DSPs share similar job duties with professional caregivers; they may assist with activities of daily living, transportation, ambulatory transfers, medication assistance under a delegating nurse, food preparation, and other as-needed duties.
However, their job broadly centers around assisting their clients to lead their most independent, autonomous, and socially participatory lives.
According to the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals, "(t)he job duties of a DSP may resemble those of teachers, nurses, social workers, counselors, physical or occupational therapists, dieticians, chauffeurs, personal trainers, and others.
In 2010, the United States Department of Labor established a federal standard for DSP apprenticeship.
College experience is unnecessary, but many employers require a high school diploma or GED.