1. Often referred to as the “Toughest
Job You’ll Ever Love”, the Direct
Support Professional is not for eve-
ryone, but for those who enter the
field out of a genuine desire to help
others, it is one of the most gratify-
ing jobs to be found.
The career is physically and mentally
demanding and often requires lifting
and bending. As one who works in
direct care puts it, “you need to
have a strong heart, strong stom-
ach, and strong back!”
THINKING ABOUT A
CAREER IN CARING?
Phone: 651-917-9111
Fax: 651-917-1018
E-mail: hr@howryinc.com
1150 Centre Pointe Curve
Mendota Heights, MN 55120
DIRECT
SUPPORT
PROFESSIONALS
www.howryinc.com www.howryinc.com
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
 18 years of age or older (21 years or
older for child foster care programs)
 High school diploma or equivelant
 One year experience serving people in
adult foster care preferred
 Eligible to work with vulnerable adults
and children as determined by the Bu-
reau of Criminal Apprehension and the
Department of Human Services
 Valid driver’s license and driving rec-
ord that meets company insurability
requirements
 Basic computer skills
 Positive and helpful attitude
 Demonstrated ability to read, write,
and speak the English language

2. May Be For You
While direct care is not for everyone, many
who have chosen the field say it is “The
Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love.” Becoming a
Direct Support Professional may be for you if
you can answer yes to these questions:
 Do you enjoy making a positive difference
in someone’s life?
 Do you seek a career with a meaningful
purpose?
 Does it bring you satisfaction to support
others to be more independent?
 Do you like a challenge?
 Do you like to be “kept on your toes”?
 Do you enjoy being busy?
 Do you enjoy building meaningful connec-
tions with others?
As An Occupation
As a profession in high demand, ongoing ef-
forts are being made to provide even more
opportunities for advancement. They are also
high demand jobs and new efforts are helping
to provide more opportunities for advance-
ment within the field. The demand for these
jobs is growing due to an increase in our ag-
ing population and persons with disabilities
and their desire for more in-home care and
support options.
DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL...
Daily Work
Direct Support Professionals provide most of the
direct hands-on care and support for people of all
ages and in all settings. Those responsibilities
change depending upon what are you are working
in and may include:
Assisting with activities of daily living such as:
 Eating
 Dressing
 Bathing
 Walking
 Rehabilitation and Exercising
 Cooking
 Job and Independent Living Coaching
 Using the Toilet
 Monitoring Medications and Blood Sugars
 Monitoring Vital Signs such as Blood Pressure,
Pulse, Temperature
 Monitoring Wound Care
 Supporting those with Challenging Behaviors
 Transporting (Wheelchair, Van, Etc.)
Overview
A Direct Support
Professional is a broad
term used to describe a
diverse group of
compassionate, dedicated
people who provide
assistant and support to
people with disabilities.
In the last twenty years, the role of a DSP and
the many different jobs that they preform have
evolved into a professional, absolutely essential
workforce. A Direct Support Professional is
not a single career descriptor, like nurse or
teacher—the duties of a Direct Support Pro-
fessional include a variety of career skills.
They might work in a person’s home, commu-
nity settings, residential or skilled care facili-
ties, job sites, schools, or day recreations cen-
ters.
Although job titles vary, what all Direct Sup-
port Professionals have in common is a pas-
sion for people and a believe that every per-
son is entitled to live a self-directed, independ-
ent life with dignity. The fact that people with
disabilities are not just living longer, but thriv-
ing is most assuredly related to the support of
dedicated, determined, and resourceful Direct
Support Professionals.
Direct Support Professionals are often the
voice of and for people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities. Ultimately, the best
Direct Support Professionals understand that
everyone is entitled to enjoy a life that is safe,
healthy, and meaningful.