Direct Support Professional I

Heartspring; Wichita (KS); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits package

Generous paid time off

Continuing education and professional 

Career growth and advancement pathways

Job summary

Heartspring in Wichita, KS is seeking compassionate Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to provide care, support, and skill development for students with developmental, intellectual, and behavioral disabilities in a residential group home setting. This is a full-time second shift evening position.

Responsibilities include supporting students in communication and independent living, assisting with daily routines and meals, documenting progress, and collaborating with families and a

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Minimum 1 year of experience supporting individuals with autism, intellectual/developmental disabilities, or behavioral challenges.
• Must complete Heartspring orientation and required training, including Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI).

Responsibilities

• Provide a safe, clean, structured, and nurturing residential environment for children and young adults.
• Support students in developing communication, self-help, social, and independent living skills.
• Work one-on-one and in small groups to help students achieve individualized goals.
• Provide encouragement through positive reinforcement and meaningful interactions.
• Assist students with daily routines, personal care, meal preparation, dining, and household activities as needed.
• Prepare and serve meals while following dietary restrictions and individualized programming.
• Maintain student belongings and ensure living areas remain clean, organized, and welcoming.
• Implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Student Support Plans (SSPs), and individualized therapeutic programming.
• Utilize Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) techniques when necessary to safely respond to behavioral challenges.
• Support students using trauma-informed, person-centered, and positive behavior support practices.
• Complete accurate documentation regarding student progress, behaviors, and daily activities.
• Report health concerns, incidents, and unusual events according to Heartspring policies and regulatory requirements.
• Communicate effectively with families, supervisors, teachers, therapists, nurses, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Escort students to community outings, healthcare appointments, recreational activities, and special events.
• Assist in emergency procedures when necessary.
• Welcome and mentor new Direct Support Professionals.

Skills

Compassion

Patience

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Dependability

Teamwork

Documentation

Computer skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

1 year experience with autism/ disabilities

Job description

Description

Are you looking for a rewarding career where you can make a lasting difference in the lives of children and young adults? Heartspring is seeking compassionate, dependable Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to provide care, support, and skill development for students with developmental, intellectual, and behavioral disabilities in a residential group home setting. This is a full-time second shift evening position.

• Schedule: Full-Time 2nd Shift Evenings


• Hours: Sunday: 7:45AM-10:45PM, Monday-Wednesday: 3:15pm-10:45pm


• Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent. Minimum 1 year of experience supporting individuals with autism, intellectual/developmental disabilities, behavioral challenges, or complex support needs


• Pre-Employment Requirements: All candidates must successfully complete an extensive pre-employment screening process, including fingerprinting, state and federal background checks, a drug screen, physical examination, physical aptitude test, and reference verification before beginning employment.

The Position

Direct Care & Student Support

• Provide a safe, clean, structured, and nurturing residential environment for children and young adults.


• Support students in developing communication, self-help, social, and independent living skills.


• Work one-on-one and in small groups to help students achieve individualized goals.


• Provide encouragement through positive reinforcement and meaningful interactions.

Residential Care & Daily Living

• Assist students with daily routines, personal care, meal preparation, dining, and household activities as needed.


• Prepare and serve meals while following dietary restrictions and individualized programming.


• Maintain student belongings and ensure living areas remain clean, organized, and welcoming.

Behavioral Support

• Implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Student Support Plans (SSPs), and individualized therapeutic programming.


• Utilize Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) techniques when necessary to safely respond to behavioral challenges.


• Support students using trauma-informed, person-centered, and positive behavior support practices.

Documentation & Communication

• Complete accurate documentation regarding student progress, behaviors, and daily activities.


• Report health concerns, incidents, and unusual events according to Heartspring policies and regulatory requirements.


• Communicate effectively with families, supervisors, teachers, therapists, nurses, and interdisciplinary team members.

Community & Team Engagement

• Escort students to community outings, healthcare appointments, recreational activities, and special events.


• Assist in emergency procedures when necessary.


• Welcome and mentor new Direct Support Professionals.


• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the success of students and the residential program.

Requirements

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.


• Minimum 1 year of experience supporting individuals with autism, intellectual/developmental disabilities, behavioral challenges, or complex support needs


• Must successfully complete Heartspring orientation and required training, including Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI).

Pre-Employment Requirements

To ensure the safety of the children and families we serve, all candidates must successfully complete an extensive pre-employment screening process, including fingerprinting, state and federal background checks, a drug screen, physical examination, and reference verification before beginning employment.

Knowledge & Skills

We're looking for someone who demonstrates:

• Compassion, patience, and a desire to help others succeed.


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.


• Dependability and professionalism.


• Ability to remain calm during challenging situations.


• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.


• Basic computer and documentation skills.


• Commitment to providing safe, person-centered care.

The Benefits

• Competitive compensation


• Comprehensive benefits package


• Generous paid time off


• Continuing education and professional development opportunities


• Career growth and advancement pathways

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and assisting students with daily activities.


• Ability to lift, transfer, and assist students as needed.


• Ability to safely perform approved crisis intervention techniques.


• Ability to respond quickly during emergencies.


• Occasional exposure to bodily fluids and other situations common in healthcare and residential settings while following established safety procedures.

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