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Finding a Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Finding the right person to provide daily support can make all the difference in community living. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

Whether you're looking for support for yourself or helping someone you love, finding the right person to provide daily support is one of the most important decisions in this process. It takes time and patience, and it pays off.

Suggested items to include:

  1. Heading, such as “Looking for a DSP (or caregiver)”
  2. Coverage , days and hours
  3. Compensation , starting hourly salary
  4. General location of client
  5. Qualifications: educational background, transportation, experience with disabilities, certifications (CPR, First Aid)
  6. Job responsibilities: be as specific as possible
  7. Information about the client: gender, age, diagnosis, level of support required, use of assistive or mobility devices, and other details to provide a general overview of the client
  8. State that a background check will be required (if using Medicaid HCBS waiver funds)
  9. Ask for personal references
  10. Ask the applicant to share their resume
  11. Provide your contact information

Share With

  1. Friends
  2. Other families who have a loved one with a disability
  3. Church members
  4. Other DSPs you employ
  5. Businesses/organizations in your neighborhood , YMCA/gym, recreation center
  6. Educational institutions (departments of Therapeutic Recreation, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Nursing)

Post Online

  1. Care.com
  2. Indeed.com
  3. Nextdoor.com
  4. Social media

Phone, virtual, or a place in the community. Example questions to ask:

  1. Tell me about yourself?
  2. Why are you interested in this position?
  3. What makes you a good candidate for this position?
  4. Do you have experience working as a DSP?
  5. Do you have other experiences that would help you in this position?
  6. Describe a difficult situation you’ve had with a client and how you handled it.
  7. Are you willing to undergo a background check?
  8. Are you able to provide 2–3 personal references, with one being a former employer?

With the candidate and the client. Things to consider:

  1. Conduct the interview at the client’s home
  2. Allow the client and candidate time to ask each other questions so they get to know one another
    • Assess the body language of the candidate and how they attend and respond to the client
      • Positive signs are consistent eye contact, nodding, smiling, and patience in waiting for responses
  3. Allow the client to give the candidate a tour of their home and assess the candidate’s interest and level of enthusiasm
  4. Review the DSP’s responsibilities and potential schedule in more detail
  5. Discuss any further questions and concerns the candidate might have
  6. Review the employment process, especially if you are participant directing the Medicaid waiver and will be working with Acumen to onboard the candidate
  7. Let the candidate know when you will be making a final decision
  8. Follow up on the personal references provided
  9. Once you have completed all interviews and made a final decision, make sure to thank all the candidates whom you interviewed
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