Direct Support Professional (DSP) Apprenticeship Program

Jumpstart Your Career with Aspire Living & Learning!

Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities? Aspire Living & Learning is excited to offer a Direct Support Professional (DSP) Apprenticeship program that provides a structured pathway to a fulfilling career in human services.

As part of our DSP Apprentice Program, you’ll gain hands-on training and coursework through Nashua Community College NCC that will help you build valuable skills and earn nationally recognized credentials, all while making a positive impact in the community. You’ll work alongside experienced DSPs to support individuals with disabilities, helping them achieve greater independence and an enhanced quality of life. You will be matched with a direct supervisor and a mentor from Aspire, and an Apprentice Navigation Advisor through ApprenticeshipNH, who will help you through the process and provide ongoing support.

In addition to hands-on training, you will take two of the following college-level courses through Nashua Community College NCC during your 1-year apprenticeship:

• PSYC101N Introduction to Psychology
• HSV111 Introduction to Human Services
• PSYC206N Learning and Behavior
• HSV123N Supportive Communication Skills

You will choose one of these courses for the summer semester, and the second course for the fall or winter semester—giving you a great opportunity to learn while you work!

Position Details:

• Location: New Hampshire
• Duration: 1-Year Apprenticeship
• Schedule: Full-time; flexible shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Reports To: Program Manager

Apprentice Wage Schedule:

• Period 1 (First 3 Months): $15.00/hour
• Period 2 (6 Months): $15.50/hour
• Period 3 (9 Months): $16.00/hour
• Upon completion of apprenticeship (1 Year): $17.50/hour

Key Responsibilities:

• Shadow experienced DSPs to learn foundational skills in behavioral and personal care services
• Assist individuals with daily activities including meal planning, cleaning, personal hygiene, and self-care
• Foster a safe, inclusive environment that promotes skill development and community integration
• Collaborate with the team to document progress and ensure individuals reach their fullest potential
• Complete required training sessions and perform duties as assigned

Our ideal candidate:

• Prior experience working with individuals with disabilities in a professional setting strongly preferred.
• Basic computer skills, experience using Therap a plus!
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Empathy, enthusiasm, and a passion and dedication for helping others.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver’s license and auto insurance required, with at least 3 years of driving experience. Access to reliable transportation is required, and some positions may require the use of a personal vehicle to transport supported individuals, depending on program needs. 

Why Aspire? At Aspire Living & Learning, we value diversity and offer a collaborative, supportive work environment. We are committed to providing professional growth opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including:

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
• Lifestyle Spending Accounts for wellness and more
• Retirement Plan with Employer Match
• Generous Paid Time Off (sick, personal, vacation, and holidays)
• Professional Development and Career Advancement
• Tuition Reimbursement Program: Aspire Living & Learning offers a tuition reimbursement program that allows employees to be reimbursed up to $3,000 per calendar year. Employees must obtain pre-approval by submitting a completed and signed application before the start of the applicable course.

If you’re ready to join a team that values inclusion, empowerment, and growth, we want to hear from you! Apply today and take the first step toward a rewarding career in Direct Support!

Aspire Living & Learning believes it must play an active role in creating a community of employees that is diverse, inclusive and equitable. Our work benefits greatly from the contributions of people of color, people from working class backgrounds, women, LGBTQ people, and individuals with disabilities. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities.