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Direct support cover letter
Cover letter template for a direct support professional
Format your direct support professional cover letter
How to write a direct support professional cover letter
Attach your resume
Key takeaways
Resources to help you prepare for your interview

As you search for your next role, you want to set yourself apart from the other applicants. One of the best ways to do that? A cover letter.

Whether you’re experienced or just starting in the field, your direct support professional cover letter is key. It’s your opportunity to highlight your attention to detail, your compassion and how your approach to support sets you apart in your career.

If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry. We’re here to simplify the cover letter-writing process for direct support professionals like you.

Here’s what you can expect:

Engaging cover letter examples to guide you.
Flexible templates that highlight your approach.
Advice on emphasizing your unique skill set.
Guidance on what to say in each paragraph.

Ready to make your cover letter now? Our Cover Letter Builder is created to assist any job seeker, no matter the industry. It includes easy-to-use templates and phrases that spotlight your strengths in providing support and care. It’s the ideal tool to help you leave a lasting impression. Give it a try!

Direct support cover letter

Cover letter for a direct support professional

Popular cover letter example direct support professional

Create your cover letter

Build your cover letter now

Here are the key elements that stand out in this example:

Uses an elegant design
This simple, modern layout is perfect for putting a professional face forward and creating a pleasant reading experience.
Emphasizes quantifiable achievements
In the second paragraph, rather than simply making claims, the applicant uses stats to show how they made an impact, like a 25% improvement in clients’ well-being.
Suggests how we can move forward
At the close, the applicant thanks the hiring manager for reading the cover letter and expresses enthusiasm for having a follow-up conversation.

Browse other popular samples

Cover letter template for a direct support professional

Copy and paste this template to use as a starting point for your direct support professional cover letter.

Sarah Jackson
Portsmouth, VA 23703
555-555-5555
example@example.com

April 30, 2024

Shawn Walker, Case Manager
1st Americare
31 Colonial Dr.
Portsmouth, VA 23703

Dear Mr. Walker,

I am writing to express my interest in the direct support professional position advertised by 1st Americare. With 11 years of experience providing compassionate care to individuals with disabilities and a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team in Portsmouth, VA.

Throughout my years of experience, I had the privilege of serving as a direct support professional, where I supervised a team of 10 DSPs and oversaw care for 25+ patients. By implementing individualized care plans and conducting regular assessments, I achieved a 20% improvement in clients’ overall well-being. Additionally, my role as a residential counselor allowed me to assist individuals in developing essential life skills, resulting in a 15% increase in clients’ participation in community activities.

In my previous positions, I have demonstrated strong leadership skills, a commitment to fostering independence, and a dedication to providing personalized care to each individual I support. I am proficient in crisis intervention, behavior management and developing rapport with clients and their families. Furthermore, my certifications in CPR and First Aid, Medication Administration and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) attest to my commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for those in my care.

I am particularly drawn to 1st Americare’s mission of empowering individuals with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives and participate in their communities. I am eager to bring my expertise and passion for helping others to your organization, and my skills and experience align well with the position’s requirements.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my background, skills and qualifications make me a strong candidate for the direct support professional position at 1st Americare. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached at 555-555-5555 or via email at example@example.com.

Sincerely,

Sarah Jackson

Format your direct support professional cover letter

Try to bring the same care and thought you put into supporting customers to your cover letter formatting.

Here are some simple tips to make sure your cover letter looks as professional as the support you provide.

Font: Use bold or italics to highlight really important details, but keep everything looking neat and easy to read. Choose a simple font and a size that’s easy to read, like 10.5 to 12 points.
Margins and alignment: Stick with standard margins, about 0.75 to 1 inch, and keep your text lined on the left. This shows you’re organized and careful, just like you are in your job.
Bullet points: Just like you list out steps to solve problems or help someone, use bullet points to point out your key achievements or skills. It makes them easy to spot right away.

Your cover letter is a great place to show that you’re very careful and pay attention to details.

Choosing the right template

Create your cover letter

When looking for a cover letter template, remember, being a direct support professional means you can choose any style — from creative to simple — as long as it’s clear and shows your professionalism and your own touch. You could even make one in Microsoft Word or Google Docs.

Think of writing your cover letter like planning out your tasks or support for the day — a well-thought-out plan helps everything go smoothly!

How to write a direct support professional cover letter

As a direct support professional, your cover letter is your opportunity to share how you support individuals, contribute to team success and build positive relationships within your community, even more so when times are challenging.

Remember, many hiring managers see cover letters as super important. So, this is your moment to make an unforgettable impact.

Step 1

Focus on meeting the employer’s needs

Start by thoroughly reading the job description. Using the right keywords is key to standing out and navigating any applicant tracking systems (ATS) the employer may use. The appropriate language will help your application shine.

Search for keywords the employer is looking for, such as “supportive communication,” “problem-solving,” “team collaboration” and “client care.” Make sure these keywords are reflected in your resume and cover letter.

Tailoring your cover letter shows you’re the ideal candidate for the position.

Step 2

Correctly format your header

Though it may seem minor, the header of your cover letter is pretty significant. It does more than make your letter look good — it ensures the hiring manager can easily contact you.

Your header should include:

Your full name
Your city and state
Your phone number
A professional email address

Pro tip

You don’t have to list your full mailing address, but ensure your email looks professional and straightforward.

Step 3

Address the hiring manager personally

When you write your cover letter, keep it warm and straightforward, like you’re speaking to a colleague or a client. Start with a greeting directed at the hiring manager.

If the job posting doesn’t provide a name, “Hiring Manager” or “Recruitment Team” is perfectly acceptable.

However, if possible, try to find the hiring manager’s name on the company’s website. Taking this step shows you’re genuinely interested and pay attention to details.

Step 4

Write a compelling introduction

Kick off your cover letter with a sentence that radiates enthusiasm for the position.

Here are two ways to begin, tailored to your level of experience:

For entry-level direct support professionals:

I’m excited to submit my application for the direct support professional role at [Organization Name]. My background in caregiving and a strong commitment to supporting community members have prepared me to contribute positively to your team, enhancing client well-being and engagement.

For experienced direct support professionals:

With [Number] years of experience in direct support, I am looking forward to contributing to [Organization Name]. A highlight of my career was when I facilitated a significant improvement in a client’s quality of life, which was recognized by our team. This accomplishment highlights my commitment to delivering compassionate and effective support. I’m keen to bring my expertise and dedication to your organization.

Pro tip

Mentioning a specific example of how you’ve made a difference in someone’s life or improved a support program can clearly showcase your abilities and dedication, helping your application to really stand out.

Step 5

Highlight why you’re the perfect match

In the main part of your cover letter, it’s crucial to explain why you’re the ideal candidate for the direct support professional position. Break this down into two or three focused paragraphs.

What you should include:

Diverse skill set: Discuss your range of abilities, from hard skills like care planning and crisis intervention to soft skills like empathy and effective communication. Emphasize transferable skills if you’re entering from another field.
Key achievements: Share moments when you made a significant impact. Perhaps you implemented a new support technique that greatly improved a client’s daily life. Highlight such achievements.
Personal story: Sometimes, sharing a brief personal story that captures the employer’s interest can offer more insight into who you are.

Example body paragraphs:

At [Organization Name], I initiated a program to introduce person-centered care plans. The goal was clear: to tailor our support to each individual’s needs, enhancing their quality of life.

This program, based on thorough research and continuous feedback, led to the development of personalized care strategies. The outcomes were remarkable, with clients experiencing greater satisfaction and autonomy.

This initiative not only demonstrated the effectiveness of personalized care and innovation; it also reaffirmed my commitment to excellence. By identifying areas for improvement and advocating for meaningful changes, I played a crucial role in elevating our service standards. This experience has strengthened my skills in person-centered care, affirming my ability to foster progress and achieve superior results.

Pro tip

Use action verbs like “initiated,” “introduced” and “developed” to highlight your proactive approach and effectiveness. These words vividly describe your contributions.

Step 6

Encourage a follow-up conversation

Near the end of your cover letter, express your enthusiasm to contribute positively to their organization, thanking the reader for their consideration and inviting them to initiate further discussion. You could write, “Thank you for considering my application. I’m keen to discuss how my skills and experiences can benefit your team and those you support.”

Pro tip

Let your genuine self shine through. This is your chance to show your personality and share why you’re passionate about direct support work, offering a personal touch that your resume cannot.

Step 7

Don’t forget to sign off

End your letter with a polite closing like “Sincerely,” “Thank you,” “Best regards” or “With best wishes.”

Pro tip

Opting for a traditional signoff reflects respect and professionalism. Expressing gratitude leaves a positive impression of your ability to work well with clients and colleagues alike.

Attach your resume

Resume example direct support professional

Create your resume

Your cover letter and resume are your formal introduction to potential employers in the field of direct support. Together, they should make the case that you are the best fit for the job.

Ensure your resume template and cover letter match in style and format. This coherence demonstrates you’re meticulous and professional — essential qualities for a direct support professional.

Not sure how to highlight your qualifications on your resume? Review some resume examples. Seek out resumes that emphasize effective caregiving techniques, strong interpersonal communication and instances of positive impact on individuals’ lives.

Pressed for time? You might want to use a AI resume builder. These tools are designed to help you craft an impressive resume quickly, offering various templates and customizable sections to accurately reflect your skills and accomplishments.

Key takeaways

Emphasize your skills

Thoroughly examine the job listing to grasp the vital abilities you need to highlight on your resume, such as “effective communication,” “behavioral support” or “advocacy and networking.”
Choose a simple template

Select a resume template that is clean and accessible. Your selection should demonstrate your knack for organizing data neatly and presenting it with clarity.
Keep your formatting consistent

Be mindful of your font choices, spacing and margins. Proper formatting is not just about aesthetics; it indicates that you’re meticulous and have an eye for detail.
Start strong

Begin your cover letter with a sentence that immediately captures interest. Keep it brief but impactful to quickly engage the reader’s curiosity about you.
Showcase your achievements

In the core part of your cover letter, link your past achievements to the job you’re applying for. Highlight instances where your actions had a positive effect on the individuals you supported or enhanced the program you were part of.
End with optimism

Conclude your application with an upbeat and forward-looking statement. Express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to make a difference within the organization and your eagerness to apply your skills to their team.

Resources to help you prepare for your interview

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Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years’ experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.