Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professionals Career Development Program (DSP)

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) provide essential support and services to individuals with disabilities of all ages who require assistance with daily tasks and community engagement. DSPs offer support in the following ways:

  • Assist clients with daily tasks: cooking, shopping, appointments, housekeeping, and medication management.
  • Instruct and motivate clients to perform tasks independently.
  • Provide guidance on life skills: interpersonal interactions, seeking help, financial management, etc.
  • Maintain accurate client records: case notes, daily activities, medication logs, financial documents, and behavioral assessments.

DSP Qualifications

  • Candidates must be able to work within the community or in a home-based setting.
  • DSPs should exhibit patience and empathy under stressful circumstances.
  • Interpersonal and excellent communication skills with all levels of personnel are a must.
  • Good moral character, dependability and maintaining confidentiality are required.
  • Proficiency with educational technology and observation skills for reporting are essential.
  • Candidates must have the strength and agility to handle physical aspects of the job including lifting, carrying, pushing, and bending.

Program Eligibility

  • Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and legally eligible to work in the United States.
  • Individuals with high school diplomas or equivalent who pass the background check, are eligible.
  • Current high school seniors are eligible but need to be 18 years old at the internship commencement.
  • A valid New Jersey driver’s license with fewer than 5 points in moving violations is required.
  • No previous experience is necessary.

Program Highlights

  • Receive comprehensive training on DSP competencies at no cost to students.
  • Access employer connections for internships and employment as a DSP.
  • Eligible DSP candidates receive a stipend of up to $2,500.
  • Establish a career pathway for professional growth in the human and social service industry.

Program Components

  • Complete DSP competency modules, including the DSP certificate course, CDS training, Mental Health, and PersonAbility.
  • Complete a minimum 80-hour internship.
  • Work as a DSP for at least one year committing to a minimum of 20 hours per week after completing the program.
  • Participate in required orientations and events.

Meet our alumni and hear their stories!- Click to watch the video.

Open House

Click each date to register for the DSP Open House:

Program Application
  • We are currently accepting applications for the Fall 2026 cohort, which will begin in September 2026.
  • Fill out the application, including your resume.
  • After the application is submitted, selected candidates will receive an invitation for an in-person interview.

*NEW* Direct Support Professionals Career Advancement Grant

This grant supports the professional growth of individuals currently employed as Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in New Jersey by providing financial assistance for college-level coursework in caring career fields. Eligible applicants must be employed as DSPs and enrolled, planning to enroll, or accepted into a course at one of New Jersey’s community colleges. Courses must be part of a program in social work, health care, or a related caring career, strengthening the quality of care for individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable populations.

  • Read the  PDF for more information on the DSP Career Advancement Grant.
  • For more information, contact Jake Farbman at [email protected].

Direct Support Professionals Career Development Center

As a student or graduate of the DSP program, you can access a full array of services and support at the DSP Career Center, located at the New Jersey Association of Community Providers (NJACP), including a mentor program, career guidance, and career pathway support. Please visit the NJACP website for more information.

 

The Direct Support Professionals Career Development Program is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education.