Direct Support Professional (DSP) - WARRENSBURG

Behavioral-Health-Allies

Kansas City (MO)

On-site

USD 20,000 - 29,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Retention bonus FT

Retention bonus PT

Competitive pay starting at $18/hr

Job summary

Behavioral-Health-Allies seeks a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to implement Individual Support Plans and Behavior Support Plans in Community Living homes, ensuring safety, engagement, and consistent care on each shift.

Responsibilities include following plans with fidelity, collaborating with clinicians, and maintaining detailed records while prioritizing dignity and empowerment for individuals served.

Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent required.
Experience in direct support, residential services, or behavioral health preferred but not required.
Willingness to work with individuals with complex needs.

Responsibilities

Provide daily supervision, engagement, safety, and consistency of care across shifts.
Implement ISP and BSP interventions with fidelity using ABA principles.
Maintain accurate documentation, reports, and medications as trained.
Collaborate with Behavior Clinicians and clinical team to carry out interventions.
Support dignity, autonomy, and person-centered care in all interactions.

Skills

Valid driver's license

Follow plans

Supervision & observation

ABA knowledge

Communication skills

Teamwork

Documentation skills

Crisis management awareness

Reliability and accountability

Education

High school diploma

Tools

MAR documentation

Job description

Description

Pay Rate: Our compensation is competitive within the market. The minimum rate for this position begins at $18.00 per hour, with your final offer based on a combination of your education, relevant experience, and overall qualifications.

RETENTION BONUS OPPORTUNITY!

$1,000 — Full-Time
$500 — Part-Time (20+ hours/week)

Stay & Earn: Half of your bonus is paid at 90 days, with the remaining half paid at 180 days.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is the primary frontline caregiver and implementer of services within Community Living homes. DSPs work directly with individuals served to implement their Individual Support Plans (ISP) and Behavior Support Plans (BSP) and are responsible for ensuring continuous supervision, meaningful engagement, safety, and consistency of care throughout their assigned shifts.

DSPs are accountable for the daily condition of the home, the quality of interactions with individuals served, and the faithful execution of all assigned supports. This role requires active participation, attentiveness, and follow-through at all times. This is a safety-sensitive position. DSPs must be able to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, including maintaining continuous alertness, providing direct supervision, driving individuals served as required, and administering medications as trained.

DSPs implement supports using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), working in close collaboration with Behavioral Clinicians to carry out evidence-based interventions, skill-building programs, and behavior support strategies with fidelity.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience:

High School Diploma or equivalent required
Prior experience in direct support, residential services, or behavioral health preferred but not required
Willingness to work with individuals with complex behavioral, developmental, or medical needs

Skills & Competencies

Valid driver’s license meeting transportation requirements (Missouri Class E, out-of-state equivalent, or CDL with Passenger/School Bus endorsement).
Ability to follow written plans and verbal direction accurately and consistently
Strong supervision, engagement, and observation skills
Working knowledge of Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and Individual Support Plans (ISPs)
Ability to implement BSPs and ISPs with fidelity
Basic documentation and technology skills
Ability to maintain emotional regulation and professionalism
Dependability, accountability, and teamwork
Willingness to learn, accept coaching, and improve performance
Ability to identify issues and elevate concerns appropriately
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Demonstrated reliability, accountability, and professionalism
High accountability and follow-through
Knowledge of crisis management, safety, and compliance standards

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Dignity First

Treats all individuals with dignity, respect, and compassion
Uses person-centered and trauma-informed language at all times
Protects the physical and emotional safety of individuals served
Immediately addresses behaviors or conditions that compromise dignity or safety

Person-Centered Outcomes

Implements ISP and BSP interventions exactly as written
Implements behavior support and skill-building interventions using ABA principles and evidence-based practices
Maintains fidelity to clinical programming and seeks clarification when plans are unclear or barriers arise
Provides continuous supervision based on individual needs
Supports choice, autonomy, and self-determination within plan guidelines
Communicates observations, concerns, and changes to the appropriate party

Connected Community

Actively engages individuals in daily routines, relationships, and activities
Supports participation in community outings, recreation, and appointments
Models positive social interaction and inclusion
Builds trust and rapport with individuals served

Whole Person Support

Assists individuals with activities of daily living, including toileting, hygiene, meals, mobility, and medication administration as trained
Supports physical, emotional, behavioral, and social needs
Observes changes in health or behavior and reports promptly
Follows all health, safety, and medication protocols
Transports individuals served to appointments, outings, and community activities as required.
Administers medications and completes MAR documentation in accordance with training, physician orders, and BHA policy

Empowerment Through Daily Life

Encourages independence and skill development during daily routines
Uses everyday activities as opportunities for learning and growth
Reinforces progress and positive behavior
Maintains structured, predictable routines

Integrity In Action

Completes all required documentation accurately and on time (shift reviews, logs, MARs, incident reports)
Follows all BHA policies, procedures, and ethical standards
Maintains confidentiality and professionalism
Accepts responsibility for assigned duties and outcomes

Collaborative Teamwork

Works cooperatively with other DSPs, Shift Supervisors, Clinical team members, Program Managers, and external stakeholders
Accepts direction, feedback, and coaching
Communicates clearly regarding shift issues, client needs, or concerns
Assists with delegated tasks as assigned
Works closely with Behavioral Clinicians (BCBAs/Behavior Specialists) to implement BSPs, skill-acquisition programs, and environmental strategies
Participates in coaching, modeling, and feedback to improve ABA implementation and outcomes

Consistency and Compassion

Maintains continuous supervision and engagement of individuals served
Follows daily schedules, routines, and expectations consistently
Responds calmly and appropriately during crisis situations using PCM techniques
Supports a stable, safe, and predictable home environment

Daily Operational Responsibilities

Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary home environment throughout the shift
Ensure individuals have required meals, supplies, and personal items
Complete assigned cleaning, household, and safety tasks
Actively engage individuals; passive supervision is not acceptable
Implement ISP/BSP supports consistently across the shift
Complete all required documentation before the end of the shift
Ensure individuals’ daily care needs are met, including completion of personal hygiene routines, support with dressing and grooming as needed, and preparation and provision of healthy, well-balanced meals in accordance with individual care plans, dietary guidelines, and household routines.
Ensure the incoming shift is informed of the activities/needs of the individuals served before leaving their shift
Implements reinforcement strategies, prompting procedures, and behavior-reduction strategies as outlined in BSPs and clinical programming
Collects required behavioral and skill-acquisition data accurately and in real time, per clinical direction

Accountability & Impact

DSPs are directly accountable for the safety, care, and daily experience of individuals served during their shifts.

DSPs are accountable for ensuring:

Continuous supervision and meaningful engagement
ISP and BSP implementation with fidelity
A clean, safe, and organized home environment
Accurate and timely documentation
Immediate action to address safety, cleanliness, or care concerns within their control
Required documentation (shift reviews, checklists, logs, behavioral data collection, MARs, incident reporting) is completed accurately, thoroughly, and on time
Safety hazards, cleanliness issues, or environmental concerns are addressed immediately—not simply reported
Individuals served receive appropriate engagement, supervision, meals, and supports during the shift
Following BHA timekeeping, documentation and company policies and guidelines
Implementation of ABA-based interventions and data collection with fidelity, consistency, and integrity

DSPs are expected to take action to resolve issues within their control and to elevate concerns appropriately when resolution is not possible at the shift level. Raising concerns does not replace responsibility for corrective action during the shift.

Failure to meet these expectations may result in corrective action, as unresolved documentation, safety, or care issues directly impact client safety, compliance, and service quality.

Other Duties

Transition between homes as needed for operational and individual needs
Complete all documentation, billing, and reporting requirements in accordance with BHA and regulatory guidelines
Uphold BHA’s mission and values in all work performed

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Requirements

Full-Time Benefits: