Direct Support Professional

Help individuals with disabilities live independently. Free training with job placement included.

4–6 Weeks

Duration

20–30

Hours / Week

Hybrid

Delivery

Credentials

Program Overview

Direct Support Professionals provide essential care and support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This rewarding career helps people live independently and participate fully in their communities.

Our free training program prepares you for immediate employment in residential facilities, day programs, and community settings. Starting pay ranges from $14–$18/hour with consistent demand and opportunities for advancement into team lead and program management roles.

How It Works

1
Apply
Submit your application. No prior experience required.
2
Enroll
Confirm WIOA/WRG funding eligibility — most participants pay $0.
3
Train
4–6 weeks covering person-centered care, health/safety, behavioral support, and communication.
4
Credential
Earn NADSP credential, CPR/First Aid, and Medication Administration certifications.
5
Employment
Job placement support into group homes, day programs, and community living settings.

Credentials You Earn

NADSP Credential

National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals

National credential validating competency in person-centered support services.

CPR/First Aid Certification

American Heart Association

Emergency response certification required for all direct care workers.

Medication Administration Certification

Indiana FSSA

State-required certification to administer medications in residential settings.

Funding & Payment

This Program May Cost You $0

Direct Support Professional is approved for federal and state workforce funding. Eligible Indiana residents can have 100% of tuition, books, and certification exam fees covered through programs like WIOA, Workforce Ready Grant. Eligibility is based on income, employment status, and other factors determined by your local workforce office.

WIOA — approved training provider

Workforce Ready Grant — approved training provider

How to Check Your Eligibility:

1Visit www.indianacareerconnect.com and create an account
2Search for "Elevate for Humanity" under training providers
3Schedule an appointment with your local WorkOne office to complete an eligibility assessment
4Once approved, your WorkOne case manager will issue a training voucher — you pay nothing

Indiana Career Connect Call Us: (317) 314-3757

WorkOne Locations (Indianapolis Area)

WorkOne Indy — West

3400 W 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46222

(317) 916-4600

WorkOne Indy — East

2511 E 46th St, Suite B, Indianapolis, IN 46205

(317) 916-4600

EmployIndy

1845 W 18th St, Suite B, Indianapolis, IN 46202

(317) 639-4400

WorkOne Express — Library

40 E St. Clair St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

(317) 275-4100

Don't Qualify for Funding? We Have Options.

If you don't qualify for WIOA or other workforce funding, you can still enroll. We offer flexible self-pay options so cost is never a barrier to your career:

Payment plan — choose your down payment and weekly amount
Affirm — monthly financing, 0% APR available, instant decision
Sezzle — 4 interest-free payments every 2 weeks
Pay in full — one-time payment
Employer sponsorship — your employer can pay directly

Start your DSP career — free training, fast placement.

100% funded for eligible participants. Job placement included. Apply today.

Apply Now Check Eligibility

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior healthcare experience?+

No. This program is designed for adults entering the disability services field for the first time. All training is provided.

Is this program really free?+

Yes. DSP training is funded through WIOA and Workforce Ready Grant for eligible Indiana residents. Most participants pay $0.

What hours do DSPs work?+

DSPs work a variety of shifts depending on the setting — day, evening, overnight, and weekend shifts are all common. Full-time and part-time positions available.

Where will I work after completing the program?+

Graduates work in group homes, day programs, community living settings, vocational programs, and respite care. Job placement support is included.

Program Overview

How It Works

Apply

Submit your application. No prior experience required.

Enroll

Confirm WIOA/WRG funding eligibility — most participants pay $0.

Train

4–6 weeks covering person-centered care, health/safety, behavioral support, and communication.

Credential

Earn NADSP credential, CPR/First Aid, and Medication Administration certifications.

Employment

Job placement support into group homes, day programs, and community living settings.

Credentials You Earn

NADSP Credential

National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals

National credential validating competency in person-centered support services.

CPR/First Aid Certification

American Heart Association

Emergency response certification required for all direct care workers.

Medication Administration Certification

Indiana FSSA

State-required certification to administer medications in residential settings.

Funding & Payment

This Program May Cost You $0

WIOA — approved training provider

Workforce Ready Grant — approved training provider

How to Check Your Eligibility:

1Visit www.indianacareerconnect.com and create an account
2Search for "Elevate for Humanity" under training providers
3Schedule an appointment with your local WorkOne office to complete an eligibility assessment
4Once approved, your WorkOne case manager will issue a training voucher — you pay nothing

Indiana Career Connect Call Us: (317) 314-3757

WorkOne Locations (Indianapolis Area)

WorkOne Indy — West

3400 W 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46222

(317) 916-4600

WorkOne Indy — East

2511 E 46th St, Suite B, Indianapolis, IN 46205

(317) 916-4600

EmployIndy

1845 W 18th St, Suite B, Indianapolis, IN 46202

(317) 639-4400

WorkOne Express — Library

40 E St. Clair St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

(317) 275-4100

Don't Qualify for Funding? We Have Options.

If you don't qualify for WIOA or other workforce funding, you can still enroll. We offer flexible self-pay options so cost is never a barrier to your career:

Payment plan — choose your down payment and weekly amount
Affirm — monthly financing, 0% APR available, instant decision
Sezzle — 4 interest-free payments every 2 weeks
Pay in full — one-time payment
Employer sponsorship — your employer can pay directly

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior healthcare experience?+

No. This program is designed for adults entering the disability services field for the first time. All training is provided.

Is this program really free?+

Yes. DSP training is funded through WIOA and Workforce Ready Grant for eligible Indiana residents. Most participants pay $0.

What hours do DSPs work?+

DSPs work a variety of shifts depending on the setting — day, evening, overnight, and weekend shifts are all common. Full-time and part-time positions available.

Where will I work after completing the program?+

Graduates work in group homes, day programs, community living settings, vocational programs, and respite care. Job placement support is included.