At ALSO, we’ve been at this since 1997. In fact, we’re proud to say that we have a reputation in the United States as a premier provider of person-centered services that help people with disabilities achieve goals of competitive employment, community inclusion, and independent living. So, let’s discuss specifics about direct support professionals and what characteristics, skills, and personality traits are needed to be successful.<\/p>\n
What is a Direct Support Professional?<\/h2>\n![\"\"](\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\")
<\/div>\nDirect support professionals provide people who have intellectual and\/or developmental disabilities with assistance in functioning\u00a0as independently as possible in the least restrictive environment. DSPs are critical in helping those they support in achieving their full potential\u00a0as participating members in community living. The professional support they provide goes far beyond being a caregiver. Instead, they foster abilities that facilitate self-confidence and belonging.<\/p>\n
That’s why being a direct support professional is so exciting and rewarding! If you choose this career path, there will never<\/i><\/em> be a dull moment! Here are just a few examples of the person-centered supports you would be providing for the people with disabilities:<\/p>\n\n- Exploring leisure activities, hobbies, and special interests<\/li>\n
- Searching for and applying for jobs.<\/li>\n
- Developing new skills such as medication administration, preparing meals, or participating in physical activity.<\/li>\n
- Fostering relationships in the community, including the following competencies on relationship building from NADSP<\/a>:\n
\n- Helping person supported plan for and attend community events<\/li>\n
- Assisting person supported in creating friendships<\/li>\n
- Helping person supported in family connection (phone,<\/li>\n
- emails, visits, etc)<\/li>\n
- Assisting person supported in interacting with neighbors<\/li>\n
- Helping person supported in dating<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
DSP positions can include being an employment specialist or job coach. Those with previous experience can achieve positions as program managers or frontline supervisors (a combination of administrative and frontline duties).<\/p>\n
LEARNING MORE: Bring Heartwork into Your Life as a Part-time DSP<\/a>
\nLori’s Work at ALSO<\/a><\/p>\nImportant Direct Support Professional Characteristics<\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWe admit that being a direct support professional isn’t for everyone. For example, it can be quite complicated to help someone find a job that will give them satisfaction, but also fulfill job description requirements. In addition to an intellectual or developmental disability, someone may also have a mental health condition, such as depression.<\/p>\n
So, what\u00a0traits are needed to fulfill the important role of direct support professional? Are there any specific skills that make a great DSP? Many\u00a0of these individual characteristics overlap with the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) Code of Ethics.<\/a> As we share this list with you, please know that nobody’s perfect! We all have our strengths and weaknesses.<\/p>\nEmpathy and Compassion<\/h3>\n
There’s a reason why the phrase, “walk a mile in someone’s shoes,” has been around for so long. Those of us who have empathy and compassion can see the world from a different perspective. When someone is feeling confused, frustrated, or sad, we’re\u00a0able to share in those feelings. Similarly, when someone feels joyful about achieving a goal or has good news, we’re\u00a0quick to celebrate along with them. These traits help the people we support feel that they have a partner in navigating the challenges\u00a0of school, jobs, and social life.<\/p>\n
Compassion<\/a> takes empathy a step further by transforming empathetic feelings into meaningful action. Such actions can be either small gestures or something more complex. Take a look at these two examples:<\/p>\n\n- Let’s say that someone had a bad day at school. Sitting down together and having a laugh at a favorite TV show\u00a0can help them feel not as alone and relieve\u00a0stress.<\/li>\n
- Often, the people we support\u00a0experience a variety of health problems in addition to a developmental or intellectual disability. Compassion creates the impetus to problem solve on how they can remain as healthy and independent as possible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Critical Thinking<\/h3>\n
Critical thinking is a rich and continuously evolving concept <\/a>\u00a0that has been explored for over 2,000\u00a0years. So, you can imagine that there has been a great deal of thinking about critical thinking! <\/i><\/em><\/p>\nA good critical thinker has the following habits:<\/p>\n
\n- Bringing up vital questions and problems that are clearly formulated.<\/li>\n
- Gathering and assessing relevant information.<\/li>\n
- Thinking in an open-minded manner.<\/li>\n
- Working with others to create\u00a0solutions to problems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Another description comes from educational psychologist Linda Elder. According to Dr. Elder, people who think critically strive to analyze, assess, and improve their own thinking skills. As good critical thinkers, we live in a manner that is rational and reasonable, but also empathetic. We are also considerate of the rights and needs of others.<\/p>\n
Adaptability<\/h3>\n
For direct support professionals, no two days are exactly the same. One day we may be accompanying someone to a job interview, while the next day we are helping them\u00a0figure out why the laundry machine is overflowing with soap. We really think on our feet and are skilled at adapting to an ever-changing environment. In addition, all of those we support have a wide variety of needs and goals. Someone with\u00a0cerebral palsy may have physical challenges related to\u00a0completing personal care, but\u00a0someone else may have difficulty managing frustration tolerance when they are disappointed.<\/p>\n
Patience<\/h3>\n
There are many things that one needs to be patient about when working as a DSP. People with developmental and\/or intellectual disabilities may have\u00a0several challenges that interfere with successful functioning in the home or community:<\/p>\n
\n- Slow reaction times and abilities\u00a0at\u00a0processing information.<\/li>\n
- Difficulty\u00a0understanding multi-step instructions.<\/li>\n
- Low literacy and reading comprehension skills.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
In order to improve these skills, DSPs need to be extremely patient with repeated instructions and\u00a0skill practice. By demonstrating caring patience with the people that we support, we set an excellent example of teaching them to be patient with themselves.<\/p>\n
LEARNING MORE: Accessibility Challenges Faced by People with Intellectual Disabilities<\/a><\/p>\nReliability and Organization<\/h3>\n
The people in our profession must be dependable and reliable in nature<\/a>\u00a0in order to gain trust. We must have good organizational skills so that we can fulfill\u00a0the commitments we make to the people we support. These characteristics are critical not only for the people we support, but other direct care workers, service providers, and potential employers with whom we collaborate. As visionaries and advocates for full community inclusion and equitable access for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, we must consistently demonstrate reliability, dependability, and organization.<\/p>\nAttentiveness<\/h3>\n
A professional DSP has their eyes and ears on alert at all times. For example, we may be in a study room helping someone with their homework while someone else is preparing a meal. It’s a good idea to occasionally check on that person in the kitchen to make sure all is going well.<\/p>\n
In addition, we must use our intuitive senses to be open to indications of concern, discomfort, or anxiety. If this happens, it’s always helpful to provide ample opportunities to express concern.<\/p>\n
Strong Interpersonal Communication Skills<\/h3>\n
A huge part of being an effective DSP is the ability to communicate clearly and accurately.\u00a0All communications must be:<\/p>\n
\n- Sensitive and respectful<\/li>\n
- Attentive to the comprehension skills of the receiver<\/li>\n
- Empathetic and compassionate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
It’s extremely\u00a0important that the communicator checks for understanding to ensure\u00a0the receiver\u00a0understands what is being said.<\/p>\n
Advocacy<\/h3>\n
At ALSO, we take the name, Advocates for Life Skills and Opportunity quite seriously. Thus, advocacy<\/a> is firmly rooted in our organizational culture. On a daily basis, we’re devoted partners with the individual and their support team. This includes direct care staff, family members, and outside service providers.<\/p>\nThe advocacy skills of a DSP are never directive nor authoritative. It’s a delicate collaboration to provide the needed assistance in helping individuals with all disabilities to live a life of their own choosing. Additionally,\u00a0we celebrate any efforts towards self-advocacy, so that they\u00a0can use their own voice to stand up for their rights to full community inclusion.<\/p>\n
LEARNING MORE: 6 Famous Disability Advocates<\/a><\/p>\nJoin Our Team at ALSO!<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/alsoweb.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/also-oregon-helping-individuals-live-independently-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/div>\nDirect support professionals provide people who have intellectual and\/or developmental disabilities with assistance in functioning\u00a0as independently as possible in the least restrictive environment. DSPs are critical in helping those they support in achieving their full potential\u00a0as participating members in community living. The professional support they provide goes far beyond being a caregiver. Instead, they foster abilities that facilitate self-confidence and belonging.<\/p>\n
That’s why being a direct support professional is so exciting and rewarding! If you choose this career path, there will never<\/i><\/em> be a dull moment! Here are just a few examples of the person-centered supports you would be providing for the people with disabilities:<\/p>\n DSP positions can include being an employment specialist or job coach. Those with previous experience can achieve positions as program managers or frontline supervisors (a combination of administrative and frontline duties).<\/p>\n LEARNING MORE: Bring Heartwork into Your Life as a Part-time DSP<\/a> We admit that being a direct support professional isn’t for everyone. For example, it can be quite complicated to help someone find a job that will give them satisfaction, but also fulfill job description requirements. In addition to an intellectual or developmental disability, someone may also have a mental health condition, such as depression.<\/p>\n So, what\u00a0traits are needed to fulfill the important role of direct support professional? Are there any specific skills that make a great DSP? Many\u00a0of these individual characteristics overlap with the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) Code of Ethics.<\/a> As we share this list with you, please know that nobody’s perfect! We all have our strengths and weaknesses.<\/p>\n There’s a reason why the phrase, “walk a mile in someone’s shoes,” has been around for so long. Those of us who have empathy and compassion can see the world from a different perspective. When someone is feeling confused, frustrated, or sad, we’re\u00a0able to share in those feelings. Similarly, when someone feels joyful about achieving a goal or has good news, we’re\u00a0quick to celebrate along with them. These traits help the people we support feel that they have a partner in navigating the challenges\u00a0of school, jobs, and social life.<\/p>\n Compassion<\/a> takes empathy a step further by transforming empathetic feelings into meaningful action. Such actions can be either small gestures or something more complex. Take a look at these two examples:<\/p>\n Critical thinking is a rich and continuously evolving concept <\/a>\u00a0that has been explored for over 2,000\u00a0years. So, you can imagine that there has been a great deal of thinking about critical thinking! <\/i><\/em><\/p>\n A good critical thinker has the following habits:<\/p>\n Another description comes from educational psychologist Linda Elder. According to Dr. Elder, people who think critically strive to analyze, assess, and improve their own thinking skills. As good critical thinkers, we live in a manner that is rational and reasonable, but also empathetic. We are also considerate of the rights and needs of others.<\/p>\n For direct support professionals, no two days are exactly the same. One day we may be accompanying someone to a job interview, while the next day we are helping them\u00a0figure out why the laundry machine is overflowing with soap. We really think on our feet and are skilled at adapting to an ever-changing environment. In addition, all of those we support have a wide variety of needs and goals. Someone with\u00a0cerebral palsy may have physical challenges related to\u00a0completing personal care, but\u00a0someone else may have difficulty managing frustration tolerance when they are disappointed.<\/p>\n There are many things that one needs to be patient about when working as a DSP. People with developmental and\/or intellectual disabilities may have\u00a0several challenges that interfere with successful functioning in the home or community:<\/p>\n In order to improve these skills, DSPs need to be extremely patient with repeated instructions and\u00a0skill practice. By demonstrating caring patience with the people that we support, we set an excellent example of teaching them to be patient with themselves.<\/p>\n LEARNING MORE: Accessibility Challenges Faced by People with Intellectual Disabilities<\/a><\/p>\n The people in our profession must be dependable and reliable in nature<\/a>\u00a0in order to gain trust. We must have good organizational skills so that we can fulfill\u00a0the commitments we make to the people we support. These characteristics are critical not only for the people we support, but other direct care workers, service providers, and potential employers with whom we collaborate. As visionaries and advocates for full community inclusion and equitable access for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, we must consistently demonstrate reliability, dependability, and organization.<\/p>\n A professional DSP has their eyes and ears on alert at all times. For example, we may be in a study room helping someone with their homework while someone else is preparing a meal. It’s a good idea to occasionally check on that person in the kitchen to make sure all is going well.<\/p>\n In addition, we must use our intuitive senses to be open to indications of concern, discomfort, or anxiety. If this happens, it’s always helpful to provide ample opportunities to express concern.<\/p>\n A huge part of being an effective DSP is the ability to communicate clearly and accurately.\u00a0All communications must be:<\/p>\n It’s extremely\u00a0important that the communicator checks for understanding to ensure\u00a0the receiver\u00a0understands what is being said.<\/p>\n At ALSO, we take the name, Advocates for Life Skills and Opportunity quite seriously. Thus, advocacy<\/a> is firmly rooted in our organizational culture. On a daily basis, we’re devoted partners with the individual and their support team. This includes direct care staff, family members, and outside service providers.<\/p>\n The advocacy skills of a DSP are never directive nor authoritative. It’s a delicate collaboration to provide the needed assistance in helping individuals with all disabilities to live a life of their own choosing. Additionally,\u00a0we celebrate any efforts towards self-advocacy, so that they\u00a0can use their own voice to stand up for their rights to full community inclusion.<\/p>\n LEARNING MORE: 6 Famous Disability Advocates<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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\nLori’s Work at ALSO<\/a><\/p>\nImportant Direct Support Professional Characteristics<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/alsoweb.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/support_leaving_hero-1024x510.png\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\nEmpathy and Compassion<\/h3>\n
\n
Critical Thinking<\/h3>\n
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Adaptability<\/h3>\n
Patience<\/h3>\n
\n
Reliability and Organization<\/h3>\n
Attentiveness<\/h3>\n
Strong Interpersonal Communication Skills<\/h3>\n
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Advocacy<\/h3>\n
Join Our Team at ALSO!<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/alsoweb.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/ALSO_GMSStills_5-1024x606-1.jpg\")
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