DSP (Direct Support Professional) Lead

Heartland Inc; Overland Park (KS); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Employee discounts

Flexible schedule

Paid time off

Training & development

Vision insurance

Job summary

Heartland Inc is seeking a Direct Support Professional (DSP) Lead in Overland Park, Kansas. The DSP Lead is responsible for ensuring stable staffing coverage, supporting home operations, and delivering person-centered services. Candidates should have a strong background in direct support and showcase exceptional communication skills, empathy, and professionalism. This role plays a crucial part in ensuring quality of care in residential services under the supervision of the House Manager.

Qualifications

• Experience in Direct Support Professional roles is preferred.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Demonstrated capacity for patience and empathy.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the first responder to DSP staffing gaps.
• Document services accurately and consistently.
• Support House Managers with operational tasks as needed.
• Promote independence and community inclusion.

Skills

Person-centered supports

Documentation skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Empathy

Job description

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discounts
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance

Reports To: House Manager / Quality Assurance Manager (as assigned)

Position Summary The DSP Lead is the model Direct Support Professional (DSP) and serves as a reliable, competent, and positive presence across residential services. The DSP Lead is expected to perform all duties a DSP can perform and may perform any House Manager task when asked—except the DSP Lead is not responsible for supervising DSP staff. The DSP Lead’s first priority is to ensure coverage for open DSP shifts due to call-offs or no-shows. When coverage is stable, the DSP Lead supports home operations and quality of care by ensuring PCSP services are implemented and documentation is completed.

Primary Coverage Responsibility

• Serve as the first responder to DSP staffing gaps by covering open shifts when a DSP does not report to work.
• Coordinate promptly with the House Manager regarding coverage needs and shift changes.
• Maintain readiness to work in any home, at any time, with any client, regardless of complexity.

Core DSP Responsibilities (Model DSP Standard)

• Provide person-centered supports aligned with each individual’s preferences, rights, and goals.
• Implement the person’s PCSP and support plan strategies consistently, documenting services accurately.
• Promote independence, community inclusion, dignity, and informed choice in daily activities.
• Maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical conduct at all times.
• House Operations Support (When All DSP Shifts Are Covered)
• Support House Managers by assisting with tasks within the realm of home operations as requested (e.g., supplies, routines, documentation checks, program support).
• Help ensure PCSP services are being met by verifying follow-through on scheduled supports, activities, and required documentation.
• Monitor attendance of individuals staying in the home and report concerns or discrepancies to the House Manager.
• Support incident reporting, communication, and follow-through as directed. Professional Expectations & Culture
• Serve as a visible positive representative of the agency at all times—capable of being the face of the organization when needed.
• Demonstrate patience, empathy, and leadership through actions and example (without formal supervision authority).
• “Look for work” by proactively identifying needs and taking initiative, rather than looking for reasons not to do tasks.
• Maintain a consistently positive attitude, flexibility, and willingness to support any home/team as needed.
• Communicate with diplomacy and tact with clients, families, staff, and leadership.
• Safety, Compliance & Reporting
• Follow all policies related to abuse, neglect, exploitation, health/safety, and documentation.
• Report concerns immediately and accurately per policy and regulatory expectations.
• Support a safe environment through attentive care, risk awareness, and respectful interventions.