What is a DSP?

“I choose to work at LEAP because the scheduling is very flexible and it’s just a great place to be. I enjoy helping the people I support, and I go home feeling great that I was able to do something for someone else.”

– Misty Knox, LEAP DSP since 2014

A Direct Support Professional (DSP) is someone who works directly with people who have intellectual or developmental disabilities or autism to help them lead fulfilling lives and become integrated and engaged in their community.

The role of DSP combines caregiving and support. As a caregiver, you may assist people with activities of daily living, such as help with hygiene, grooming or nutrition. However, you may also provide support to help individuals do things independently or in the community, like shopping for groceries, planning and cooking meals, getting a job, managing finances or going to a concert.

A DSP is…

Helpful
Encouraging
Engaging
A teacher
An advocate

A DSP helps improve lives.

Discover some reasons why so many people love working for LEAP, then explore our job opportunities.