A Career as a Direct Support Professional

A realistic look at the rewards, and the challenges, of being a direct support professional providing service and support to individuals with developmental disabilities.

[@madjack821]

Believe it or not, you grow with this job. I use to have one helluva temper.....now I'm like a zen master lol.

[@Joshdifferent]

💯

[@lucreahudson4444]

I live the DSP life and it is o rewarding❤ one of my greatest life joys!!!

[@debbie12180]

im a mom with an autistic son it makes me feel so good when i heard these peole say how much they love their jobs, that is truly a blessing

[@lisaabney455]

I have been doing this for 7yrs. I work one on one doing self direction. I have 3 young men....I LOVE MY BOYS!!

[@alicemarx5948]

People with disabilities deserve the best care possible. I took a (part time) job with OPWDD. My personal experience has been negative, not for the reasons you may expect. The easiest part of the job is caring for the individuals. The hardest part is the abusive conditions workers are faced with. Imagine this, You just worked an 8 hour day running around caring for these individuals, your gathering your belongings to leave and pick up your children only to be told you must stay another 8 hour shift. You must be willing to neglect your own children in this job or you will be faced with "Neglect Charges" if you have to leave to get your children after your shift. OPWDD makes unrealistic demands on people. Yes the individuals you care for are important but no mother should have to choose between her own children and a threat of "Abuse Charges". No Person should be Mandated for another 8 hour shift it should be illegal. OPWDD needs to stop abusing the staff and they will get better quality of workers.

[@TheNewarkbadass]

I'm about to start and that worries me because I have a 5 year old girl

[@lakishalewis5849]

Do not do it dead end job.

[@lakeisharobinson2132]

wow

[@spiceysauce]

that is exactly how i felt working as a dsp. constant mandations. when covid hit we were forced to go to hospital where it was putting our own health at risk constantly. And if you have a bad manager who dosent know how to schedule then your life is hell. If your coworkers dont like you for any reason you have to be constantly worried about write ups false accusations and charges brought against you. kiss your family and personal life good bye and be prepared to clean poop and throw up. and if the individuals hit you or treat you bad oh well part of the job. i quit and they marked me as fired lol.

[@tr8086]

April Pandemic....Terrible pay Country wide...We Are FrontLine Workers WE Demand better Wages!!!!!

[@juanmccoy3066]

This aged like sour milk and didn't sit right with me at the time. We had a global emergency. We all had to make some sacrifices some more than others. U were free to walk. . I didn't even have a job. I got laid off. It wasn't until 2024 until I was finally able to get this job and I'm so glad I consider it a blessing. Ur over here playing Karl Marx and rabble rousing the wrong people for no reason. How do you feel now, 4 years on? I'd suggest that perhaps u were only in it for the money from the beginning.

[@juanmccoy3066]

Speaking from real experience these jobs are far from low paying. They pay pretty decent. Most under 40s have to work at Walmart and restuarants and shir like that, you realize that, right? Spoiled fucking baby

[@stephanieellis3250]

This video kind of got me a little, I felt what they were saying. I care for a disabled relative so I definitely know what it feels like to help someone and they recognize you as someone who cares and have compassion for them.

[@firetop-cn8vb]

I am DSP while their are struggles..... I love my job

[@towneline6612]

The individuals in the video reminded me of people I've seen at various facilities as well as in the public. If I could provide them with the added support they need to be able to live better lives, it's the career I've been searching for. If I can bring some joy to the lives of others such as these, it would be fulfilling to me.

[@joshuagreene2783]

Poverty wages for so many tasks during the shift while upper management takes Six weeks worth of Vacation time per year.. Crossville Tn isnt a good place for a DSP to make a decent wage..

[@CHERILYNable]

I CANT WAIT TO GET INTO IT

[@MegaKayab]

i have a test appointment for this job next week hoping i get the job it seems very rewarding

[@sherrienovajovsky77]

Did you get the job? 😂

[@user-gh4vh6ok3w]

I love to become part of helping somebody feel they are alive but can't get one to do

[@samwisegamgee2966]

Who is the unnamed guy bringing an individual onto the van? He's wearing a red jacket, cap & is bearded. He's very handsome. I'd work there, if only to meet him! And, I would think that patience & compassion go a long way in order to work with this population.

[@Karmen2010]

Creepy

[@vetaaintnothingbutagthang]

1000% true haft to be in it for the love of the people have a good heart and patience we are in it together were all human ❤

[@petersullivan3467]

Do you know if one needs to have a spotless driving record to work as a DSP?

[@Spindablock.]

Usually yes it’s state required unless you find someone with a small llc agency that might give you a chance because they have their own company vehicles

[@nickcannon9113]

Thats when you just toss them on a tarp in the front lawn , and hit them up with the power washer and hope you dont take off to much skin.

[@debbietrotz8521]

Is there a sample exam prior to the test?

[@monicamonroe2255]

sample exam how can I get them what site I have to go to.

[@joshuagreene2783]

Living on 10.50 an hour is rough

[@gradyjenson533]

Thats because office is Greedy..

[@lindawildermuth9901]

how do I applied for this in Albany,NY!!!

[@joshuagreene2783]

TN agencies who support these people should do a better job in hiring DSP's.. Background checks for Domestic assault, any DUI convictions, background using drugs offenses should also be evaluated..

[@joshuagreene2783]

Ban Together DSP's.... form a Nation Wide Union

[@gradyjenson533]

Agree Josh...

[@WickedHole]

Too bad most organizations that employ DSPs are government-funded.

[@spoonerpurple]

OK it makes you feel good ..and thats important ...but feel good doesnt pay the bills ...so whatd the pay scale ..i dont want to waste others time with an interview ..just to find out the pay is 9 dollars per hour ....ive given 200 % of my time especially with these populations ..and i love them ...but the staff has to live ...so what is the starting pay ..

[@shanequaaustin8908]

Well I pray to God I get paid more than that considering I have my personal care aide certification as well as my Certified nurse assistant license so I should be getting paid around $15.00 -$16.00 an hour I'm not worried about the money I'm worried about completing my task

[@ascendednightingale2456]

@@shanequaaustin8908 You most likely will start out at 9 or 10 an hour based on where you are. I started at 10. I’ve been working for 2 years and now make $11.48. If you can find a job that offers around the same or more, I don’t recommend this one. You will work weekends, holidays, and possibly double and triple shifts due to people quitting or just not showing up. You will be called on your days off to come in. I’ve worked triple shifts (full day shift, full night shift, then another day shift) and I’ve broken down crying in the staff room because I just was so tired and wanted to go home and sleep and see my family.

[@janityy]

It's against the law to do a triple shift everyone knows that .

[@ShahrinRahman]

30,000 a year

[@kingofdragons5932]

Shahrin Rahman that's sad because its 6 years later and the pay is 35,000 smh

[@millionthmacaroon5149]

Better than nothing.

[@AtticTapes14]

Step below nurse