Foundations of Care: Teaching Direct Support Professionals Core Competencies

How foundational skills in communication, safety, and empathy shape confident, consistent, and person-centered DSPs

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are the backbone of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). They are mentors, advocates, caregivers, teachers, supporters, and in many cases, a source of emotional stability for the people they serve. But the responsibility of being a DSP is often underestimated. The role is complex—requiring a balance of emotional intelligence, professional skill, and everyday problem-solving.

This is why teaching core competencies is not optional.It is essential.

The Briason DSP Training Manual was designed with this need in mind. By breaking down the fundamental skills every DSP should master—communication, safety, empathy, consistency, and empowerment—the manual helps build a workforce that is not only technically trained, but emotionally prepared to deliver high-quality, person-centered care.

Today, we are exploring those foundational competencies and how they create confident DSPs, stronger teams, and better outcomes for individuals with IDD.

Why Core Competencies Matter in DSP Training

Before looking at each competency individually, it’s important to understand why core skills are so important in the IDD field. DSPs work in environments that require:

• Continuous communication

• Quick decision-making

• Emotional regulation

• Understanding of safety protocols

• Collaboration across teams and families

• Advocacy for individual needs

• High accountability

Unlike many jobs, there is no “typical day” for a DSP. One moment may involve supporting someone with meal preparation; the next may involve documenting a medical change, resolving a conflict, or assisting with a community outing.

Because the role is unpredictable, DSPs need predictable tools.

Core competencies create a steady foundation that prepares staff to navigate everyday routines and unexpected situations with confidence and professionalism.

The Briason manual helps DSPs build that foundation by focusing on three essential areas:

• Communication

• Safety

• Empathy

Let’s take a deeper look at each one.

1. Communication: The Heart of Effective DSP Work

Communication is one of the most essential—and often overlooked—skills in support work. A DSP’s ability to communicate clearly, respectfully, and intentionally affects every part of care.

Why Communication Matters

For DSPs, communication is more than speaking. It includes:

• Listening

• Observing

• De-escalating

• Documenting

• Supporting nonverbal communication

• Advocating on behalf of the individual

• Communicating changes to supervisors

• Collaborating with families and teams

Because individuals with IDD often communicate in unique ways, DSPs must learn how to:

• Recognize verbal and nonverbal cues

• Adjust communication style

• Avoid overwhelming language

• Provide clarity during transitions

• Maintain professionalism

• Build trust through tone and behavior

When DSPs communicate effectively, the individual feels understood and supported. When communication is weak, even the simplest tasks can become stressful or confusing.

How the Manual Teaches Communication Skills

The Briason manual incorporates communication across multiple modules, but these core lessons stand out:

Intentional Messaging

DSPs learn how to think before they speak—choosing words that support clarity, calmness, and understanding.

Ownership Communication

Staff practice communication that is:

• Direct

• Respectful

• Honest

• Solution-focused

• Supportive, not dismissive

These skills help prevent misunderstandings and ensure team alignment.

Active Listening

DSPs are taught to listen for:

• What the person says

• How they say it

• What they don’t say

• Emotional cues

• Behavioral messages

This is crucial for understanding individual needs and reducing frustration.

Documentation Skills

Clear documentation helps ensure safety and accountability. DSPs learn:

• How to record objective facts

• How to avoid emotional or subjective language

• Why accurate information protects both the individual and the staff

Communicating During Stress

The manual includes scenarios that teach staff how to maintain tone, clarity, and calm during moments of conflict or crisis.

The Impact of Strong Communication

When DSPs master communication:

• Individuals with IDD feel safer and more relaxed

• Behavior challenges are minimized

• Families trust the team

• Supervisors receive accurate, usable information

• Safety improves

• Consistency across shifts becomes easier

Communication isn’t just a skill—it is the foundation of person-centered support.

2. Safety: The Non-Negotiable Core of DSP Responsibility

Physical and emotional safety are at the center of every support environment. DSPs must keep individuals safe, prevent harm, follow protocols, and create an environment where people feel secure and respected.

Why Safety Is Essential

Safety in the IDD field is not limited to physical protection. It includes:

• Environmental safety

• Crisis prevention

• Emotional safety

• Medication protocols

• Documentation for accountability

• Behavioral and sensory awareness

• Health and hygiene support

• Boundary-setting

• Mandated reporting requirements

DSPs must balance compassion with responsibility. They are often the first to notice:

• medical changes,

• emotional distress,

• environmental risks,

• peer conflict,

• or signs of abuse or neglect.

Without training, these signs can be overlooked.

How the Manual Teaches Safety Skills

The Briason manual reinforces safety skills throughout the entire training process, especially in modules focused on accountability and ownership.

Accountability in Action

DSPs learn how:

• Consistency prevents accidents

• Communication ensures safer environments

• Documentation supports oversight

• Responsibility builds trust

Psychological Safety

Emotional safety is just as important as physical safety. The manual teaches DSPs to create an environment where individuals feel:

• Heard

• Respected

• Valued

• Free to ask questions

• Free from fear of punishment or embarrassment

Leading Through Setbacks

When unexpected incidents happen, DSPs learn how to:

• Respond calmly

• Follow protocols

• Document accurately

• Reflect on improvements

• Avoid blame-based thinking

Preventative Safety

The manual emphasizes prevention over reaction:

• Identifying risks early

• Recognizing behavioral cues

• Supporting sensory regulation

• Maintaining consistent routines

• Checking equipment and environment

DSPs learn how everyday consistency reduces emergencies.

Respecting Rights While Ensuring Safety

A key lesson is balancing safety with dignity. DSPs learn how to protect individuals without over-controlling them—avoiding restrictions that limit independence.

The Impact of Strong Safety Competencies

When safety skills are strong:

• Individuals feel secure and supported

• Staff reduce liability and incidents

• Families trust providers

• Programs maintain compliance

• Teams communicate effectively

• Crisis events decrease

• Stability increases for everyone

Safety isn’t a checklist—it is a culture. And the Briason manual teaches DSPs how to build that culture from day one.

3. Empathy: The Soul of Person-Centered Support

Empathy is one of the most powerful tools a DSP can have. It separates task-based caregiving from heart-centered, person-centered care.

Why Empathy Matters

Individuals with IDD experience the world differently. They may communicate differently, process information differently, or respond to emotions differently. Empathy allows DSPs to:

• Understand behavior as communication

• Approach challenges without frustration

• Build trust and emotional connection

• Respect autonomy

• Create a supportive environment

• Reduce anxiety and agitation

• Provide comfort during transitions

Without empathy, DSP work becomes transactional. With empathy, it becomes transformational.

How the Manual Builds Empathy

The Briason manual weaves empathy into nearly every module, beginning with ownership and extending into communication, empowerment, and resilience.

Seeing the Individual Beyond the Diagnosis

DSPs learn to focus on:

• Strengths

• Preferences

• Abilities

• Interests

• Unique communication styles

This helps staff connect with the person—not just the support plan.

Positive Role Modeling

The manual teaches DSPs that empathy is contagious. When one staff member models patience, calmness, and compassion, others follow.

Understanding Stress Behavior

Instead of labeling behavior as “problematic,” DSPs learn to ask:

• What is this behavior communicating?

• What unmet need is behind it?

• How can I support the individual better?

This mindset is essential for building trust.

Communication with Compassion

DSPs are encouraged to:

• Use supportive language

• Avoid rushing individuals

• Celebrate small victories

• Validate emotions

• Maintain dignity during personal care

Leadership with Heart

Even when holding someone accountable, empathy matters. The manual teaches how to blend firmness with kindness.

The Impact of Empathy

When DSPs lead with empathy:

• Individuals feel understood, respected, and safe

• Behavior challenges decrease

• Communication improves

• Routines become easier

• DSPs experience less burnout

• Families feel supported

• The entire environment becomes calmer and more positive

Empathy doesn’t just make care better—it makes life better.

Bringing It All Together: How Core Competencies Strengthen DSPs

Communication, safety, and empathy might seem like separate skills—but in practice, they operate together.

For example:

• A DSP notices a behavior change (empathy).

• They communicate with the team clearly about what they observed (communication).

• They ensure the individual is safe physically and emotionally during the situation (safety).

Or:

• A DSP is assisting with a community outing.

• They communicate expectations beforehand (communication).

• They remain alert to environmental risks (safety).

• They support the individual’s feelings during transitions (empathy).

Each competency reinforces the others.

The Briason manual builds these connections intentionally. It teaches DSPs how to weave skills together so they become second nature—not forced, not memorized, but naturally integrated into everyday interactions.

The Manual’s Role in Strengthening DSP Workforce Culture

Beyond individual skills, the Briason DSP Training Manual helps shape a unified culture across programs and teams.

It supports:

Consistency Across Shifts

When every DSP learns the same competencies, individuals receive predictable, stable support.

Confidence in New Staff

New DSPs feel prepared instead of overwhelmed.

Continued Growth for Experienced Staff

Seasoned DSPs reinforce foundational skills while learning new leadership techniques.

Stronger Team Collaboration

A shared skill set creates a shared language—and a shared vision.

Better Person-Centered Outcomes

Individuals receive care that is safe, respectful, and emotionally supportive.

Reduced Turnover

When DSPs feel equipped and valued, they stay.

Improved Family Communication

Families trust staff who demonstrate competence and compassion.

This culture shift is essential for the future of IDD services.

The Future of DSP Training Starts with Foundations

While advanced skills are important, nothing replaces solid foundational competencies. DSPs who master communication, safety, and empathy are better equipped to:

• Build meaningful relationships

• Handle difficult situations

• Protect individuals from harm

• Create emotionally supportive environments

• Advocate for rights and dignity

• Promote independence

• Work confidently and collaboratively

The Briason DSP Training Manual ensures that these competencies are no longer learned through trial and error—but through structured guidance and real-world application.

With the right tools, DSPs become more than caregivers—they become leaders, allies, and champions for the individuals they serve.

A Strong Foundation Builds a Strong Future

At Briason Associates, we believe that the quality of care begins with the quality of training. Teaching DSPs core competencies is not just about job readiness—it is about building a workforce that is compassionate, confident, and committed to person-centered support.

Communication creates connection.Safety creates stability.Empathy creates trust.

Together, these foundations create the heart of great caregiving.

And with the right training, every DSP has the power to deliver care that changes lives.