Direct Support Professional (Nursing/Direct Care)
Job Summary
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are the frontline staff who directly provide cooperative coaching, empowerment, and a safe environment that fosters independent living of individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD). While your work is determined by the unique needs and preferences of the individuals you serve, you may provide support with daily living skills such as eating, cleaning, and taking medications. You might also accompany individuals to appointments or activities and support them in volunteering or working, and with socializing outside of their home.
Required Education / Training Summary
DSPs must have a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED). A valid driver’s license, your own reliable and insured vehicle, and good driving record are usually required. Pre- and post-employment training requirements are set by individual employers and may vary but might include CPR/first aid certification.
Explore Programs in Rhode Island
| Occupation | Program Name | Institution | Certificate Earned | Per Student Program Cost | Program Length | Time of Day | Instructional Hours / Credits | Clinical Placement/Field Experience/Practicum? | Modality | Location | Eligibility Reqs/Pre-Reqs | Notes/Description | Website | Contact Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Support Professional | Direct Support Professional | Community Provider Network of RI | Certificate | $5,400.00 | 6-Months | Various | Varied | Y | Varied | Various | DSP | This contract will fund related instruction for five candidates to enable them to complete the mid-level management DSP apprenticeship. CPNRI previously received an award to develop an apprenticeship program to elevate Direct Service Professionals to a mid-level management role. This apprenticeship and advancement was a critical need in the service network assisting individuals with disabilities. Unfortunately funds for the program had to be reclaimed as a result of the COVID19 pandemic with several participants only a few courses away from completing the apprenticeship when the program funding ended. | https://www.cpnri.org/ | info@cpnri.org |
| Direct Support Professional | Direct Support Professional | Crossroads, RI | Certificate | $2,396.00 | 6-Months | Various | Varied | Y | In-person | Various | Paid, on-the-job training. The Direct Support Program teaches students how to become a successful direct support professional. Direct support professionals assist people with disabilities accomplish their everyday living activities both in their home and in their community. | https://www.crossroadsri.org/housing-services/programs-services/educati… | 401-270-7716 | |
| Direct Support Professional | Direct Support Professional | Dorcas International Institute | Certificate | $100.00 | 4 weeks | Mornings and Evenings | 65 classroom hrs / 15 hrs work readiness training | - | hybrid | Providence, RI | HS Diploma/GED / BCI | This training program is designed to assist qualified individuals who are interested in a career in health care as a direct support professional providing services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to help them learn how to do things for themselves in order to become more independent. Direct support professionals are trained as caregivers, but also help people become integrated and engaged in their community. Dorcas International assists students who complete the training program with finding a relevant job. 401-784-8602 | https://www.diiri.org/classes/direct-support-professional-training/ | admissions@diiri.org |
| Direct Support Professional | Healthcare Orientation Direct Support Professional | Genesis Center | Certificate (1st Aid & CPR and ServSafe Food Handler certificate) | $3,557.00 | 6 weeks (day for unemployed). 14 weeks evenings (for underemployed working days) | day or evening | 160 hours | Y, 100 hour internship w/DSP employer (4 weeks day, 10 weeks PT evenings) | in-person | Providence, RI | HS credential, reading level of 7th grade or above (as measured by the CASAS assessment), clean BCI and clean driving record | *DLT pays up to $7,500 of total program costs for WIOA participants | n/a |