Direct Support Professionals

Direct service professional attending to an individual in a grocery store

People will always need people.

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) make Connecticut stronger every day.

By supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, DSPs bring dignity, improved quality of life, and connection to the people they serve. 

This work matters — and it’s more flexible, supportive, and rewarding than many realize.

Whether you’re exploring a new career path or searching for meaningful work that aligns with your values, becoming a DSP might be the place where your next chapter begins.

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What is a Direct Support Professional?

A Direct Support Professional assists people who need support to lead self-directed lives and participate fully in their communities. 

DSPs provide daily support, skill building, companionship, and help people live fuller, more independent lives by assisting with everyday tasks such as preparing meals, housekeeping, running errands, attending appointments, and more.

Beyond the day‑to‑day work, DSPs often form deep, trusting bonds with the people they serve — relationships that change lives in both directions. No prior experience or specialized degree is required. Many agencies provide paid training to help you get started.

  • Daily living support
  • Community engagement
  • Advocacy and emotional encouragement
  • Medication administration
  • Job coaching
  • Positive behavioral support
Direct service professional attending to an individual in a grocery store

This work should work for everyone. Including you.

When you become a DSP, you’re dedicating your time to serving others — but we want this job to serve you, too. Connecticut partners with providers that offer competitive benefits, flexible schedules, and advancement opportunities that fit your goals.

DSPs are essential to the future of Connecticut’s care system. Right now, roughly 5,000 DSPs are needed statewide. Across the country, demand is expected to grow by more than 1.3 million by 2030. You can be part of a field that’s expanding, stable, and deeply meaningful. Benefits include:

  • Comprehensive health insurance
  • Flexible full‑time and part‑time schedules
  • Paid time offJob security in a growing healthcare sector
  • Paid training and skill building
  • Supportive, collaborative workplaces
  • Strong relationship‑building
  • Clear growth pathways
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A day in the life of a DSP

Every individual you support will have unique needs, routines, goals, and personality traits. No two days look exactly alike — but all of them offer the chance to make someone’s world a little brighter, safer, or easier.

You’ll learn, adapt, and grow along the way, developing skills that apply far beyond the role.

  • Personal care
  • Community integration
  • Job development and coaching
  • Medication administration
  • Advocacy
  • Emotional support
  • Behavioral support using positive strategies
Direct service professional attending to an individual

Build a career that grows with you

Many DSPs discover that the work opens doors to a wide range of future opportunities. Whether you want to advance within the role or explore specialized paths in behavioral health, case management, or leadership, Connecticut offers structured growth options.

The Governor’s Career Pathways Council supports these efforts by developing statewide strategies that help individuals access meaningful career ladders and training programs.

Learn more about the Governor's Career Pathways Council. 

Internal DSP Growth:

  • Mentorship roles
  • Behavioral support specialization
  • Team leadership positions
  • Advanced certifications

Beyond DSP:

  • Case Manager
  • Social Worker
  • Behavior Specialist
  • Registered Nurse
  • Executive Leadership roles in human services
Direct service professional attending to an individual in a cooking setting

Ready to put pour heart into a job?

Connecticut needs compassionate people like you — and DSP roles are open now. Applications are simple, training is provided, and every day offers the chance to make a genuine difference.

This work is meaningful, flexible, and filled with opportunity. Your next career step could start today.

Find DSP jobs near you.