especially in a field known for burnout and underappreciation.
✅ 7. The “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” Section Sells the Mission
- This is your pitch section—and it lands.
- Instead of a vague line like “great company culture,” it gives specific, real reasons:
- Small caseloads
- A team that has your back
- Growth opportunities
- Small caseloads
- It helps the reader go: “I can see myself there.”
✅ 8. The Application Process Is Respectful and Fair
- Using WorkScreen shows you’re intentional about fairness and not just filtering resumes by keyword bots.
- It also respects the applicant’s time by setting clear expectations about how the process works.
- Little details like “we review every application” make a big difference in an industry where ghosting is common.
This kind of job post doesn’t just attract more applicants—it attracts the right ones: thoughtful, dependable, values-aligned people who will treat the work with the care it deserves.
Example of a Bad Job Description (And Why It Fails)
📌 Job Title: Direct Support Professional
📍 Location: Charlotte, NC
🕒 Job Type: Full-Time
💼 Company: Support Services Group
Job Summary
Support Services Group is hiring a Direct Support Professional to assist individuals with developmental disabilities. Responsibilities include providing care, supporting daily living tasks, and following protocols.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with meals, hygiene, and dressing
- Provide emotional and physical support
- Follow service plans and complete documentation
- Transport clients to appointments or community outings
- Comply with agency policies and procedures
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required
- At least 1 year of DSP or caregiver experience
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to pass a background check
How to Apply
Send resume and cover letter to hr@supportservicesgroup.org. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
🛑 Why This Job Post Falls Flat
Let’s break it down:
❌ 1. Generic Job Title
“Direct Support Professional” is technically correct—but it’s vague, lifeless, and lacks detail.
There’s no location, no personality, and no insight into who the job is for or why it matters.
❌ 2. No Context, Mission, or Story
The “Job Summary” gives a few basics, but there’s no heart and no explanation of the company’s values, the team culture, or the clients they serve.
If a candidate is applying to serve others, they deserve to know who they’re serving and why it counts.
❌ 3. Responsibilities Feel Robotic
The tasks are listed mechanically without any explanation of the impact behind them.
It reads like a compliance checklist—not a role where someone can make a difference.
❌ 4. No Mention of Compensation or Benefits
There’s no pay range. No benefits. No mention of PTO or perks.
That makes the job feel transactional, not rewarding—and it creates distrust from the very first impression.
❌ 5. The Hiring Process Feels Cold
Saying “only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is one of the quickest ways to turn people off.
It tells applicants: We might never get back to you—and that’s normal.
Respectful applicants want respectful companies.
❌ 6. Zero Personality in the CTA
“Send resume and cover letter” is a minimum-effort call to action. It doesn’t excite, inform, or reassure the applicant in any way.
There’s no warmth. No clarity. No human touch.
This kind of job post might attract someone—but not the kind of person who’s looking for meaningful, values-aligned work.
And in a people-first role like this, that mismatch can lead to burnout, turnover, and costly hiring mistakes.
Bonus Tips to Make Your DSP Job Post Stand Out
Once you’ve got the essentials right—title, intro, responsibilities, and benefits—these next-level touches can make a big difference in who applies and how seriously they take the opportunity.
✅ 1. Add an “Important Notice” for Trust & Safety
Show applicants that you take privacy and security seriously. In a world full of job scams, a small disclaimer builds massive trust.
Example:
🔒 Important Notice: We will never ask for sensitive information (such as payment, banking details, or personal documents) during any part of our hiring process. If you’re ever unsure about communication from us, please reach out to verify.
✅ 2. Mention Leave Days or Flex Time
Most job seekers want to know: Can I breathe here? Adding even one sentence about time off makes your role feel more balanced.
Example:
“Enjoy up to 40 hours of paid time off per year, so you can recharge and show up at your best.”
Or if you offer flexible scheduling:
“After your first 90 days, you’ll have the option to adjust your schedule based on your clients’ needs and your availability.”
✅ 3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
Especially for entry-level candidates, this signals that your company invests in people—not just fills roles.
Example:
“New to care work? We offer hands-on training, one-on-one mentorship, and access to continued learning programs—so you grow as you go.”
✅ 4. Include a Loom or YouTube Video From the Team
This small addition builds human connection instantly. Even a 60-second video from the hiring manager can transform how people feel about applying.
Tip: Keep it short, honest, and casual—no need for high production. A simple, welcoming message that says:
“Here’s who we are. Here’s who we’re looking for. And we’d love to work with someone like you.”
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
✅ 5. Reinforce Respect in the Hiring Process
Let people know you won’t ghost them. This helps differentiate you from 90% of employers.
Example:
“We review every application and respond within two weeks—because your time deserves respect.”
Or:
“Whether we move forward or not, we’ll let you know. Every applicant deserves clarity.”
✅ 6. Include a Real Quote or Review From a Current DSP
Just one sentence from a current team member can validate your culture better than anything else.
Example:
“What I love most is the trust. I feel like I actually matter here.” – Jordan, DSP at CareBridge Living
You can also link to anonymous Glassdoor reviews if available.
These bonus details aren’t fluff—they’re signals. They tell candidates:
We’ve thought this through. We care about the work and the people doing it.
Should You Use AI to Write Your Job Descriptions?
Short answer? Yes—but not blindly.
With so many tools offering “1-click job posts,” it’s tempting to let AI handle the heavy lifting. But if you feed AI a weak prompt, you’ll get a generic, lifeless post that attracts the wrong applicants—or none at all.
❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
Using AI without context often leads to:
- Vague, recycled phrases like “dynamic team player” or “fast-paced environment”
- Job posts that sound identical to your competitors
- A disconnect between your real company culture and how you present it
Even worse—it may attract the wrong people:
- Mass applicants who apply to anything and everything
- Low-effort candidates who skim and click
- AI-generated resumes that look perfect but lack depth
And remember: your job post is a first impression. If it’s flat and forgettable, the best candidates won’t bother applying.
✅ The Smart Way to Use AI: Guide It With the Right Inputs
AI is great for refining, formatting, and polishing—but you need to bring the raw ingredients.
Here’s how:
🧠 Step 1: Gather Your Inputs
Before you use AI, write out:
- What your company does, and what you stand for
- What the role actually looks like in real life
- What kind of person thrives in the role
- What perks, benefits, and training you offer
- How your hiring process works
- A few notes or phrases you like, from real people or past posts
✍️ Step 2: Use a Prompt Like This
“Help me write a job description for our company, CareBridge Living.
We’re hiring a Direct Support Professional to help with daily living, mobility, medication support, and community integration for adults with developmental disabilities.
Our culture is supportive, calm, and values-driven and we want to attract applicants who are reliable, patient, and genuinely care about people.
We offer paid training, flexible scheduling, benefits after 90 days, and 40 hours PTO.
Our hiring process includes a WorkScreen evaluation, followed by an interview.
Here are some notes I’ve written to guide you:
[Paste your personal notes here]
Can you create a clear, warm, and mission-aligned job post I can build on?”
This way, AI becomes your assistant, not your ghostwriter.
It supports your vision instead of replacing your voice.
🛠 Pro Tip
Once the AI gives you a draft, run it through this checklist:
- Does it sound human?
- Does it reflect your company’s values?
- Is it honest about what the role involves—both the rewarding and the hard parts?
- Would you be excited to apply?
If yes—then you’re doing it right.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.
WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Job Description?
We get it—sometimes, you just need something fast.
Maybe you’ve already read this guide and understand what a strong job post looks like. But you still want a solid starting point you can copy, paste, and tailor to your company in minutes.
That’s what this section is for.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Conversational, Culture-First Job Description
📌 Job Title: Direct Support Professional – [City, State]
💼 Type: [Full-Time or Part-Time] | [In-Person or Hybrid] | [$XX–$XX/hour]
🕒 Schedule: [Insert Schedule: e.g., Mon–Fri, 4-day workweek, weekends optional]
🎥 Meet the Team
Watch this quick video from one of our team members or program managers sharing what this role is about and who thrives in it:
[Insert Loom or YouTube link here]
Who We Are
[Company Name] is a [describe company type—e.g., community-based support organization, residential care agency] dedicated to helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live with dignity and independence.
We believe the best care is human-first. That means showing up with patience, compassion, and consistency—for the people we serve and the teammates we work alongside.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Supporting individuals with personal care, routines, and daily living
- Assisting with meals, hygiene, and light housekeeping
- Accompanying clients to appointments, errands, or activities
- Encouraging independence and building meaningful relationships
- Documenting care and communicating updates to the team
Who This Role Is For
- You’re calm, dependable, and genuinely care about others
- You have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
- Experience is helpful—but not required. We’ll train the right person
Perks & Benefits
- Paid training and onboarding
- Health and dental insurance after 90 days
- Up to [XX] hours of paid time off per year
- Flexible scheduling options
- Ongoing mentorship and growth opportunities
💡 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
If you’ve been looking for a job that feels like it matters—this is it.
You won’t be doing work that gets ignored. You’ll be part of someone’s life, someone’s growth, and someone’s story.
At [Company Name], we support our DSPs the same way we support our clients: with care, consistency, and respect.
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to ensure a fair, efficient hiring process. Click the link below to start your application—it only takes a few minutes and helps us get to know you beyond your resume.
👉 Apply here: [Insert WorkScreen Link Here]
✅ Option 2: Structured Format (Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements)
📌 Job Title: Direct Support Professional
🏢 Company: [Company Name]
📍 Location: [City, State]
💼 Job Type: [Full-Time or Part-Time]
💰 Pay: [$XX–$XX/hour]
🕒 Schedule: [e.g., Mon–Fri, Weekends, 4-day workweek]
🎥 Watch Before You Apply
Here’s a quick 1-minute video from our team, giving you a sense of what this role looks like day-to-day:
[Insert Loom or YouTube link here]
Job Brief
[Company Name] is looking for a compassionate and reliable Direct Support Professional to assist individuals with developmental disabilities in their homes and communities. Your work will help them build skills, stay safe, and live more independently.
Responsibilities
- Assist with hygiene, dressing, and meals
- Support daily activities and personal routines
- Transport individuals to appointments or community outings
- Administer medication and document daily care
- Communicate with families, caregivers, and staff
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver’s license + access to reliable transportation
- Must pass background and reference checks
- Strong communication skills and emotional maturity
- Caregiving experience is a plus—but not required
Perks & Benefits
- Paid onboarding and training
- Health, dental, and vision insurance after 90 days
- Up to [XX] hours of paid time off per year
- Flex scheduling and support from your supervisor
- Advancement paths into senior DSP or team lead roles
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to streamline hiring and ensure a fair experience for every applicant.
Start your application here:
👉 Apply now: [Insert WorkScreen Link Here]
Ready to Find the Right Candidate Faster? Let WorkScreen Help You
Once your job post starts bringing in applications, let WorkScreen.io take it from there.
Hiring for a people-first role like a Direct Support Professional takes more than just resumes—it takes clarity, structure, and the ability to spot real potential. That’s exactly what WorkScreen was built to do.
Here’s how it helps:
⚡ Quickly Identify the Right People
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
🧪 Test Skills with One Click
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
🚫 Filter Out Low-Effort Applicants
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
🧠 Make Smarter, Faster Decisions
Hiring shouldn’t be a guessing game.
With performance-based rankings, structured applications, and easy side-by-side comparisons, WorkScreen gives your team the clarity and control to move fast—without rushing the decision.
🎯 Start Hiring Smarter Today
You’ve already put care into crafting a great job post.
Now let WorkScreen help you screen, evaluate, and hire the right people—without wasting time on the wrong ones.
👉 Sign up now at WorkScreen.io and post your first job in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring Direct Support Professionals
While certifications and experience are helpful, the most essential skills in a Direct Support Professional (DSP) are human-centered and often harder to measure. Here are the key traits to look for:
- Patience: DSPs often support individuals who may need extra time, repetition, or calm during tasks
- Emotional Intelligence: The ability to stay composed, read non-verbal cues, and respond with empathy
- Dependability: Consistency builds trust with both clients and families
- Communication Skills: Clear, compassionate communication with clients, supervisors, and caregivers is essential
- Problem-Solving: Every day can bring new challenges, so adaptability matters
- Respect for Dignity & Boundaries: A strong DSP knows how to assist without overstepping
- Documentation Accuracy: Basic record-keeping is crucial for client safety and regulatory compliance
As of 2025, the average hourly wage for a Direct Support Professional in the U.S. ranges from $15 to $20 per hour, depending on location, experience, and employer type.
- Entry-level roles typically start around $14–$16/hour
- Experienced DSPs or those working with medically complex clients may earn $18–$22/hour or more
Some organizations also offer shift differentials for nights or weekends, and additional pay for staff with certifications (e.g., CPR, medication administration, CNA licenses).
In most states, DSPs don’t need formal licenses, but they may be required to complete:
- CPR and First Aid certification
- State-mandated caregiver or abuse prevention training
- On-the-job medication administration training (if applicable)
Some employers also provide paid onboarding and certification as part of the hiring process.
