A Look From Within:

Why Direct Support Work Is Worth It in the I/DD Community

Woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a black top and black pants, sitting in a wicker chair, with tattoo on her left forearm, in a room with beige curtains and a lamp in the background.
Woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a black top and black pants, sitting in a wicker chair, with tattoo on her left forearm, in a room with beige curtains and a lamp in the background.

Authored By: Taylor Hartley-Logan

Updated: September 8, 2026

I sat down with my co-founder, Derek, who started out as a Direct Support Professional himself, to talk about what makes this work worth doing: what the job actually asks of you, what you get back that you won't find anywhere else, and where the career opportunity is if you're willing to show up.

When I first met Derek, I was drawn to him because of his work in the IDD (Individuals with Developmental Disability) field. At the time, he was freshly out of college, working at a residential facility in Springfield, Missouri, as a Direct Support Professional caring for individuals in need. His care for the community lent him trust immediately. So I agreed to go on a date with him, and well, the rest is history! Over ten years later, we're married, raising a child, and running an organization built to develop the talent pool for the IDD community.

Through his years in direct support, Derek worked his way up to Senior Director of Programs. He knows what a direct care role actually asks of you. He knows what it feels like when an organization gets staffing right, and frankly, what happens when they get it wrong, because some organizations do. That's why we choose our clients meticulously. Our mission is to develop the future leadership of a field that is full of meaningful work. You can trust us as talent partners who will advocate on your behalf. From our first conversation through your training period and beyond, we’re here to support you. We help navigate interviews, offers, and the transition into a new role.

Through his years in direct support, Derek worked his way up to Senior Director of Programs. He knows what a direct care role actually asks of you. He knows what it feels like when an organization gets staffing right, and what happens when they get it wrong, because some organizations do. That's why we're selective on both sides of the match. We choose our clients meticulously, organizations that treat this work the way it deserves. And we're selective about who we represent.

When we put our name behind you, it means something. Our mission is to develop the future leadership of a field full of meaningful work. You can trust us as talent partners who advocate on your behalf, from our first conversation through your training period and beyond. We help you navigate interviews, offers, and the transition into a new role

Here's why this field is worth a real look, and what to expect from our team:

  • Every shift, you help someone achieve their goals to live a more independent and full life. Few jobs let you see the impact of your work as directly as this one does. That impact runs in both directions. A 2019 meta-analysis of more than 23,000 workers, published in the Journal of Management Studies, found that meaningful work predicts stronger life satisfaction, better general health, and lower stress and depression, on top of higher engagement and job satisfaction.

    Direct support work gives you that meaning built in. It shows up in every goal you help someone accomplish and every relationship formed.

  • I/DD service providers across the country are short-staffed and actively hiring. This isn't a field where you'll struggle to find work. It's one where good people are in high demand.

    Nationally, vacancy rates for direct support roles run 12 to 15%, and 88% of I/DD providers reported moderate or severe staffing shortages this year, according to ANCOR's 2025 survey of nearly 500 providers across 48 states. That shortage works in your favor. With this much demand, you can choose which organization deserves your time. And this work isn't going anywhere: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects direct care occupations will add more new jobs than any other field in the country through 2033, over 820,000 of them, because hands-on human care isn't something software replaces. Layoffs happen to industries that can automate. This isn't one of them.

  • Direct support roles are entry-level, with paid training built in, so no specific degree or background in healthcare or social work is required to start. Recent grads, career changers, and people building their first career all find their footing here. What matters most is your character and your willingness to show up for people.

    That's also where we come in. Our relationships across I/DD providers mean we can speak to who you are beyond a resume, your character, your reliability, how you show up for people day to day. When we recommend a candidate, our name goes with it. That reputation is what gets you in the door for roles a resume alone might miss.

  • Direct support work is where many careers in this field begin. People move from direct care into program coordination, quality assurance, operations, and even executive leadership. Derek did exactly that, from Direct Support Professional to Senior Director of Programs, over a decade in the field.

    Our relationship with you continues well past your start date. Once we place you, you're part of our network for good. Whenever you're ready to take the next step, in a year, five years, whenever that day comes, you're welcome to reach back out. We'll help you figure out what's next, on your timeline.

  • Always Free for You: Our services don't cost you a thing. Our fee is paid by the hiring organizations, not your wallet.

    A Strong Network in the Field: We've worked inside these programs. We know which organizations invest in training, pay fairly, and support their staff. We will present your opportunity to you honestly to ensure you're making an informed decision you can feel good about.

    Onboarding Support: Background checks, clearances, and training requirements can be confusing and slow. We walk you through what to expect so it doesn't hold up your start date.

    Someone in Your Corner: When we recommend you for a role, our name goes with it, so we only represent people we'd vouch for ourselves. From your first conversation with us through your training period and beyond, we advocate on your behalf. We help you navigate interviews, offers, and the transition into a new role.

    The Next Step: Placing you is just the start. We stay in touch to help you find what's next, whether that's a promotion or a new opportunity down the road.

  • Submit your resume here.

    Upon receipt, we'll review your resume against our open opportunities. Once we find the right fit for you, we'll reach out for an introductory call. That first call is casual. We'll share what we're considering you for, explore your strengths as they apply to the role, and advise you on next steps.

    If that first role isn't the right fit, no worries. You'll be added to our talent bank, so we can reach out as new opportunities open up that match you better.