CORE Program - Direct Support Professional I (69360)

Cottonwood; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Dental insurance

Employee assistance program

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Referral program

Retirement plan

Vision insurance

Job summary

Cottonwood is seeking a DAY Direct Support Professional to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities lead more independent lives in Lawrence, KS. You will plan activities, ensure safe transportation, and promote dignity and chosen lifestyles in a supportive day-service setting.

Join a team that values compassion, community engagement, and meaningful growth for clients and staff. We offer competitive pay, benefits, and opportunities to make a real difference every day.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• A valid class C driver’s license is required and driving record must be acceptable.
• Experience with persons with developmental disabilities preferred.
• Must be physically able to stand for long periods of time, lift and carry at least 25 lbs., assist with transfers and related activities.
• Must be able to evacuate consumers in emergencies and intervene in physical conflicts.
• Must have basic computer skills, access Cottonwood email, and perform data entry.
• Must pass all required background checks and drug screen.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead more independent lives.
• Plan activities and enhance service curriculums, including safe transportation.
• Promote dignity, choice, and community involvement through volunteerism and participation.

Skills

Driver's license

Driving record acceptable

Evacuation ability

Intervene in physical conflict

Basic computer skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

CORE Program – Day Direct Support Professional

Job Details
Job Location: Lawrence, KS 66047
Position Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $17.30 - $17.30 Hourly
Job Shift: Day

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact?

Join us as a CORE Direct Support Professional! CORE stands for Community, Outreach, Recreation, Enrichment. CORE is a day service program designed to provide dynamic, person-driven experiences focused on community access and personal growth.

In this role, you'll assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead more independent lives by creating enriching, meaningful days filled with educational, recreational, and leisure activities. You'll also promote dignity and choice, encourage friendships, and support community involvement through volunteerism and other opportunities.

Whether you're planning activities, enhancing service curriculums, or providing safe transportation, your work ensures that participants thrive and feel empowered. Help others unlock their potential and be part of this incredible journey—apply today to make a difference!

As a Direct Support Professional, you’ll use your kindness and compassion to help people and have fun with them in the community.

In return, you’ll get a rewarding career, competitive pay, extensive benefits, and the kind of satisfaction you can’t get from just any old job.

If you enjoy making a difference in the lives of people from diverse backgrounds…

Love laughing at life’s little quirks while you work …

And get excited to work in a welcoming environment that puts clients and employees first…

We have an opening for a direct support professional in Lawrence, KS.

We offer competitive pay, generous benefits, fulfilling work, and so much more.

What will you do when you’re a DSP?

DSPs help people with disabilities live their best lives.

Why choose Cottonwood?

Our employees love working here—and as a result our clients love our employees.

Here are just a few of the benefits we offer:

• Employee- and Family-friendly management style
• Paid holidays and paid vacation
• Sick leave, bereavement leave, personal time and more
• Health, Dental and Vision insurance
• Life insurance and workers compensation insurance
• Disability insurance for qualified employees
• Employee Assistance Program
• Matched retirement plans
• Voluntary insurance options and health spending plans
• Discounted health club membership with Genesis health clubs
• Discounted tickets to area attractions

Cottonwood provides a welcoming work experience that will:

• Broaden your appreciation for the diversity of our fellow community members
• Let you use your problem-solving and organizational skills
• Provide numerous teamwork and collaboration opportunities, and more.

Cottonwood employment also ties in directly with many fields of study: social work, speech/language pathology, healthcare, etc…

But here’s the #1 reason to work at Cottonwood—every day, you’ll be changing lives.

What we need from you:

• High school degree or GED
• 18 or older
• Must pass background check and drug screen
• Must have a driver’s license and a driving record acceptable to Cottonwood’s insurance carrier.
• Must be physically able to evacuate individuals in the event of an emergency and be willing and able to intervene in the event of a physical conflict.
• Experience in the field is preferred.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS: Must have a high school diploma or equivalent. A valid class C driver’s license is required, along with a driving record acceptable to Cottonwood’s insurance provider. Experience in working with persons with developmental disabilities preferred. Must have the physical ability to stand for long periods of time, lift and carry at least 25 lbs., endure some physical exertion (assisting with transfers, wet mopping etc.), and be able to evacuate consumers in the event of an emergency. Must be able to intervene in the event of a physical conflict and provide assistance with personal care. Must have basic computer skills, be able to access Cottonwood email, and complete data entry. A valid class C driver’s license is required, along with a driving record acceptable to Cottonwood’s insurance provider. Must be able to pass all required background checks and drug screen.