A well-crafted direct support professional resume is essential to stand out in a competitive job market.

In this article, we'll explore several DSP resume examples to give you the insight and structure needed to showcase your skills and experience effectively.

Whether you're a seasoned specialist or just starting, these samples will guide you in presenting your qualifications in the best light possible.

Direct support professional resume examples

Residential direct support professional resume sample

Residential direct support professional resume template

Residential direct support professional resume template
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Resume for residential direct support professional | Plain text

Name: Emily Johnson
Address: Rochester, NY
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: emily.johnson@email.com

Summary

Dedicated Residential Direct Support Professional with 6+ years of experience in providing compassionate, personalized care for individuals with disabilities in a residential setting. Skilled in promoting independence, ensuring safety, and facilitating community engagement.

Experience

Residential Direct Support Professional

Bright Horizons Residential Services, Rochester, NY

March 2021 – Present

  • Provide assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication management.
  • Promote social skills and independence through community outings and skill-building activities.
  • Maintain documentation of client progress, daily activities, and incidents.
  • Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop and implement individual care plans.
  • Ensure a safe living environment through adherence to safety protocols and regular checks.

Direct Support Professional

Lakeside Care Group, Rochester, NY

July 2019 – February 2021

  • Supported individuals with developmental disabilities in group home settings.
  • Assisted in recreational activities and promoted community involvement.
  • Monitored and tracked individual progress on personal goals.
  • Administered medication and provided mobility assistance as needed.

Education

Associate of Applied Science in Human Services

Monroe Community College, Rochester, NY

Graduated: May 2019

Skills

  • CPR and First Aid Certified
  • Knowledge of Medicaid and care documentation
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to manage challenging behaviors with patience and professionalism
  • Experience with behavior management strategies

Volunteer Work

Volunteer Caregiver

Rochester Volunteer Network, Rochester, NY

March 2018 – Present

  • Provide companionship and support to elderly individuals in assisted living homes.
  • Assist with activities such as reading, walking, and organizing social events for residents.
  • Ensure clients' emotional and physical well-being during visits.

Strong sides of this direct support professional resume example:

  • Clear, detailed descriptions of relevant experience, showcasing a range of essential skills for the role.
  • Inclusion of volunteer work that demonstrates dedication and empathy toward individuals in need.
  • Emphasis on relevant certifications and training, which enhances credibility in the field.
How to properly format a direct support professional resume?
  • Stick to fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
  • Set your font size between 10-12 points. For headings, you can increase to 14-16 points for emphasis.
  • For most professionals, especially those with fewer than 10 years of experience, a one-page resume is ideal.
  • Use standard 1-inch margins. This is the most common size for documents.
  • Add single spacing for the body and leave a space between sections to make the page easier to navigate.
  • Bullet points break up large blocks of text and help hiring managers quickly read through your accomplishments.
  • Avoid images, icons, or other graphics unless you're in a creative field (which DSP jobs typically aren't).
  • Bold is useful for headings, job titles, and key achievements. Italics can be used for locations and dates, but don't overdo it.

One of the easiest ways to avoid formatting issues and ensure your application looks polished is with an free resume maker.

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Specialized direct support professional resume example

Sample specialized direct support professional resume

Name: Michael Rodriguez
Address: Syracuse, NY
Phone: (555) 987-6543
Email: michael.rodriguez@email.com

Summary

Compassionate and experienced Specialized Direct Support Professional with a focus on supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Adept at implementing individualized support plans and developing behavioral strategies to promote independence.

Experience

Specialized Direct Support Professional

Spectrum Support Services, Syracuse, NY

January 2022 – Present

  • Provide one-on-one support for individuals with autism, focusing on communication, social skills, and daily living tasks.
  • Implement behavior intervention plans to help individuals manage anxiety, aggression, and other behavioral challenges.
  • Use data collection methods to track progress and adjust strategies as needed.
  • Train and support family members in implementing strategies at home.
  • Collaborate with a team of specialists, including behavior analysts, to adjust care plans.

Direct Support Professional

Hope Behavioral Services, Syracuse, NY

June 2019 – December 2021

  • Assisted individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism in residential and community settings.
  • Supported clients in building social and life skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement.
  • Provided emotional support and crisis management when necessary.
  • Administered medication and ensured compliance with medical instructions.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY

Graduated: May 2019

Skills

  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques
  • Experience with non-verbal communication strategies
  • Knowledge of autism-specific interventions
  • Crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques
  • Certified in CPR, First Aid, and Crisis Prevention

Certifications

  • Certified Autism Specialist (2020)
  • CPR and First Aid Certified (2024)
  • Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) Certification (2021)

Here are a few reasons why this example of a direct support professional resume will impress recruiters:

  • Strong focus on specialized skills like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques, showcasing expertise in a niche area.
  • Certifications, such as Certified Autism Specialist, further support the candidate's qualifications for this specialized role.
  • The experience section demonstrates a balance of practical skills and the ability to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team.
Should I choose a direct support professional resume objective or summary?

Resume summary

  • This is a paragraph that summarizes your professional skills and accomplishments.
  • It’s best suited for those with several years of experience in the field.

Direct support professional resume summary sample:

Experienced Direct Support Professional with 5+ years of providing compassionate care to individuals with intellectual disabilities. Skilled in medication management, behavior intervention strategies, and fostering community engagement. Adept at creating individualized care plans that promote independence and well-being.

Resume objective

  • This is a brief statement of your goals and what you aim to achieve in the position.
  • It's typically used by individuals who are new to the workforce or changing careers.

Direct support professional resume objective example:

Motivated and compassionate recent graduate seeking to leverage strong interpersonal skills and a passion for helping others to assist individuals with disabilities as a Direct Support Professional. Eager to contribute to a supportive environment and promote independence in individuals’ lives.

How to showcase your direct support professional resume skills?

The skills section provides a quick overview of the competencies you bring to the role, demonstrating to potential employers that you have everything to succeed in this demanding profession.

  • Hard skills are the technical knowledge that you acquire through education or hands-on experience. They are often specific to the job and are easier to quantify.
  • Soft skills are personal attributes that help you interact effectively with others. They are often learned through personal experience and are essential for building rapport with individuals you support.

Direct support professional hard skills:

  • Medication management
  • Behavior intervention strategies
  • Personal care assistance (bathing, dressing, etc.)
  • Knowledge of developmental disabilities
  • CPR and First Aid certified
  • Safety protocol implementation
  • Crisis management and de-escalation
  • Experience with care documentation
  • Familiarity with assistive technology
  • Knowledge of Medicaid and insurance billing

Soft skills for a direct support professional:

  • Patience
  • Empathy
  • Communication
  • Active listening
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Flexibility
  • Compassion
  • Teamwork
  • Conflict resolution

Entry-level direct support professional resume template

Beginner direct support professional resume sample

Beginner direct support professional resume sample
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Resume for direct support professional with no experience | Text version

Name: Sarah White
Address: Albany, NY
Phone: (555) 246-8901
Email: sarah.white@email.com

Summary

Enthusiastic and caring Entry-Level Direct Support Professional eager to apply strong interpersonal skills and a passion for helping others. Ready to assist individuals with disabilities in their daily lives, fostering independence, and promoting community engagement.

Experience

Direct Support Professional Intern

Albany Care Network, Albany, NY

June 2025 – July 2025

  • Assisted experienced DSPs in providing daily care and support for individuals with developmental disabilities.
  • Helped clients with basic needs, including dressing, grooming, and meal preparation.
  • Supported individuals in participating in social and recreational activities.
  • Documented daily activities and reported any concerns to senior staff.

Customer Service Associate

Target, Albany, NY

March 2023 – May 2025

  • Provided exceptional customer service, helping customers locate products and answering inquiries.
  • Collaborated with a team to maintain a positive store environment.
  • Assisted with stocking, organizing, and maintaining inventory.
  • Trained new employees in customer service practices.

Education

High School Diploma

Albany High School, Albany, NY

Graduated: June 2024

Skills

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Compassionate and patient with diverse populations
  • Ability to work well in a team environment
  • Reliable and responsible
  • CPR and First Aid Certified (anticipated)

Professional Development

  • Completed Direct Support Professional Training at Albany Care Network
  • Participated in Positive Behavior Support (PBS) training
  • Attended Disability Awareness Workshops at Albany Community Center

This sample direct support professional resume is effective for several reasons:

  • Clear educational background and relevant internships showing practical, hands-on experience in the field.
  • Highlighting of transferable skills from customer service, showcasing versatility and adaptability.
  • Professional development section, emphasizing continued growth and commitment to enhancing abilities.
What academic credentials should I add to my DSP resume?

The education section is essential in showcasing your formal qualifications.

  • Start with your highest degree, including the name of the institution and the date of graduation.
  • If you have taken courses related to health care, psychology, or social services, add them to highlight your preparation.
  • Mention any certifications that are relevant to the role, such as CPR/First Aid, Medication Administration, or any state-required licenses.
How to organize the experience section in a direct support professional resume?

List your positions in reverse chronological order. This allows hiring managers to see your most recent and relevant work history first.

  • Each entry should include your official title and the organization where you worked, followed by the dates of employment (month and year).
  • Highlight responsibilities and achievements that align with the specific job description you're targeting.
  • Use metrics where possible (e.g., "Improved client independence by 25% through personalized care plans").

Conclusion

Building a strong direct support professional resume is an important step toward securing a fulfilling role in this rewarding field.

By using the examples and tips provided, you can craft a document that highlights your strengths, qualifications, and passion for helping others.

Tailoring your application to specific job requirements and showcasing your unique skills will increase your chances of standing out to potential employers.

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