Direct Support Professional Job Description and Duties

The Direct Support Professional role is suited to individuals who are motivated to support people with disabilities or care needs to live with dignity and independence. Candidates should have strong communication skills, a practical approach to daily care tasks and a commitment to person centred support.

Direct Support Professional Job Profile

The Direct Support Professional provides hands-on assistance and daily support to individuals with physical, cognitive or developmental needs. The primary purpose is to promote wellbeing, independence and community participation while following agreed care plans and professional standards.

The role involves direct personal care, routine support with activities of daily living, observation and recording of health and behaviour, and collaboration with families and multidisciplinary teams to meet individual goals.

Direct Support Professional Job Description

Direct Support Professionals work in a range of settings, including residential, community and day services. They deliver person centred care by implementing individual support plans, assisting with personal care tasks, facilitating social and recreational activities, and ensuring a safe environment. Work is rostered and may include early mornings, evenings, weekends and occasional overnight duties.

The role requires accurate documentation of observations, adherence to safeguarding procedures and effective communication with colleagues, healthcare professionals and family members. Staff are expected to follow organisational policies on medication, infection control and incident reporting, and to participate in training and supervision to maintain professional standards.

Direct Support Professional: Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide respectful, person centred personal care including assistance with bathing, dressing and toileting.
• Support mobility and transfers safely, using appropriate techniques and equipment as required.
• Administer medication in line with policy and training, and maintain accurate medication records.
• Assist with meal preparation, dietary needs and feeding support where required.
• Implement individual support plans and daily schedules to promote skill development and independence.
• Accompany and support individuals in the community for appointments, social activities and employment.
• Observe, record and report changes in health, behaviour or mood promptly and accurately.
• Support positive behaviour using agreed strategies and de-escalation techniques when necessary.
• Maintain safe, clean and organised living environments and report maintenance issues.
• Follow safeguarding policies and report any concerns in line with procedures.
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and liaise with families and external professionals as required.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies and follow incident and accident reporting processes.
• Support personal goals, education and vocational activities to enhance community inclusion.
• Uphold confidentiality and professional boundaries in all interactions.

Direct Support Professional: Requirements and Qualifications

• Relevant vocational qualification in health or social care preferred or willingness to obtain one.
• Practical experience supporting adults or children with disabilities, long term conditions or special needs.
• Knowledge of person centred care principles and ability to implement support plans.
• Awareness of safeguarding processes and duty of care responsibilities.
• Good written and verbal communication skills for record keeping and reporting.
• Ability to work as part of a team and to collaborate with external professionals and families.
• Physical capability to assist with mobility and personal care tasks.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and sleep shifts where applicable.
• Basic numeracy skills to manage records and medication administration charts.
• Commitment to confidentiality, professional boundaries and ethical practice.
• Valid criminal record check or background clearance as required by the employer.
• Desirable: first aid training or medication administration training, and a driving licence if community travel is required.