It’s hard to imagine becoming successful in any professional field without career training. This is as true for direct support professionals (DSPs) as it is in other roles related to psychology, therapy, and medicine. DSPs work with individuals who have intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs), and their training can cover a number of subjects: disability types, communication and wellness needs, teaching strategies, behavioral support techniques, laws and regulations, safety and first aid, and more.
If you love helping people and are considering a career working with people who have IDDs, it’s important to get DSP training for the following reasons:
DSP work is skilled work. Historically, DSPs were considered caregivers because their responsibilities include helping individuals who have IDDs with daily living activities. Today, the focus of these roles has shifted to helping individuals become more independent and integrated into society, which requires high-quality professional development in many areas. DSPs teach patients important life skills that empower them to grow and thrive rather than passively receive care.
Individuals we serve benefit from DSP training. The more well-trained that DSPs are, the more effective their services are for patients, which sets individuals with IDDs up for success. Patients who have skilled and knowledgeable personal support can enjoy safer, healthier, and more enriching lives as individuals and members of their communities.
Better training leads to better job satisfaction. Few things are more stressful or frustrating in life than not having the tools you need to do your job well. With high-quality training through your employer, certification courses, or both, you can be confident that you’re providing the best possible care to the people you support. This benefits not only people with IDDs, but DSP employers and the industry as a whole. In addition, high levels of job satisfaction can keep you happier and mentally healthier overall.
DSP training can help to advance your career. You can get hired as a DSP with a simple high school diploma, valid driver’s license, and good driving record, but employer-provided training will substantially increase your skills and value as a worker. By attaining one or more of the three levels of additional certification through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), you may be able to command higher-quality jobs and higher pay as your career progresses.
Get DSP Career Training With Progressive Lifestyles
Progressive Lifestyles, Inc. is dedicated to providing innovative support services for people with disabilities. Our mission is to provide supportive and caring residential opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Oakland County, Michigan. We are partnering with Oakland County Michigan Works to help connect job seekers with rewarding career training and work opportunities.
A primary focus of our organization is to interact with the individuals we support through the “Culture of Gentleness” model. We seek to create a positive environment to help them feel safe and valued while maximizing praise, limiting demands, maintaining consistent structure, and reducing stress during transitions.
We are hiring! No experience? No worries! You bring a warm heart and we'll teach you how to be a fantastic caregiver plus give you skills that you can use to further your career. Apply now!