As a direct support professional, you will support people in their homes or at their jobs.  You may be providing assistance with cooking meals, house cleaning, or laundry.  For some individuals, you may be helping with personal care such as bathing, dressing or eating.  You may be assisting people to take their medication or to exercise.  The range of job duties in which you may be involved  differs according to the individuals with whom you work.

Making meals

While there are plenty of responsibilities in direct support work, perks of the job include a sense of accomplishment, having fun, getting to know unique people, and participating in new experiences.

If you have not spent much time around people with disabilities, it can be hard to know if this job is for you. Many people find the work of providing direct support to people with mental and physical disabilities is a rewarding and enjoyable career.